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The Winnipeg Jets opened their season with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins last in front of a sold-out crowd (15,209) at the Canada Life Centre in downtown Winnipeg. Despite not being able to hold onto late 3-2 lead in regulation, the Jets showed plenty of promise in this game. In fact, in terms of process, Winnipeg even played well enough to win the game in regulation.
Jets: A younger, faster team
From the opening face-off, it was very obvious that this year’s Jets team is much younger and faster than last years. With their youth and speed, the Jets went toe to toe with a very solid Bruins squad. For what it’s worth, the Jets even controlled the play for long stretches of the game at even strength. A very welcomed sight.
KFC in good form
Another season opening game, another goal for Kyle Connor. With his goal last night, Connor extends his NHL record with nine straight opening-night game goals. Quite the feat for Connor, who looked great last night. He finished the night with two points (1G, 1A) and a whopping nice shots on goal. He nearly won the game for the Jets in OT when he rang a shot off the post.
Viggo-mania running wild (already)
After being drafted 8th overall by the Jets in the 2026 NHL Draft, Viggo Bjorck made his NHL debut with the Jets. Bjorck played 2nd line centre and did not look out of place one bit. He played in all situations. If not for a great early save by Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Bjorck would’ve scored his first NHL goal only a few minutes into the game. In total, Bjorck logged 15:42 minutes of ice-time. Safe to stay, Bjorck won’t be knocked out of the lineup easily.
Now for the usual caveats that apply to all rookies who make a quick splash.
- Opposing teams don’t have prescouts on him yet. They’ll adjust and the player have to counter-adjust.
- Early season checking is looser — and scoring chances higher — than they will be when teams hit their rhythm.
All that said, Bjorck passed his first test with flying colours, especially for an undersized teenage center.
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Jets start new D pair
In his first game with the Jets, Mario Ferraro scored his 1 st goal with the team when he gave the Jets a 3-2 lead just before the second intermission. I’ve said it previously that Ferraro is the best #5 defenceman the Jets have had in a long time. His defence partner, Tyrel Bauer, also made his debut with the team. Bauer dropped the gloves with Bruins forward Mark Kastelic and was noticeably physical all game.
If he’s not already, Bauer will become a fan favourite very quickly with the Winnipeg fanbase. It should be noted though that whenever Elias Salomonsson is ready to
return, Bauer will most likely be relegated to the press box.
Skinner played competently in Winnipeg debut
Another new face, goaltender Stuart Skinner made his debut as the Jets starting goaltender. Other than the first goal he allowed to Bruins defenceman Hampus Lindholm from distance, Skinner played competently for the most part. He made several quality saves. Overall, he stopped 26 of 30 shots.
The Jets will now play back to back games on the road when they visit Detroit and Pittsburgh, Sunday afternoon and Monday night. I would imagine, we’ll get to see goaltender Clay Stevenson make his crease debut with the Jets Monday night.
Home › Forums › Jets Hangar: Encouraging Outing Despite OTL
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