EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves for his 38th career shutout and the Winnipeg Jets routed the Edmonton Oilers 6-0 on Wednesday night in the opener for both teams.
“The guys in front of me were just keeping everything outside, allowing me to see pucks, allowing me to feel it, clearing rebounds, clearing lanes,” Hellebuyck said. “They made my night really easy. Once in a while I made a big save, which allowed me to feel like a part of the team.”
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Winnipeg Jets' Mason Appleton (22) and Dylan Samberg (54) celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save as Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman (18) and Jets' Haydn Fleury (24) look on during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) reacts after a Winnipeg Jets goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets' Adam Lowry, second right, celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Nino Niederreiter (62) Josh Morrissey (44) and Mason Appleton (22) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) stops Edmonton Oilers' Corey Perry (90) as Jets' Colin Miller (6) defends during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alberta, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets players celebrate a goal as Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) reacts during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alberta, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)
Mason Appleton had a goal and two assists, Adam Lowry and Mark Scheifele each had a goal and an assist and Rasmus Kupari, Dylan Samberg and Kyle Connor also scored.
“It’s great, just to get the season off on a good note,” first-year Jets coach Scott Arniel said. “I did have a sleepless night just worrying about some of these guys on the other team there and how powerful they are as a group. ... It’s a road win in a tough barn. We’ll take that and move on.”
Edmonton outshot Winnipeg 30-20. The Oilers lost to Florida in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final last season.
“To come into Edmonton, we know the roster they have here, they’re a great team and to get the first win of the season right away, it’s a good feeling and we’re going to look to build on that,” Lowry said.
Oilers starter Stuart Skinner allowed five goals on 13 shots before being pulled midway through the second period. Calvin Pickard gave up a goal on seven shots.
Jets: Connor scored in an opener for an NHL-record seventh consecutive year. He walked in from the top of the circle on the power play midway through the second period and whipped a shot off the post and in. Three players scored in six straight openers: Cam Atkinson, Yvan Cournoyer and Mud Bruneteau.
Oilers: Leon Draisaitl's opening night points streak ended at eight.
Winnipeg scored twice in a 20-second span early in the second period to take a 4-0 lead. Kupari ripped a shot past Skinner and, while that was still sinking in, Nino Niederreiter passed through traffic to Samberg for a shot over Skinner’s shoulder.
The Jets scored four times on their first 10 shots.
The Oilers host Chicago on Saturday night in the second of four home games to start the season. The Jets open a four-homestand Friday night against the Blackhawks.
Winnipeg Jets' Mason Appleton (22) and Dylan Samberg (54) celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) makes a save as Edmonton Oilers' Zach Hyman (18) and Jets' Haydn Fleury (24) look on during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Edmonton Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) reacts after a Winnipeg Jets goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets' Adam Lowry, second right, celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Nino Niederreiter (62) Josh Morrissey (44) and Mason Appleton (22) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) stops Edmonton Oilers' Corey Perry (90) as Jets' Colin Miller (6) defends during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alberta, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)
Winnipeg Jets players celebrate a goal as Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) reacts during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Alberta, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Alonso has been doing everything in his power — quite literally — to keep playing for the New York Mets.
Poised to become an attractive free agent next month, the big slugger is an enormous reason the wild-card Mets are still marching along this October. With three home runs in a span of four playoff games, Alonso has helped New York reach the National League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.
“Yes, it’s high-pressure situations — but this is the most fun baseball I’ve ever played in my life. There’s nothing like this,” Alonso said Wednesday.
“Whether it’s win or lose, I’m ready for another one. This has been just a blast. We’ve been on such an amazing ride. After every game, yeah, I’m tired, but it’s like I can’t wait to show up to the yard tomorrow.”
In a sense, tomorrow has been the question trailing Alonso all season. Drafted by the Mets in 2016 out of college at Florida, the first baseman has spent his entire professional career with the organization and already ranks third on the team list with 226 home runs in six major league seasons.
One of the most popular hitters in franchise history, the Polar Bear is almost sure to pass David Wright (242) and Darryl Strawberry (252) soon — if he remains in a Mets uniform next year.
