Nikolaj Ehlers scored just 1:26 into overtime, propelling the Winnipeg Jets to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night, maintaining their perfect start to the season.
Nino Niederreiter notched two goals, and Gabriel Vilardi added one as the Jets improved to a stellar 7-0. Connor Hellebuyck made 29 saves to help keep Winnipeg unbeaten.
Matty Beniers led Seattle’s effort with two goals and an assist.
Beniers struck first at 11:27 of the opening period, giving the Kraken a 1-0 lead. Winnipeg rallied in the second period when Niederreiter tied it with a goal at 3:56.
Vilardi followed with a shot past Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord at 15:05 of the second, putting the Jets up 2-1.
Niederreiter scored his second goal early in the third period, increasing Winnipeg’s lead to two.
Jordan Eberle brought Seattle closer, making it 3-2 with 9:58 left in regulation—his sixth goal in Seattle’s first eight games. Beniers then tied it with 3:22 remaining, sending the game into overtime.
Joey Daccord made 32 saves for the Kraken.
Game Highlights
- Kraken Takeaways: Beniers’ two goals were his first of the season. Last season, he didn’t reach his second goal until Seattle’s 18th game.
- Jets Takeaways: Winnipeg, second in the league for goals scored, has managed at least three goals in four consecutive games and five of their seven games this season.
Key Moments
A crucial turning point came in the second period when Seattle appeared to take a 2-1 lead on an Oliver Bjorkstrand goal. However, it was overturned after a goaltender interference review. Just minutes later, Vilardi scored, flipping the lead to Winnipeg and increasing the pressure on Seattle.
Key Stat
After the first period, Winnipeg outshot Seattle 29-20, with four shots finding the net.
Next Matchups
The Jets will face Calgary on Saturday night, while the Kraken will host Carolina.
