Last night, the Winnipeg Jets were trailing by a goal in the final four minutes of the game and they scored twice to complete the impressive comeback and beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-3.
This was arguably the Jets’ best game of the 2022 preseason. Although many penalties were assessed, the Jets played much faster and they were much more structured, especially on defense. In the first two periods, Montreal only had ten shots on goal.
One key contributor in the win was 2022 thirty overall draft pick, Brad Lambert. This was Lambert’s NHL preseason debut because he missed the first week of training camp due to an injury.
Brad Lambert was outstanding in his Winnipeg Jets preseason debut
The key moment in this game featuring Lambert was his game tying goal in the final minutes of regulation.
The eighteen-year-old made a great play in the neutral zone to take advantage of a flubbed Canadiens pass at the Jets’ attacking blueline.
Lambert then picked up the puck and took two strides, as three Montreal players were closing in on him, and released a wicked wrist shot that beat the Canadiens goaltender on the blocker side.
B R A D ‼️ pic.twitter.com/nhU1QqWwTn
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) September 30, 2022
Besides scoring his first Jets preseason goal at a key moment, Lambert also added an assist on the Jets’ first goal of the game.
Lambert’s two points in this contest gave him the team lead for the Jets in this game. Never mind the points, Lambert’s overall performance impressed Rick Bowness and the Jets’ coaching staff.
#NHLJets Rick Bowness on Brad Lambert to reporters in Montreal:
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) September 30, 2022
"The kid looked really good. He’s got lots of speed, lots of skill, but what also jumps out at you is his poise with the puck. He’s an 18-year-old kid playing in his first game and he didn’t throw it away once."
Lambert looked composed and poised beyond his years in the win. He showed his impressive speed and was one of the top performers for the Jets in this game. You could not have asked for a better debut from the former first-round pick.
Want your voice heard? Join the Jets White Out team!
One interesting thing to note about Lambert is he is still unsigned. The Jets have yet to sign Lambert to an entry-level contract.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you predict that Brad Lambert will make the Winnipeg Jets opening night roster or do you think he will start the season in the AHL with the Manitoba Moose? Leave your comments below!
Is Now the Time for the Winnipeg Jets to Trade a Defenseman?
The Rangers traded one of their defensive prospects to the Stars for draft picks. Is now the time for the Winnipeg Jets to trade one of their defensemen?