Mark Scheifele's two-goal performance propelled the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon. The Jets' opportunistic attack and a strong defensive showing ultimately edged out the Kings, earning Winnipeg their first win of the season.
The Jets started strong, dictating the tempo early with quick transitions and sharp puck movement. Alex Iafallo, against his former team, opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 4:48 of the first period. He received a pass from Kyle Connor at the inside edge of the right circle and elevated a shot past Kings' goalie Darcy Kuemper. The Kings responded with composure, tightening their defense and cycling effectively. Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets' goaltender, was solid in the first, turning aside multiple dangerous chances, including a key save on Adrian Kempe.
The Kings found their footing early in the second period. Mikey Anderson's powerful slap shot from the point tied the game at one just 50 seconds into the period. Los Angeles quickly capitalized on the momentum, with Adrian Kempe finishing a slick passing play to give the Kings a 2-1 lead at 9:12. Andrei Kuzmenko carried the puck into the right circle and passed behind his back to Anze Kopitar, who then fed it across the slot to Kempe for the tip-in. However, with just minutes remaining in the second, Mark Scheifele scored his first of the game, converting a cross-ice pass from Morgan Barron at 18:57 to tie the game 2-2.
The third period was tightly contested. Midway through the third, Scheifele scored again, deflecting Josh Morrissey's shot from the left point past Kuemper at 11:47. That goal gave the Jets a 3-2 lead. The Kings went on a power play with 3:30 left in the game but were unable to convert. Los Angeles pulled Kuemper late in the power play and maintained puck possession in the Winnipeg zone but could not get a shot past Hellebuyck. Winnipeg took another penalty with just 18 seconds remaining, but they managed to win the ensuing face-off and clear the puck, securing the victory.
Hellebuyck made 30 saves in the game. Kuemper stopped 24 shots for Los Angeles. The Jets went 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Kings were 0-for-5.
The Jets will aim to build on this win, while the Kings will look to rebound from their slow start to the season.