A four-time All-Star and the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, Alonso is represented by agent Scott Boras, who likes to test the market with high-profile clients.
But whether these are his final weeks with the Mets or not, Alonso is making the most of this unexpected run.
He went 2 for 3 with a double and a walk Wednesday as New York beat Philadelphia 4-1 on Francisco Lindor's sixth-inning grand slam in Game 4 of their Division Series. With that, the Mets finished off the rival Phillies 3-1 in the best-of-five set to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time since the 2000 NLCS.
“This is what you work all offseason for. This is what spring training and the regular season is all about. This is euphoric,” Alonso said.
On deck, the Mets will begin the best-of-seven NLCS on Sunday in San Diego or Los Angeles. The Padres and Dodgers are tied 2-all heading into a deciding Game 5 in their NLDS on Friday.
New York is chasing its third World Series championship and first since 1986.
Back on Sept. 22, the Mets played their last home game of the regular season. At that point, it was no sure thing they'd wrap up a playoff berth on the ensuing road trip — or last long enough in the postseason to return. And so Alonso received several standing ovations from the sellout crowd and doffed his helmet when reminded by plate umpire John Libka in the first inning.
“POLAR BEAR PLEASE STAY” and “SAVE THE POLAR BEAR” read a pair of hand-held signs in the stands.
Before getting to all that, though, Alonso and the Mets intend to keep playing deep into October.
His go-ahead homer in the ninth inning last week at Milwaukee saved New York’s season in the Wild Card Series clincher. Alonso went deep in a Game 2 defeat at Philadelphia and then again early in Game 3 to spark a 7-2 victory Tuesday at home.
“We’re in a really good position, but we’ve got to capitalize,” he said before Game 4 against the Phillies.
All three of his postseason home runs were hit to the opposite field — Alonso went the other way to right on only four of his 34 homers during the regular season.
“I think it’s the timing, that’s where it starts. When he’s on time, it allows him to make some better swing decisions,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said, “and it’s going to allow him to get the barrel on the ball. When he does that, we know he’s one of the best power hitters in the game. It doesn’t matter (where) they pitch him because he’s got that ability.”
Staying patient at the plate, Alonso also drew six walks — several in the middle of rallies — while compiling a 1.069 OPS and six RBIs through New York’s first six playoff games. He hit .240 with 88 RBIs and a .788 OPS during the regular season.
“I just want to stay locked in and focus. Because every day is a different story, every at-bat is different,” Alonso said. “I mean, you can want to force things, but I’m just going to continue to stay within my approach and let the game come to me.”
His music, too.
Prior to Game 3, the slugger switched his walk-up song to “American Pie” by Don McLean.
“Why not? It’s a good song,” Alonso said with a smile. “I was kind of listening to it, it came up on shuffle. I’m like, Oh, this would be sick. Yeah, this could be really fun, and it was.”
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a three-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso celebrates his three-run home run with Luisangel Acuña during the ninth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a three-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a three-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso celebrates with teammates after winning Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Mets won 4-2. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' J.D. Martinez and Pete Alonso celebrate after winning Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Mets won 4-2. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso celebrates after winning Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Mets won 4-2. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Philadelphia Phillies' Brandon Marsh is out at first as New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso catches the throw from third baseman Mark Vientos during the seventh inning in Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a three-run home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of a National League wild card baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso follows the flight of the ball after hitting a run scoring sacrifice fly off Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm during the eighth inning of Game 1 of a baseball NL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso follows through after hitting a home run against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Ruiz during the sixth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso hits a home run against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Ruiz during the sixth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo (9) celebrates with Pete Alonso after hitting a home run against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Orion Kerkering during the seventh inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso speaks during a news conference before National League Division Series Game 4 at Citi Field in New York on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ron Blum)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a home run against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher José Ruiz during the sixth inning of Game 2 of a baseball NL Division Series, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso (20) celebrates with Harrison Bader (44) after hitting a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso (20) tosses his bat as he watches his solo home run sail over the right field wall against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets Pete Alonso (20) connects for a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League baseball playoff series, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso celebrates after the Mets defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the National League baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Mets' Pete Alonso celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the National League baseball playoff series, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
