Jets Flip the Script Behind Connor and Skinner
Power play strikes and a Raymond post swing a shot-heavy opener away from Detroit.
The Detroit Red Wings had more of the puck and the shot attempts, but the Winnipeg Jets made their looks count. By chance quality — expected goals favored Detroit 4.37 to 3.53 — this should’ve leaned red, yet Winnipeg finished better and got the bigger saves.
This was Connor-and-Perfetti hockey when it mattered. Kyle Connor buried two and added an assist, and Cole Perfetti piled three points, turning a small slate of shots into payoff chances. Winnipeg’s power play was the separator at 3-for-4, the kind of efficiency that shrinks a shot deficit in a hurry.
At the other end, Stuart Skinner stopped 33 of 35 and posted +2.37 goals saved above expected — in plain terms, he erased chances Detroit usually finishes. John Gibson was good, but the bounces weren’t as kind; one of Detroit’s best looks ended with Lucas Raymond ringing iron.
What it means: For Winnipeg, bank the win but clean up late defensive execution. For Detroit, the volume is real — now it needs finishing and a touch more goaltending on special teams.