Sheffield’s two goals lift Jets to 3-2 win over Kings – Hockey Writer – Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets and Los Angeles Kings went head-to-head in a tight, well-structured game that highlighted the characteristics of both teams – Winnipeg’s opportunistic offense and Los Angeles’ harsh, disciplined advance control. In the end, Mark Scheifele’s two-goal performance and tough defensive performance helped the Jets defeat the Kings 3-2 and win their first victory of the season.
game review
The opening period belonged to Winnipeg, who quickly took control of the tempo with quick game transitions and sharp puck movement. Alex Iafallo’s power-play goal gave the Jets a 1-0 lead, but the Kings responded with calm rather than panic – closing the defensive gap and beginning to cycle downfield effectively.
Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had a solid first game, missing several dangerous chances, including a crucial save on Adrian Kempe late in the game. The Kings have been the NHL’s second-highest scoring team since last year’s trade deadline, but have found little room to operate thanks to Winnipeg’s improved rush coverage and five-man defensive structure.
The Kings found their footing early in the second quarter. Mikey Anderson caught the puck at the point and fired a powerful shot into the top corner to tie the game at one in the second period. It was Anderson’s first goal of the season and changed the tempo of the game in Los Angeles’ favor.
Los Angeles quickly seized the momentum as Adrian Kempe completed a nifty pass to give the Kings a 2-1 lead. The Kings’ fourth line continued to apply pressure, winning loose ball battles and forcing Winnipeg to defend deep.
With time on the line, Scheifele scored his first goal of the season on a cross-ice pass from Morgan Barron at 18:57, restoring the tie after Los Angeles rose again. It was a classic moment from Scheifele — patient, precise, finishing under pressure — that reminded fans of his consistency as the engine of the Jets’ offense.
At the end of the second quarter, the two sides were tied, with the Kings leading slightly at 22-21. Both teams showed strong structure, minimal panic and quick reactions to swings in momentum to set up a tight matchup.
The third quarter showcased the best traits of both teams – Winnipeg’s shot-blocking commitment and Los Angeles’ relentless push. After tying the game late in the second period, Scheifele scored again midway through the third period. At 11:47, he positioned himself perfectly in front of the net, setting up inside Anze Kopitar and Josh Morrissey finishing from the blue line to give the Jets a 3-2 lead.
However, the Kings refused to fade. With just over a minute left, they brought in Kuemper for an extra attacker and kept Winnipeg in its own zone. Former Kings player Tanner Pearson narrowly missed an empty-net goal before being tripped, giving Los Angeles one last chance. A late confrontation between Barron and Byfield with 17 seconds left highlighted the narrow gap between the two teams.
The Jets improved to 1-1-0 with the win, while the Kings fell to 1-2-0 but can take solace from a strong second quarter and continued competitiveness. Both teams left the ice knowing they played a balanced, disciplined hockey that bodes well for the long season ahead.
