WINNIPEG — Josh Morrissey expanded his role for the Winnipeg Jets in Friday’s key 4-0 victory over the Dallas Stars.
The star defenceman drew a penalty that led to Winnipeg’s first goal, assisted on it and then later saved a potential Dallas goal.
“Yeah, part goaltender. That's the Josh we know,” Jets head coach Scott Arniel said.
Morrissey was back in action after suffering an upper-body injury early in the first period of Winnipeg's opening-round 4-3 Game 7 victory over the St. Louis Blues last Sunday.
He missed Winnipeg’s 3-2 Game 1 loss to Dallas, but made a quick impact Friday in a victory that evened the second-round Western Conference series.
Morrissey drew a high-sticking double minor for Stars forward Tyler Seguin 17 seconds into the first period.
Vilardi scored in the second part of the penalty at 3:35, with the Calgary native picking up the secondary assist.
Winnipeg had gone 0-for-4 on the power play in Game 1 against Stars and finished Friday’s match 1-for-5. Dallas was 0-for-3.
“You saw what he can do, both quarterbacking that power play and also the offensive side, him jumping in the offensive zone,” Arniel said of Morrissey.
“He's a tough guy to target. He's a tough guy to kind of shut down when he has the puck up there. Liked a lot of what he did. And certainly, having him back is a real good feeling for our group.”
Nikolaj Ehlers scored his first of two goals, one an empty-netter, on Dallas netminder Jake Oettinger less than four minutes after Vilardi’s marker.
Jets captain Adam Lowry made it 3-0 at 11:02 of the second period.
With just over five minutes left in the middle frame, Morrissey helped out goalie Connor Hellebuyck big time.
Evgenii Dadonov’s shot hit Hellebuyck’s glove and the puck started going across the crease. Morrissey tangled up Stars forward Wyatt Johnston on the doorstep and knocked the puck away.
“Just an amazing save by Helly to start that,” Morrissey said. “It’s a pretty high-danger opportunity. He made a great save, was just trying to box out Johnston on the backside.
“In those moments it’s just desperation. Thankfully, we had Helly to make that save, and then like I said, just try and get it out of there as fast as possible.”
Hellebuyck appreciated the help.
“It’s a team game, and it takes everyone,” said the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, who’s up for the top goalie award again.
Back on the top defensive pairing with Dylan DeMelo, Morrissey logged a team-high 22:39 of ice time, had one shot on goal, two blocks and one hit.
“Really good to see him out there,” Vilardi said of Morrissey. “He’s always jumping in the rush, but he’s so reliable defensively and he’s a key part of our team. It’s good to have him back. Good to have him on the power play as well.”
Morrissey was glad to be back, especially after missing out on Winnipeg’s dramatic Game 7 win over the Blues.
The Jets had been down 3-1 late in the third period of that game when Vladislav Namestnikov scored and then Cole Perfetti tied with three seconds remaining. Captain Adam Lowry scored at 16:10 of double overtime.
“I wish I was out there to feel that excitement,” Morrissey said. “I was so proud of the team and the guys for what they were able to do and the resilience they showed with (three) seconds left. It was amazing.
“The heroics and every guy stepping up to get us to the next round, I feel very grateful that I get to be back on the ice with the guys here and able to chase this playoff dream here.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 10, 2025.
Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
