Jets Fall Short in Season Opener Despite Kyle Connor’s Hat Trick

UPDATE: The Winnipeg Jets’ season opener ended in heartbreak as they suffered a 5-4 defeat against the Dallas Stars on October 12, 2025. Despite a stunning hat trick from Kyle Connor, the Jets were unable to secure a comeback in front of a sold-out crowd.

Fans packed the arena, eager to witness the debut of hometown hero Jonathan Toews and celebrate the raising of two championship banners. However, the excitement turned to disappointment as the Jets fell short once again to the Stars, who previously eliminated them in the playoffs.

The Jets faced a daunting challenge against a Dallas team considered a top contender for the Stanley Cup, all while missing key players like Adam Lowry, Dylan Samberg, and Cole Perfetti. Coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “For 50 minutes we were not a very good hockey team… They’re too good to make those kinds of mistakes.”

What started as a tightly contested game at 2-1 in the second period quickly escalated. The Stars struck three times in just over two minutes to take a commanding lead in the third. The Jets rallied back with three goals, but could not find the equalizer.

Kyle Connor opened the scoring early, netting his first goal of the season with a slick play assisted by Mark Scheifele and Gabe Vilardi. He later added two more goals, showcasing his elite scoring prowess. “He’s just a goal scorer. When he gets time and space… it’s in the net,” Arniel noted.

Toews, making his long-awaited return after a nearly three-year absence, played a significant role despite not scoring. He logged nearly 18 minutes on ice, contributing with one shot on goal and three attempts. “A lot of room for improvement… but there are some positives I’m excited about,” Toews reflected after the game.

The Jets’ power play, a strength last season, faltered significantly as they went 0-for-4. However, their penalty kill showed resilience, successfully thwarting four of five Dallas opportunities.

Next, the Jets will look to bounce back as they host the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday afternoon. Fans are eager to see if the team can capitalize on their home advantage and secure their first win of the season.

With the 2025-26 NHL season just beginning, the Jets’ performance will be under close scrutiny as they seek to replicate last year’s impressive start. The loss marks their first step in a long journey ahead, filled with both challenges and the potential for redemption.