Preseason hockey is among us, presenting an opportunity for teams to showcase what they’re capable of before the games really count.
The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Edmonton Oilers in a pair of back-to-back exhibition games to kickstart the preseason, earning a 2-1 shootout win at Rogers Place on Sunday and a 5-0 victory at Canada Life Centre on Monday.
While the Oilers have yet to dress their two top players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Jets gave most of their projected starters the nod. With a plethora of question marks surrounding the opening-day starting lineup in Winnipeg, these preseason games are a great opportunity for players to make a statement.
Collin Delia got the start between the pipes on Sunday, turning aside 36 of 37 shots in the Jets shootout victory, while Laurent Brossoit made 26 saves and recorded a shutout on Monday. Both goaltenders led Winnipeg to victory in their preseason debuts. Brossoit is the favorite to occupy the backup goalie spot behind Connor Hellebuyck.
The Jets’ top line shined in the 5-0 win on Monday, with Kyle Connor, Gabriel Vilardi, and Mark Scheifele all recording a point, showcasing the potential for some solid chemistry as the regular season quickly approaches. The trio connected on the power play for the game-opening goal in the first period when Connor potted the marker, with assists credited to Vilardi and Scheifele. This line is off to a promising start to the 2023-24 campaign, and the Jets will rely heavily on their offensive contributions in the regular season.
Winnipeg will have some time to rest up ahead of their next preseason game on Monday, October 2, when they take on the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Just four contests remain before the Jets and Flames meet again in the regular season opener in Calgary on October 11.
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