The Winnipeg Jets scored a franchise record five first period goals en route to a 7-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday night at Bell MTS Place.

The Jets, who were coming off 2-1 overtime road losses to the Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, got three of those five first period goals from Blake Wheeler.

"I think the last three games have all been really good," said the Winnipeg captain. "Going into those buildings against those teams, who are going to be two of the better teams in the league this year, we had every right winning those games too. I think it's a progression. The last week has been pretty good. We were just able to make the plays tonight that we missed out on in Pittsburgh and Columbus. You play the right way, the same way every night, you're going to get scoring chances and we were able to bury them tonight."

Andrew Copp, Joel Armia, Mark Scheifele and Brendan Lemieux also scored for the Jets.

It was Lemieux's first NHL goal.

Evgeni Malkin replied for the Penguins.

Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 31 shots.

The Jets (5-3-2) next game is Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul.


photos courtesy Ray Peters