The Winnipeg Jets scored three unanswered third period goals and defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-1 Sunday night at MTS Centre.

Mark Scheifele extended his points streak to seven games with a first period power play goal which ended Winnipeg's 0-25 drought with the man-advantage.

It was Scheifele's team high 27th of the season.

Chris Thorburn, Andrew Copp, Drew Stafford and Blake Wheeler also scored for the Jets who were 18-19-4 on home-ice.

"It’s unfortunate the situation we’re in, and obviously we can’t control that anymore but at the same time we can control what’s ahead of us," said Thorburn who scored his first goal in 47 games. "Being in the moment, that was a big game for Minnesota and for us.  I’m just proud of the way we played, and the way we battled and the way Pavelec battled pucks. It was just a great effort by everybody."

Ondrej Pavelec stopped 28 shots.

Mikael Granlund had the lone goal for the Wild who would have clinched a playoff spot with a win.

Winnipeg (32-39-8) will finish the season with three games in California.

The Jets meet the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, the San Jose Sharks on Thursday and the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.


photos by Ray Peters