Winnipeg Jets' Alex Iafallo battles with Washington Capitals' Justin Sourdif on Saturday.

Gabriel Vilardi scored twice and star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves in his first game back from injury to power the Jets to a 5-1 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday that snapped Winnipeg’s three-game losing skid.

The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner had arthroscopic knee surgery exactly three weeks earlier on Nov. 22. The timeline for his return had been estimated at four to six weeks. Hellebuyck had missed 12 games and the team went 2-9-1 during his absence.

Alex Iafallo had a goal and assist, while Logan Stanley and Morgan Barron also scored for the Jets (15-15-1). Adam Lowry, Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele each chipped in a pair of assists.

Jakob

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