The Winnipeg Jets traveled to Minnesota last night to face off against the Minnesota Wild and conclude Winnipeg’s three-game season-opening road trip. The Jets were also looking for their first win of the 2021-2022 season.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they went into the game without their captain as the Jets announced yesterday that Blake Wheller tested positive for COVID-19 and is symptomatic.
Subsequently, the Jets coaching staff decided to bring Nathan Beaulieu into the lineup and dress eleven forwards and seven defensemen.
This game was an extremely high-scoring affair and needed overtime to decide this central division battle.
The Winnipeg Jets had a lead four different times but could not put the Minnesota Wild away
The biggest takeaway from this game was the Jets’ inability to play with the lead. Every time Winnipeg took the lead, Minnesota responded with a goal of their own to tie the game.
Ultimately, the Jets had a two-goal lead in the final five minutes of the game and allowed a powerplay goal and then the game-tying goal with less than one minute remaining to force the game into overtime.
Joel Eriksson EK scored the game winner on the powerplay in overtime to seal the 6-5 comeback win for the Wild. (Goal can be seen in the video below:)
As you may have noticed, two of the Wild’s final three goals were on the man advantage. The Jets penalty kill finished the game with a 40% success rating as they only successfully killed two of their five penalties which is not good numbers by any stretch.
3 Winners
3. Kyle Connor: 2 goals, 1 assist
2. Mats Zuccarello: 2 goals, 2 assists
1. Joel Eriksson EK: 3 goals
The Jets will be back in action on Thursday night for their home opener as they host the Anaheim Ducks at the Canada Life Centre and look to win their first game of the new season.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your initial reactions to the Jets vs. Wild game? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats and Videos Provided by the NHL*