A first-ever NHL score by rookie Brad Lambert, accompanied by a 28-save performance from Winnipeg Jets’ reserve goalie Eric Comrie, propelled the Jets to a 5-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
Kyle Connor contributed two goals, one into an empty net, while Gabriel Valardi and Vladislav Namestnikov also found the back of the net for Winnipeg (9-3-0).
Sidney Crosby and Blake Lizotte responded for Pittsburgh, with Arturs Silovs making 29 saves in the defeat for Pittsburgh (8-3-2).
Vilardi initiated the scoring just 15 seconds into the game, as fans were still making their way through the Canada Life Centre, securing snacks and beverages. He collected a rebound off a shot by Josh Morrissey, banking the puck off Silovs and into the net.
Lambert’s moment arrived at 2:43 when he positioned himself to Silovs’ right as fellow freshman Parker Ford carried the puck around the Penguins’ net and attempted a wraparound. The puck slid across the crease, allowing Lambert to capitalize.
The Jets also had a strong start in the second period. Namestnikov and Jonathan Toews advanced into the Penguins’ zone, and after Toews paused momentarily with the puck, the Russian winger redirected a pass behind Silovs at 1:17, marking Namestnikov’s sixth goal of the season.
Connor scored on a penalty shot at 12:13 of the second. Silovs mishandled the puck in the Penguins’ corner during a Pittsburgh power play and threw his stick when Connor pursued the puck in front of an open net.
Connor’s backhand shot eluded Silovs on the glove side, resulting in a short-handed goal, his seventh of the season.
Crosby recorded Pittsburgh’s first goal with only 12 seconds remaining in the second period, deflecting Erik Karlsson’s shot from the point past Comrie.
The Penguins reduced the deficit to two goals shortly after the midway point of the third period. Lizotte charged towards Comrie’s net, scoring his second goal of the season.
The Jets are scheduled to play the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.
Observations
Jets: The Winnipeg’s first line composed of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi displayed strong performance as season started. Vilardi scored his fifth goal of the season, Connor added his seventh and eighth goals, and Scheifele contributed his 10th and 11th assists.
Penguins: The two Manitobans on Pittsburgh’s roster — Owen Pickering and Connor Dewar — witnessed Winnipeg’s initial three goals while on the ice.
Significant Play
The Jets set an assertive tone in a game when Vilardi put the home team ahead just 15 seconds into the game, after facing off against the Crosby line. This marks the fastest goal to start a game this season.
Important Fact
The Penguins successfully neutralized one of the NHL’s power plays, eliminating all three of their penalties. Prior to the game, the Jets had converted 27.8 per cent of their power play opportunities.
