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Drew Stafford’s had a ‘huge impact’ for Jets

APTOPIX Blues Jets Hockey

Winnipeg Jets’ Drew Stafford, center, Blake Wheeler, right, and Mark Scheifele (55) celebrate Stafford’s game-tying goal against the St. Louis Blues in an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 19, 2015, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Winnipeg won 2-1 in a shootout. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Woods)

AP

Down 1-0, with time becoming a factor in the third period, the Winnipeg Jets were in desperate need of a goal last night versus the St. Louis Blues.

Drew Stafford delivered.

That goal, Stafford’s sixth for the Jets since being traded from Buffalo last month, allowed Winnipeg to beat the Blues in the shootout.

It also allowed coach Paul Maurice to lavish the 29-year-old winger with praise.

“He really has had a huge impact since he’s been here,” said Maurice, per the Winnipeg Free Press. “I mean, he only gets big goals, big assists. He seems to have elevated the game, and so much is just an enjoyment in playing the game.”

No wonder he’s enjoying the game with his new club. Unlike the rebuilding Sabres, Stafford feels the Jets are “an elite team” that can “compete with pretty much every team in the league.”

The Jets host the Caps tomorrow.