The Winnipeg Jets took on the Carolina Hurricanes this evening to start the 2016-'17 NHL season.
1st Period:
The Jets started with the oldest and most experienced lineup of Little centering Stafford and Matthias. Once all the lines got into the game (including Perreault centering Laine and Connor), Matthias scored on a bank shot off of the Hurricanes' goalie Ward. The power play woes continue, as the Jets were awarded a 5-4, then a 5-3 power play. No goals, but lots of posts were rung as the Hurricanes fought off the penalties with active sticks. Little goes down after a knee on knee with the Hurricanes Bickell, and heads off to the dressing room, barely putting any weight on his left leg. Lowry was then double shifted, centering Tanev & Armia, resting, then centering Stafford & Matthias. After a defensive blunder that saw Byfuglien and Morrissey missing assignments and Hellebuyck was left out to dry as Skinner scores for Carolina, making it a 1-1 game. Jets go back onto the power play with 33 seconds left in the opening frame, but nothing comes from it as the horn sounds to end the period.
2nd Period:
Little doesn't return and is done for the evening. Carolina kills the penalty as the Jets produce no shots. Matthias then called for hooking for Carolina's first power play. Slapshot by Hanafin is bounced in off of Stempniak and Carolina goes up 2-1. Some line juggling, as Wheeler centers Tanev & Armia, and Perreualt centers Laine and Matthias. 5-4 hockey as Scheifele is called for roughing and Faulk for Carolina is called a double minor for high sticking. With the power play killed, the Jets go 0-4 with zero shots on goal. Wheeler is called for hooking with 3:34 left in second period. Lowry and Armia put on a penalty killing clinic as the Jets knock off another penalty. Stalberg holds onto Byfuglien's stick, and as the play dies with everyone expecting a penalty call, Staal picks up the puck and scores for Carolina. Period ends with the Hurricanes up 3-1.
3rd Period:
13 shots after 40 minutes. Stafford called for tripping at 16:55. Rask scores for Carolina on the power play with 3 seconds left making it 4-1. Chariot called for a penalty when Carolina scored, so back they go on the power play. Wheeler scores short handed, making it 4-2. Jets then kill the penalty. Nordstrom for Carolina called for hooking on Wheeler, and the Jets go on the power play. Laine scores on the power play, while Connor draws an assist, making it 4-3 Carolina. Perreault scores when Hellebuyck is pulled with 2 minutes left, making it 4-4 with 1:30 left in the game. Bill Peters, the Hurricanes coach, uses a coaching challenge, but the goal stands. Regulation time ends in a 4-4 tie.
Overtime:
Schiefele scores in 3 on 3 overtime and the Jets win 5-4!
