In Anaheim, the Ducks hosted the Winnipeg Jets to open their new season on Wednesday.
Kevin Shattenkirk and Mason McTavish scored in the opening frame to stake the Ducks to a 2-0 lead on their way to 4-1 win over the Jets.
“I couldn’t have dreamed it any better,” McTavish said. “The big win, the goal, so it’s definitely one I’ll never forget.”
John Gibson made 33 saves to get the win.
Kyle Connor scored the lone Winnipeg goal.
“I liked our power play, the chances that we got, and the mentality of putting the puck to the net,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said.
McTavish’s goal was waved off before being reviewed and allowed.
“I kind of got to score two goals, I guess,” McTavish said. “Celebrated twice anyway.”
Adam Henrique and Rickard Rakell added markers in the second and third period respectively.
“We get a couple goals on the power play that we’re not used to,” Ducks head coach Dallas Eakins said. “That pumps us along. The kid gets his first goal, which is awesome, ‘Gibby’ has an unbelievable night. There’s a lot of great, feel-good things, and the guys are obviously fired up.”
Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves in the loss.
“It’s a little different than how you dream about it as a kid,” the Jets’ Cole Perfetti said. “You dream about scoring your first goal and winning, but at the end of the day you’re playing in the NHL. It’s something I’ve worked hard for my entire life.”
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