The Winnipeg Jets are heading to Anaheim with their sights set on securing a second consecutive victory this Friday night at the Honda Center against the Ducks.
Fresh off the 2026 Winter Olympics break, the Jets edged out a 3-2 overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. Despite missing key players, they managed to pull through, with Kyle Connor equalizing at 1-1 with his 26th goal of the season.
Gabriel Vilardi tied it again at 2-2 late in the second period, and Cole Perfetti clinched the win with his first career overtime goal, marking his seventh of the year. Eric Comrie stood tall in goal, making 21 saves, helping Winnipeg improve to a 23-26-8 record.
Currently, the Jets are seventh in the Central Division with 54 points, trailing the Seattle Kraken by nine points for the final wild-card spot.
Anaheim, meanwhile, is in the midst of a nine-game homestand and is aiming for their fourth consecutive victory. They recently outlasted the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling 6-5 win.
Leo Carlsson, just 21, shone brightly with a three-point night, earning the First Star honor. Lukas Dostal contributed with 22 saves.
The Ducks boast an impressive 18-8-1 home record as they prepare for Friday’s matchup.
Cole Perfetti is eager to continue his strong performance in a venue that holds special memories for him. He debuted in the NHL at the Honda Center on October 13, 2021, and returned for his first regular-season game of this campaign after overcoming a preseason ankle injury.
“We’re creating a lot of chances, and when you do that, goals will come,” Perfetti remarked after the win on Wednesday. “Tonight felt like a solid return from the break.”
This game marks the second meeting of the season between these Western Conference foes. Anaheim took the first encounter 4-1 on November 9, 2025. The season series will wrap up on March 10 in Winnipeg.
Projected Lineup:
- Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi
- Perfetti - Lowry - Iafallo
- Nyquist - Toews - Namestnikov
- Koepke - Barron - Pearson
Defense:
- Stanley - DeMelo
- Samberg - Salomonsson
- Heinola - Schenn
Goaltenders:
- Comrie
- DiVincentiis
Up Next:
Catch the action with puck drop scheduled for 9:00 p.m. CT on TSN3.