Blake Wheeler stars as first-place Jets rout Senators

Rudi Schuller

Blake Wheeler stars as first-place Jets rout Senators image

Another game, another goal-fest for the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets scored at least five goals for the third time in the last four games as they dismantled the visiting Ottawa Senators 5-0 on Sunday.

Led by Blake Wheeler's four-point night, Winnipeg claimed sole possession of first place in the NHL's Western Conference with Sunday's win. The Jets also moved alongside the Tampa Bay Lightning as co-leaders of the entire NHL.

By the numbers: Canadiens rout Red Wings 10-1

The star of the show was Wheeler, who racked up three assists to catapult him ahead of the Lightning's Steven Stamkos for the league lead. The 31-year-old now has 28 helpers so far this season after assisting on goals by Mark Scheifele, Mathieu Perreault and Patrik Laine.

To make his night even better, Wheeler got in on the goal-scoring himself when he finished a Scheifele feed with a textbook shot from the high slot early in the second period.

It was his seventh goal of the season.

Wheeler's career high for assists came last season, when the Minnesota native notched 48 helpers for Winnipeg. He's on pace to obliterate that mark, which is nothing but good news for Wheeler and the high-flying Jets.

Rudi Schuller