Earlier this month, Ondrej Pavelec had to eventually explain himself for allowing a goal from center ice in a one-goal loss to the St. Louis Blues.
It could’ve been a disastrous defining moment in the Winnipeg Jets season, as they look to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since relocating to that hockey-mad market. Since March 10, and with the exception of one game, the Jets have been able to turn it around.
So, too, has the goalie Pavelec, who has endured ups and downs this season but has won each of his last four starts. He’s allowed four goals in that span, with 113 saves in a combined 117 shots. Facing the Washington Capitals on Saturday, he recorded a 28-save shutout, as the Jets picked up a crucial 3-0 victory on home ice.
“Goalie gets hot, plays well,” Capitals’ forward Tom Wilson told the Washington Post. “We’re obviously at the raw end of that.”
The Jets continue to hold the final Wild Card spot in the West.
“Of course it’s nice,” said Pavelec, as per the Winnipeg Free Press.
“I would lie if I said it’s not. But I’ve been here for four years, I know how things go. I stay in the middle, don’t get too high. This is what I’m trying to do. It’s nice, but tomorrow or the next game could be a different story. I know how things work here. It’s nice to hear that and the fans have been unbelievable all year long. I enjoy it.”