Kyle Connor delivered a clutch overtime winner just 46 seconds into the extra period, securing a 4-3 victory for the Winnipeg Jets over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. This dramatic win marked the Jets’ ninth consecutive triumph against their Central Division rivals and improved their perfect road record to 4-0 this season, with Connor’s quick shot from the slot showcasing the team’s offensive efficiency in critical moments.
The Jets established an early lead in the first period with two rapid-fire goals. Gabriel Vilardi opened the scoring with a deflected shot, followed 22 seconds later by Vladislav Namestnikov’s similar effort, both capitalizing on rebounds and defensive lapses by the Wild. This early offensive surge put Minnesota on the back foot and set the tone for a back-and-forth contest. Winnipeg’s ability to score in bunches highlighted their depth and timing, putting pressure on the home team from the outset.
Minnesota fought back vigorously in the second period, outshooting the Jets and leveling the score. Kirill Kaprizov netted his first even-strength goal of the season, a significant tally that moved him into fourth place on the franchise’s all-time points list with 401, surpassing Zach Parise. Brock Faber added another goal, demonstrating the Wild’s resilience and offensive capabilities. Despite being outshot, the Jets managed to keep the game tied heading into the third period, thanks to solid goaltending and defensive efforts.
The third period saw the Wild take their first lead when Marcus Johansson scored on a power play early in the frame. Johansson’s goal, his fourth in the last three games, came after a shot from Faber deflected off Jets defenseman Luke Schenn and into the net. However, the Jets responded with determination, and Nino Niederreiter tied the game midway through the period with a well-placed shot, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure. This back-and-forth action set the stage for a thrilling overtime finish.
Overtime was brief but intense, with Connor ending the game swiftly. Taking a drop pass from Mark Scheifele, Connor fired a wrist shot from the slot that beat the goaltender for his fifth goal of the season. The assist was part of a two-point night for both Logan Stanley and Neal Pionk, who contributed key plays throughout the game. Connor’s ability to perform in clutch situations underscored his value as a top scorer for the Jets, and the quick resolution highlighted the team’s composure under pressure.
Statistically, the Wild dominated shots on goal, outshooting the Jets 38-22, but Winnipeg’s efficiency in high-leverage moments proved decisive. Minnesota has struggled defensively at home this season, allowing 22 goals in their first four games at the Xcel Energy Center, including recent losses to Utah and San Jose. In contrast, the Jets have shown poise on the road, with this victory improving their overall record to 7-3-0 and keeping them competitive in the Central Division standings amid a tight race.
The victory extends Winnipeg’s dominance over Minnesota, with their last loss to the Wild dating back to March 2023. For the Wild, the loss drops them to 3-5-3 on the season and 1-5-2 when opponents score first, highlighting areas for improvement in consistency and defense. The game was part of the Wild’s 25th anniversary celebrations, with former players like Marian Gaborik participating in ceremonial puck drops, adding a nostalgic element to the intense rivalry.
Looking ahead, the Jets will return home to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday, while the Wild host the Pittsburgh Penguins. This result sets the stage for future matchups between the teams and reinforces the Jets’ strong start to the 2025-26 NHL season, with Connor’s overtime heroics serving as a key moment in their campaign for playoff positioning and divisional supremacy.