Rookie Judd Caulfield scored his first NHL goal and added an assist as the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 on Friday night, handing the Jets their first regulation loss of the season. The Ducks improved to 3-1-0 with the victory, while Winnipeg dropped to 3-1-1.
Caulfield’s breakthrough came in a game where Tim Washe and Mikael Granlund each contributed a goal and an assist. Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko also found the net for Anaheim. Lukas Dostal, in goal for the Ducks, made 15 saves and conceded only a single goal to Kyle Conner.
The Jets managed to close the gap to 3-1 midway through the third period when Conner scored his sixth goal of the season. Winnipeg captain Mark Scheifele set up the play, sending Conner alone against Dostal. Despite this, Granlund extinguished any hope of a Jets comeback with a goal at 5:54 remaining in the game.
Winnipeg’s Clay Stevenson made 12 saves but could not prevent the defeat. The Jets were unbeaten in regulation before this loss, making it a notable setback early in their campaign.
The game also marked a milestone for Conner, who was playing his 700th NHL game. His goal added some pride to an otherwise difficult night for the Jets.
Anaheim’s next game is scheduled against Calgary on Saturday night, while Winnipeg will host Minnesota on Tuesday.
According to Yahoo Sports.