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Connor, Jets beat Blackhawks 6-2

Chicago Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov (15) misses on a shot against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) on Thursday in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (John Woods/The Canadian Press via AP)

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — Kyle Connor hasn’t looked ahead all season and he’s not about to start doing it now.

The 21-year-old rookie scored twice Thursday night to reach 25 goals, and the Winnipeg Jets rebounded from a quick deficit for a 6-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

“Going into the season I didn’t really set any expectations numbers-wise,” said Connor, who has 44 points in 65 games. “I just went into it with an open mind and try to work hard and improve every game.

“It feels pretty good. Right now I’m just in the moment.”

Bryan Little and Jack Roslovic each had a goal and an assist as all four Winnipeg lines produced goals. Joel Armia and Paul Stastny also scored.

Connor Hellebuyck turned away 25 shots in his 36th win, increasing his franchise record for goaltenders.

Patrick Laine extended his club-record point streak to 14 games with an assist on Stastny’s goal. The 19-year-old star has 16 goals and eight assists during that span — most of which came during the Jets’ recent road trip — helping the 2016 second overall draft pick earn NHL First Star honors for a second time this season.

Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp scored for Chicago.

Saad opened the scoring just 11 seconds into the game. Following a much-longer-than-usual video review stemming from a coach’s challenge for a possible offside, the goal stood.

“Sometimes the first shot goes in — that’s not that big of a deal,” Hellebuyck said. “I actually prefer it that way so I can shut them out the rest of the way.”

The Jets took over from there with three goals over the next 9:15, chasing Blackhawks goalie Anton Forsberg as he allowed three goals on six shots. J.F. Berube made 30 saves in 2 1/2 periods of relief.

“It’s tough, especially after the initial start of that game, (Saad) scoring that goal as quick as I’ve seen,” Sharp said.

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