Winnipeg Jets: 3 Talking Points as Jets Start 2021 Preseason with Loss

The Winnipeg Jets were finally back in action last night for the first time since last June as they faced off against the Ottawa Senators in what was both of these clubs’ first preseason game for the 2021-2022 season.

Both the Jets and Senators gave a majority of their veteran players the night off and they both dressed lineups with younger players and prospects who have had little to no NHL experience.

This was a fantastic game to watch as it was played at a ferocious pace and the teams traded chances throughout. Ultimately, this game needed overtime to decide a winner and the Senators walked away victorious.

Shane Pinto scored the game-winner as the Ottawa Senators beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 in Overtime

Here are three talking points from the Jets preseason opener:

3. What a Way to Open the Preseason

As I mentioned above, this Jets vs. Senators contest was played at a great pace and felt like a regular season game between rivals.

There were a combined 44 hits and 55 penalty minutes between the sides which included two fights and a five-minute major with a game misconduct. Pierre-Luc Dubois was the victim of a Ridly Greig cross-check that warranted the major penalty.

Dubois required stitches for his injury, but all signs indicate he will be fine moving forward in the lead-up to the season.

Ultimately, this was a great way to welcome hockey back to a fantastic Winnipeg crowd of 14,625 fans at the Canada Life Centre.

2. Comrie Takes the Reigns for the Whole Game

Many times in exhibition games, we see coaches split the game between their goaltenders. As a matter of fact, the Senators did exactly that as they split last night’s game between Anton Forsberg and Filip Gustavsson.

But Paul Maurice decided to go a different route with his netminders last night. The Jets’ coaching staff decided to let Eric Comrie play the whole game last night and leave Mikhail Berdin on the bench.

Comrie stopped 24 of the 27 shots Ottawa threw his way and finished the game with a .889 save percentage.

Although Comrie is the front runner to be the backup goaltender to Connor Hellebuyck when the season begins, there is still an opportunity for Berdin to steal the spot.

As the rest of the preseason and training camp unfolds, expect to see a good competition between Comrie and Berdin for the backup role. Comrie did well in the first game, but it will be interesting to see how both he and Berdin respond in the upcoming games.

1. Brenden Dillon Style of Play is a Welcomed Sight

The Jets front office acquired veteran defenseman, Brenden Dillon this offseason to bolster one of their weak spots from last season’s roster.

Dillon is a no-nonsense defenseman whose impact was on full display last night. The thirty-year-old defenseman was tied for the team lead with four hits yesterday and showed his ability to play shutdown defense.

Dillon’s presence definitely gives the Jets options on defense. He is an effective penalty killer and is an imposing force for opposition forwards.

The British Columbia native finished yesterday evening’s game with one assist, one shot on goal, four hits, and one takeaway in 18 minutes and 33 seconds of ice time.

The Jets will be back in action for the second game of the preseason on Wednesday night when they host the Edmonton Oilers at the Canada Life Centre. Puck drop for the Jets vs. Oilers game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. central time.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Who impressed you the most from the Winnipeg Jets in yesterday’s game? Leave your comments below!

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