Jets Salvage Blown Lead to Overcome Capitals

The Winnipeg Jets were able to recover from a blown lead in time to overcome the Washington Capitals.

Feb 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) scores the game winning goal in overtime on Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) as Capitals center Connor McMichael (24) defends at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

There's nothing better than a Saturday night showdown between two Stanley Cup favorites, and that's exactly what the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals delivered. The leaders of the Eastern and Western Conference got together for what could be a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2025, with the Jets winning the meeting in overtime.

The Jets managed to defeat the Capitals, but not before squandering a lead. Winnipeg controlled the shot chances and opportunities created in the game and established a two-goal lead just a minute into the third period.

But almost as quickly as they took the lead, they began to let it slip away. Sloppy play in their own zone led to Capitals winger Tom Wilson tucking home his 21st goal of the season and bringing his team within one.

A few minutes later, an Alex Ovechkin slap shot was too much for Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck to corral, and a game Winnipeg was in control of suddenly was an even matchup heading to overtime.

Thankfully for them, the Jets found their game once again in overtime. The three-on-three period tilted in Winnipeg's favor quickly, and their top defenseman Josh Morrissey converted on a feed from Mark Scheifele to seal two points for the Jets.

Morrissey was the star of the game for Winnipeg. The blue liner skated in nearly 25 minutes of ice-time and scored two goals including the game winner. He also brought it on the defensive end, with three blocked shots and two takeaways against one of the top offenses in the NHL.

The contest improved Morrissey's season totals to seven goals and 39 assists for 46 points in 53 games. It's a career defining campaign for the Jets' top defender, and he was critical to their latest victory.

One important note for the Caps is that Ovechkin recorded his 24th goal of the season. The tally was the 877th of his career, bringing him within 18 goals of tying the all-time record.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

• Bruins Winger Named First Star of Month
• Capitals Goalie Named Second Star of Month
• Blue Jackets Defenseman Named Third Star of Month
• Maple Leafs Defenseman Ruled Out of 4 Nations Face-Off
• Flames Goalie Named NHL Rookie of Month