Jets defeat Canucks, end regular season with 8th straight win

Cole Perfetti scored his second goal of the game into an empty net at 17:55 for the 4-2 final.

Gabriel Vilardi also scored, and Laurent Brossoit made 18 saves for the Jets (52-24-6). Brad Lambert, who was also making his NHL debut, had an assist.

“Lambert and Chibrikov, those two kids step in and they look good,” Winnipeg coach Rick Bowness said. “It’s a good game for them to break into because they didn’t have their A squad out there, and we didn’t, but they were able to get some ice time. We weren’t matching lines, we were just throwing four lines out there and they really felt comfortable out there.”

Because Brossoit allowed fewer than three goals, Connor Hellebuyck won the William M. Jennings Trophy, which is presented annually to the goaltenders who play a minimum of 25 games for the team that allows the fewest goals during the regular season.

“The goaltending has been exceptional,” Bowness said. “The players have bought right back in and have turned it right around. To play the way we play, it’s heart. It’s no question, it’s heart. It’s frustrating to play against, and I think our players take great pride when they’re talking to their friends in the League. ... I think that’s extra motivation for our players. It all comes from them. They’re committed to it.”

Conor Garland had a goal and an assist, and Elias Lindholm also scored for the Canucks (50-23-9), who had their four-game point streak end (3-0-1). Demko made 22 saves.

“Obviously, we were missing some big players, but I thought we were decent and I think everyone is looking forward to the playoffs,” Vancouver defenseman Quinn Hughes said. “It’s obviously not the easiest game to get up for. You’re looking forward to the Playoffs, you don't want to get injured, you want to take care of yourself, but I thought for the most part we came out unscathed. Everyone deserves the next week and a half, two weeks, whatever, we’re going to play with Nashville (in the Western Conference First Round).”