WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets maintained their perfect start to the season with an impressive 8-3 win against the San Jose Sharks on Friday night. Nikolaj Ehlers and Cole Perfetti were standout performers, each netting two goals in the contest.
Perfetti was instrumental, contributing not only his two goals but also adding two assists, while Ehlers provided one assist to enhance his impact on the game. The victory lifted the Jets’ season record to a solid 4-0-0.
In addition to Ehlers and Perfetti, both Vlad Namestnikov and Neal Pionk excelled, scoring a goal and supplying three assists each. Kyle Connor and Josh Morrissey also found the back of the net, with Gabriel Vilardi and Alex Iafallo contributing two assists each to the team’s offensive showcase.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who marked a milestone by playing in his 500th NHL game, made 19 saves to help secure the win for Winnipeg.
The Sharks struck first on a power-play opportunity in the opening period, with former Jets player Tyler Toffoli scoring. This marked the first time this season that the Jets had allowed a power-play goal. Toffoli also assisted on Fabian Zetterlund’s goal in the third period, while Luke Kunin added another goal for San Jose.
Mackenzie Blackwood started in goal for the Sharks but struggled, stopping only 13 of 18 shots before being replaced by Vitek Vanecek, who managed to save 15 shots after entering the game midway through the second period.
One significant highlight from the game was Winnipeg’s offensive onslaught in the first period, where they established a commanding 4-1 lead. They capitalized on San Jose’s penalties effectively, converting on a two-man advantage.
The Sharks appeared fatigued following their previous night’s 4-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, and their three penalties during the first period compounded their difficulties. The key moment came just after Toffoli’s goal cut the deficit to 3-1; Pionk scored again for Winnipeg with just over a minute remaining in the first period, ensuring a return to a three-goal cushion.
Statistically, the Jets excelled on special teams, converting four of their seven power-play opportunities, bringing their season total to seven successful conversions out of fourteen chances.
Looking ahead, the Jets will wrap up their four-game homestand with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, while the Sharks will return to home ice to face off against the Colorado Avalanche on the same day.