Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves, achieving his 38th career shutout, as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Edmonton Oilers 6-0 on Wednesday night, marking the season opener for both teams.
“The guys in front of me were just keeping everything outside, allowing me to see pucks, allowing me to feel it, clearing rebounds, clearing lanes,” Hellebuyck said. “They made my night really easy. Once in a while I made a big save, which allowed me to feel like a part of the team.”
Mason Appleton contributed with a goal and two assists, while Adam Lowry and Mark Scheifele each scored a goal and added an assist. Rasmus Kupari, Dylan Samberg, and Kyle Connor also found the net.
“It’s great, just to get the season off on a good note,” said first-year Jets coach Scott Arniel. “I did have a sleepless night just worrying about some of these guys on the other team there and how powerful they are as a group. … It’s a road win in a tough barn. We’ll take that and move on.”’
Despite outshooting Winnipeg 30-20, the Oilers lost to the Jets. Edmonton was previously defeated by Florida in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final last season.
“You had an incredible year that finished with disappointment and it’s tough to just say ‘Forget about it, let’s think about now,’” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “But there is a point where we need to do that.”
Oilers starting goalie Stuart Skinner gave up five goals on 13 shots before being replaced midway through the second period. Calvin Pickard allowed a goal on seven shots.
“I feel terrible about what happened tonight,” Skinner said. “It is very frustrating to start like this. It is just not ideal. I don’t feel great.”
