‘Stu can’t stop everything’

DALLAS — Stuart Skinner did everything in his power to ger the Winnipeg Jets back in the win column.

A 35-save effort included plenty of highlight-reel moments, but the Jets were unable to lock down a lead late in the third period and lost 3-2 in overtime to the Dallas Stars on Thursday at American Airlines Center.

“Stu kind of got us a point there, to be honest with you,” said Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi. “They were better than us. Their structure, they played a really tight checking game, and we couldn’t really get much going offensively. They obviously outplayed us, and when you give up that many chances, eventually, Stu can’t stop everything.”

Both of the goals the Jets allowed in regulation came with Stars goalie Jake Oettinger on the bench in favour of an extra attacker — once on a delayed penalty call during the third period and then with two minutes to go in the third period when Mikko Rantanen found Roope Hintz alone in the slot.

“He was outstanding,” said Jets head coach Scott Arniel of his netminder. “He certainly deserved that extra point. There were some breakdowns and he was there to stand tall. I thought he did a fantastic job.”

The Jets, who slipped to 4-3-3 on the season, return home to face the Montreal Canadiens in the Heritage Classic on Sunday night.

“It’s tough to lose that point,” said Skinner. “Yeah, it’s tough to lose that way, especially like we felt like we had it in the bag going into the 6-on-5. They obviously make a couple sweet plays and make us pay, but that’s a good team over there.

“I thought we battled. Overall, learning lessons. We’re going to keep on growing, keep on making our own game stronger and move forward here, but it is a big point.”

Kyle Connor had the other goal for the Jets, his team-leading ninth of the season.

Here’s a closer look at what else transpired on Thursday:

Snapping the slump

It took two games longer than last season, but Gabriel Vilardi’s drought is over.

After going nine games without a goal, Vilardi got to the front of the net after a point shot from Dylan Samberg, found the loose puck and buried the rebound for his first of the campaign.

The marker was the first scored by the Jets’ second line this season and it came at an opportune time, tying the game 1-1.

“Hockey’s a weird game, right? You feel like you deserve it sometimes, and it doesn’t go,” said Vilardi. “And then on a night like (Thursday) when not much is happening, you get one like that.”

Vilardi has been a slow starter historically, but he has shown a bit of frustration in recent games.

“Well. I expressed frustration because obviously it’s a results-based game,” said Vilardi. “So yeah, it felt good to score, but that’s my job. I can’t say it feels good to score one goal. I need to score more.”

Vilardi’s teammates believe him getting one could lead to a hot streak.

“It’s great to see him get rewarded,” said Skinner. “He’s been working really hard for that, for that first one. He’s obviously had some chances and he just keeps on grinding and keeps on putting the work boots on.”

The (season) debut

This is what Arniel meant when he said Brayden Yager was an NHL player who fell victim to the numbers game at the end of training camp when he was assigned to the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.

In his season debut — and fourth NHL game — the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft looked confident and poised with the puck.

Inserted on a line with captain Adam Lowry and Isak Rosen, Yager skated well and got involved offensively, both at even strength and with the second power play unit.

Yager was also used on the penalty kill and had a glorious chance to score his first NHL goal, streaking in on a shorthanded breakaway before he was denied by Oettinger.

Yager finished with 23 shifts for 14:38 of ice time, recording the one shot on goal.

“He came in and did what you expect of him,” said Vilardi. “He made small, little skill plays that he’s got the hands for, and I thought he really battled and played well defensively as well, which is good to see.”

For a team searching for secondary scoring, Yager made a favourable impression and should get an extended look to show if he can become an NHL regular here.

“He did some good things,” said Arniel. “That’s a fast game, a good team. Had a great look on that shorthanded breakaway. Would have loved to see that go in. Lots of good things he did. He showed his quickness.”

The key play

Roope Hintz scored on a breakaway with 1:13 to go in overtime to give the Stars the extra point.

THE THREE STARS

1. Roope Hintz, Stars, two goals
2. Stuart Skinner, Jets, 35 saves
3. Wyatt Johnston. One goal, one assist

Extra, extra!

It sounds like the Jets and Connor Hellebuyck have called a temporary truce. The Jets goalie was scheduled to see his team-imposed suspension for failing to report to training camp end on Friday, but sources say Hellebuyck and the Jets agreed to postpone him taking his physical until after the Heritage Classic is played on Sunday. TSN’s Darren Dreger was first to report that news. There are a number of moving parts to sort through, including when Hellebuyck needs to be added to the active roster. But keeping the focus on the outdoor game and the weekend festivities is a smart decision.

Two Jets suited up in milestone games, with defenceman Mario Ferraro appearing in his 500th NHL game, while forward Cole Perfetti skated in his 300th NHL game.

The healthy scratches were forward Cole Koepke and defenceman Jack St. Ivany.

Defenceman Elias Salomonsson played his second AHL game of the season on Wednesday as the Moose lost 4-3 to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Salomonsson assisted on a goal from Dany Zhilkin. It’s unclear whether Salomonsson will suit up for the Moose on Friday against the Iowa Wild.

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