Wheeler’s 4th career hat trick propels Jets to shutout win over Avalanche

Connor Hellebuyck made 40 saves and Blake Wheeler recorded a hat trick and added an assist as the Winnipeg Jets beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche 5-0 on Tuesday.

Mark Scheifele had a goal and two assists and Josh Morrissey scored once and had an assist. Cole Perfetti provided a trio of assists for the Jets (14-6-1).

Hellebuyck’s third shutout of the season, and 31st of his NHL career, kicked off a four-game home game at the Canada Life Center, where the Jets are 8-2 -0 at the start of the season.

Winnipeg led 1-0 after the first period and 3-0 after the second.

Wheeler opened the scoring for the game at 9:18 of the first, beating Georgiev on the stick side 20 seconds after a power play.

WATCH l Jets beat Avalanche 5-0 for 3rd straight win:

The Avalanche ended the period outscoring the Jets 9-4.

Scheifele appeared to score at 2:05 of the second period, but Colorado passed the coach’s challenge for goalie interference by Wheeler and the goal was canceled.

Less than two minutes later, Morrissey had a point shot into traffic to make it 2-0 at 3:46.

Colorado edged the Jets 25-14 after the middle period.

Scheifele scored his 12th goal of the season after a quick pass through the front of Kyle Connor’s crease at 1:22 of the third.

Wheeler scored his third goal with 3:51 left when Perfetti sent him a pass to the high slot.