The Winnipeg Jets scored six unanswered goals including four in the third period and defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 Wednesday night at MTS Centre.

Drew Stafford had a pair of first period goals for the Jets while Mark Scheifele chipped in with a goal and two assists.

"We haven’t had the best starts this year," said Winnipeg forward Bryan Little who scored his team high 10th goal of the season midway through the third period. "I don’t think we had a bad start, but they got the opening goal. It was early and we stuck with it.  We did a good job of that all night, even in the second period where they had some shifts in our end and were kind of controlling momentum. We stuck with it, were patient and waited for our chances."

Andrew Ladd and Anthony Peluso also scored for the Jets.

Michael Grabner gave the Maple Leafs an early 1-0 lead as he beat Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck 2:02 into the game.

Hellebuyck finished the night with 32 saves.

Toronto netminder Garret Sparks faced 35 shots.

The Jets (12-12-2) host the Washington Capitals on Saturday and then face the reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks in Chicago on Sunday.


photos by Ray Peters