Jets Fall to Stars in Season Opener After Late Comeback Effort

The Winnipeg Jets opened their 2025-26 NHL season with a narrow 5-4 defeat against the Dallas Stars at home on October 12, 2025. Despite a spirited comeback effort in the final period, the Jets were unable to overcome a three-goal deficit, continuing their recent pattern of struggles against the Stars.

The evening promised excitement for Jets fans with the much-anticipated debut of hometown hero Jonathan Toews, unveiling of two championship banners, and a sold-out crowd filling the arena. Unfortunately for Winnipeg, history repeated itself as they fell short once again to a Dallas team that eliminated them in the playoffs just months prior.

Coming into the game, the Jets faced significant challenges. Missing key players due to injury, including shutdown centre Adam Lowry, defenceman Dylan Samberg, and winger Cole Perfetti, they were up against a formidable opponent. The Stars entered the season as one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup, making the matchup particularly daunting.

The first two periods presented a tightly contested battle, with the score sitting at 2-1 in favor of Dallas heading into the final frame. However, the third period proved chaotic as the Stars struck three times within just over two minutes, extending their lead to 5-1.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “Certainly you have to give Dallas credit, but for 50 minutes we were not a very good hockey team. Our structure and detail in all three areas wasn’t very good. They’re too good of a hockey team to make those kinds of mistakes.”

Despite the early deficit, the Jets rallied back with three quick goals of their own, a testament to their resilience. Kyle Connor, who had signed a lucrative contract extension prior to the season, showcased his scoring ability by netting three goals in the contest. Connor opened the scoring for the Jets in the first period, marking his eighth consecutive season-opening goal.

As the game progressed, Connor’s second goal came during a shorthanded opportunity, and his third followed shortly after, igniting cheers from the crowd as hats rained down in celebration. “He’s just a goal scorer. That’s what he does,” Arniel noted, emphasizing Connor’s capacity to find the back of the net.

Toews, making his return to the NHL after a lengthy absence, played a pivotal role in the team’s dynamics. Despite not scoring, his presence was felt on the ice, contributing to several opportunities. “A lot of room for improvement, a lot of little things I can do better,” Toews commented post-game, reflecting on his performance.

Winnipeg’s power play, previously a significant strength last season, struggled in this opener, failing to convert on four opportunities. In contrast, the penalty kill performed admirably, allowing just one goal on five chances from Dallas.

As the Jets look to improve their performance, they will face the Los Angeles Kings next, hoping to capitalize on their home advantage. The game against Dallas marked the beginning of a new journey for Winnipeg, filled with promise but also the need for corrections.

With the season just underway, the Jets remain determined to harness their potential and secure their first victory of the season.