WINNIPEG — Dawson Mercer relished scoring twice, including Tuesday’s game winner, against the team that dealt him to the Winnipeg Jets. Mercer scored his second goal on the power play at 11:58 of the third period to give the Jets a 3-2 lead over the New Jersey Devils, leading to a 4-2 triumph in what seemed like a playoff atmosphere before a raucous capacity crowd of 15,321 at Canada Life Centre. “It was great, obviously getting the first one, then the cherry on top at the end definitely made my night,” Mercer said. Mercer was a key piece in the multiplayer trade that sent all-star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey. “I like to get out there and help the team win on a nightly basis,” Mercer said. “But obviously, playing your old team for the first time was definitely an exciting game for me and, I would say, it definitely meant a little more.” Netminder Nico Daws, who was also obtained in the trade with New Jersey, made 19 saves to backstop the Jets to their fourth straight victory. “He (Daws) was great out there,” Mercer said. “He showed potential out there. He had a good game. He stayed calm, especially when it became a tight game at 2-2. He definitely showed what he can do tonight.” Daws also enjoyed beating the team that dealt him away. “Any time you can get two points for your team, it feels really good and obviously against them, it’s even more special,” Daws said. Winnipeg bench boss Scott Arniel was pleased for both of the former Devils. “For them, it was a big game,” he said. “They were pretty excited about going against their old team and they were fired up. It wasn’t just an average game or an ordinary game for those two. “They were fired up and they wanted to put their best foot forward, and they both did. They were both outstanding and it’s just great to see.” Kyle Connor also scored two goals, with his second an empty-netter to salt the game away with 58 seconds left. Mark Scheifele assisted on Connor’s first goal to move into a second-place tie on the franchise all-time assist list with Dale Hawerchuk at 550. The Jets seemed energized by the fans who were determined to vent their anger at Hellebuyck, who had demanded to be traded and last month got his wish. They greeted him with boos and “Helle Sucks!” chants during the pre-game warm-up. They also chanted “Coward” because he didn’t start in goal against his former team. One fan’s sign read: “Hellebuyck usually waits for playoffs to disappear!” And fans cheered each time Hellebuyck allowed a goal in warm-up. The crowd also chanted “Trump’s your Daddy.” “It’s not too often the building is rocking in warm-up and right from the drop of the puck,” said Arniel. “I just really liked the way that the guys recognized that the two points were extremely important. “We got off to a really good start, I didn’t like our second, but I was pleased with our third, we played direct in the third period and really put a lot of pressure on them.” “It was loud tonight,” Daws said. “Warm-ups were crazy. The fans here are awesome. Before I came here, I’ve never been here before, so it was my first few times seeing it and it’s just a great atmosphere. “They care a lot about hockey here and they care a lot about the team and it’s fun. It’s fun to be a part of it. It makes you wanna battle that extra little bit every night for them.” Jake Allen started instead of Hellebuyck and was saddled with the loss after allowing three goals on 25 shots. But the Hellebuyck taunts did not phase him. “Honestly, for me, it wasn’t a big deal at all, it was another game,” Allen said. “You know, I enjoy the passion from the fans and the excitement, I love playing in Canadian cities and that’s why the fans are so great. You know they care. “And you know (Hellebuyck) meant so much to this organization for a long time and was one of the best players in the league over the last decade. So, we knew it was going to be an exciting environment. But I don’t get to play in too many of those circumstances anymore, so it was fun.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 10, 2026. Jim Bender, The Canadian Press
