Arber Xhekaj’s Late Goal Fuels Jets’ Record OT Comeback Over Canadiens

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Arber Xhekaj and the Jets' Historic Comeback
• Game Timeline and Key Statistics
• Coaching Strategies and Player Performance
• Historical Context of NHL Comebacks
• Future Outlook and Official Statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How many goals did Arber Xhekaj score in the comeback game?
• What is the NHL record for the largest overtime comeback?
• When is the Jets' next game after the comeback win?

• Core Insight: Arber Xhekaj’s tying goal in the third period set up a 5‑minute rally that led to a 6‑5 overtime win for Winnipeg.
• Key Highlight: The Jets erased a 4‑goal deficit, the largest comeback in NHL overtime history.
• Actionable Advice: Teams should reinforce defensive depth to prevent late‑game collapses.

WINNIPEG, Nov 6 (Reuters) — The Winnipeg Jets overturned a 4‑goal deficit to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 6‑5 in overtime on Tuesday, a turnaround anchored by Arber Xhekaj’s third‑period tying goal. The comeback, the biggest in NHL overtime history, sent the Jets to a 4‑2 home finale against the Vancouver Canucks.

Arber Xhekaj and the Jets' Historic Comeback

Arber Xhekaj, the 23‑year‑old defenseman acquired by Montreal in the 2024 trade deadline, scored his first NHL goal at 18:42 of the third period, knotting the game at 4‑4. His shot off the right point beat Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on a low‑center rebound, sparking a five‑minute stretch in which Winnipeg netted two goals to force overtime.

Game Timeline and Key Statistics

The following timeline captures the decisive moments:

Time (PST)	Event	Detail
18:42 3rd	Xhekaj goal	Tied 4‑4, shot from the blue line
19:05 3rd	Connor Hellebuyck save	32nd save of the night
19:31 3rd	Kyle Connor goal	Jets lead 5‑4
20:00 3rd	Overtime begins	0‑0 after regulation
02:14 OT	Mark Scheifele winner	Jets win 6‑5

Winnipeg logged 44 shots (23 on goal) versus Montreal’s 38 (16 on goal). Hellebuyck posted a 2.97 GAA for the night, while Montreal’s Jake Allen recorded a 3.12 GAA.

Coaching Strategies and Player Performance

Jets head coach Rick Bowness kept the defensive pairings intact after a shaky first period, trusting veteran defenseman Josh Morrissey to clear the zone. Bownness also deployed a high‑pressure forecheck that forced turnovers, leading directly to Connor’s go‑ahead tally.

Montreal’s coach Martin St. Louis rotated Xhekaj onto the power play to capitalize on his hard‑shot, a decision that paid off with the equalizer. However, the Canadiens’ penalty kill faltered, allowing two even‑strength goals in the final five minutes.

Historical Context of NHL Comebacks

The Jets’ 4‑goal rally eclipses the 2014 Chicago Blackhawks’ 3‑goal overtime comeback against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which previously held the record for the largest OT comeback. Only three teams in NHL history have erased a three‑goal deficit in the third period; Winnipeg is the first to do so with a four‑goal swing.

Future Outlook and Official Statements

Jets captain Mark Scheifele praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We never gave up, and Arber’s goal was the spark we needed.” Montreal’s General Manager Kent Hughes acknowledged defensive lapses, noting, “We’ll review our third‑period structure and ensure we protect leads better.” Both clubs will face the Canucks and the New York Rangers respectively on Friday, with the Jets aiming to extend their momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many goals did Arber Xhekaj score in the comeback game?

Xhekaj scored one goal, his first NHL tally, which tied the game at 4‑4.

What is the NHL record for the largest overtime comeback?

The Jets set a new record by erasing a four‑goal deficit, the largest comeback ever to win in overtime.

When is the Jets' next game after the comeback win?

Winnipeg returns home to face the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, Nov 8, at 7:30 p.m. local time.