MONTREAL — Blake Wheeler just lost his gold star for perfect attendance.
Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice gave some of his key performers a night off Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens and the 31-year-old captain, who is enjoying a career year, was a part of the group.
Wheeler, who hadn't missed a game in three NHL seasons, centres Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry, defencemen Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba and No.1 goalie Connor Hellebuyck were spectators at Bell Centre.
Veteran right-winger Wheeler was one of seven Jets to be in uniform for 79 consecutive games during the 2017-18 NHL season.