The Winnipeg Jets remain undefeated after a 2nd straight low scoring 2-1 overtime win, this time against the Minnesota Wild. A perfect 3-0-0 in the 1st week of the new NHL season. As crazy as it sounds, this is the 1st time in Jets 2.0 history that the Jets have started a season 3-0-0. Who would’ve thought? There’s a few major takeaways from this opening week that have got the Jets noticed (in a good way) around the league.

Kyle Connor sniped home the overtime winner last night on the powerplay. While Connor isn’t included in my 3 major takeaways for this opening week, he definitely deserves an honorable mention. In 3 games, Connor has scored twice and has 1 assist for a total of 3 points. Connor’s 1st goal came on the Jets 1st game of the season against the Oilers. You may have heard this crazy stat by now, but that goal by Connor extended his streak of scoring on opening night to a 7th straight year, setting an NHL record. Connor’s off to a great start this season, and if he keeps this up he’s due for his 2nd career 40 goal season.

Ah yes, Mark Scheifele. I still remember 12+ years ago when Scheifele was sent back to the Barrie Colts in the OHL, and people began to question if he was going to live up to his 7th overall potential. Fast forward to 2024, and even I couldn’t have predicted that Scheifele would be on track to become one of (if not) the best players not just in Jets 2.0, but Jets history. Scheifele opened the 2024-25 season with 6 points in 3 games (4 goals and 2 assists). Scheifele achieved 2 major milestones that were bound to happen early this season. Scheifele scored the overtime winner against the Blackhawks to reach 300 career goals. The following game, the most recent Jets game, Scheifele played in his 800th career NHL game, all with the Jets. Just a terrific week for this current and future Jets legend.

This morning, Connor Hellebuyck was named the NHL’s 2nd star of the week for the opening week of the 2024-25 season. Hellebuyck has opened the season by stopping 81 of the 83 shots he’s faced. To go along with the 3-0-0 record, Hellebuyck dazzled with a 0.66 goals against average and a .976 save percentage. Hellebuyck stole the show with a shutout in the Jets 6-0 win against the Oilers, and followed that performance up with back to back games allowing just 1 goal. It’s clear to see that Hellebuyck has been dialed in so far this season, proving that he remains a top tier goalie in the world. There’s really not more the Jets could ask from Hellebuyck so far this season, all that’s left is to see if he can keep up this excellent play in the upcoming 2nd week of games.

Before acknowledging one of the greatest 3rd lines in hockey, the “LAN” line, I have to give a quick shoutout to the Jets special teams through 3 games. The Jets are tied for 1st overall in the NHL in both the powerplay and penalty kill. I guess those extra special teams practices have paid off so far, as the Jets sit at almost 43% on the powerplay, and a perfect 100% on the penalty kill.

The Lowry-Appleton-Niederreiter 3rd line has picked up where they left off last season. Nicknamed the “LAN” line, this trio has built on their chemistry ever since being paired together a year ago. In the first 3 games, the 3 players have combined for a total of 8 points. The scoring is much appreciated, but what really gets this line noticed is what else they do on a regular basis. Setting the tone and using their chemistry is what makes this line special. These key factors were especially noticeable in the 1st game against the Oilers. Each of the 3 players excelled in what they do best, and that combination made them able to control the play and the flow of the game whenever they were on the ice. This line is the line that the Jets won’t be changing up anytime soon, and it’ll be exciting to watch them continue to compliment each other’s games.

The Jets look to improve to 4-0-0 when they take on the San Jose Sharks on Friday night. This early season “break” is a good time for the team to reflect on what was done well in these first 3 games, while fine tuning other elements of their gameplan that can still be improved upon. The game will be played at Canada Life Centre and the puck drops at 7 pm CT. Stay tuned here at Jets Nation for pre and post game articles on Friday.