CHICAGO (AP) — In an exhilarating showdown, Mark Scheifele scored the pivotal goal in the third period, propelling the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-2 victory against the struggling Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night. This significant win marked an eventful debut for interim Blackhawks coach Anders Sorensen, who stepped in after the dismissal of Luke Richardson earlier in the week.

Scheifele's timely goal came as the Jets rallied from a 2-1 deficit, while Kyle Connor contributed with two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. The Jets, after snapping a four-game losing streak, are finding their stride, with Mason Appleton also shining through with a goal and an assist. Nino Niederreiter and Gabriel Vilardi tallied additional goals, solidifying their offensive prowess. Meanwhile, Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 12 crucial saves, keeping the Blackhawks at bay.

Sorensen, promoted from the Jets' top minor league affiliate, faced the challenge of revamping a Blackhawks team that's been struggling, having now lost five consecutive games. The pressure was palpable, especially after a tough start where the Blackhawks held a lead but ultimately faltered. Alex Vlasic continued to find the net for Chicago, scoring for the second consecutive game, while Alec Martinez marked his first goal of the season.

A significant moment in the game came when Niederreiter converted a backhander past Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom, who had entered the game after Petr Mrazek re-aggravated a right groin injury early on. Appleton sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the closing minutes.

Takeaways:

- **Jets' Dominance:** Winnipeg outplayed Chicago, especially in the final 30 minutes, showing persistence in shots and puck possession.

- **Blackhawks' Struggles:** Despite showing more pace, Chicago's offense faltered, managing only 14 shots on goal throughout the game.

Key Moment:

Scheifele's strategic face-off victory against Jason Dickinson led directly to his goal, showcasing his sharp instincts on the ice. He passed to Connor and swiftly moved towards the net, capitalizing on a rebound opportunity.

Noteworthy Stat:

Historically, Blackhawks coaches, whether interim or full-time, hold a record of 6-7-1 in their first game since the 1995-96 season. This trend continued with Richardson's loss in his debut last season.

Looking Ahead:

The Jets will return to their home arena to embark on a four-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are set to face the New York Rangers on Monday night, where they will aim to break their losing streak.

Stay tuned as both teams navigate through their respective challenges in the NHL!