Jets’ Connor extends record as Peterka’s OT winner lifts Bruins

The Winnipeg Jets dropped their season opener in dramatic fashion Friday night, falling 4-3 in overtime to the Boston Bruins at a sold-out Canada Life Centre. JJ Peterka ended it 3:21 into the extra frame, silencing most of the 15,209 fans in attendance.

Peterka, who also delivered the decisive goal in Boston’s earlier win over the New York Rangers this week, slipped a shot through Stuart Skinner’s pads to keep the Bruins perfect at 2-0-0. Boston opened its schedule with a 3-0 shutout of the Rangers on Tuesday and has yet to trail this season.

Connor keeps opening-night streak alive

For Winnipeg, the loss overshadowed another milestone from Kyle Connor. The Jets forward scored on the power play in the second period, pushing his NHL record to nine consecutive season openers with at least one goal; no other player has scored in more than six straight.

Dylan DeMelo and Mario Ferraro also found the back of the net for the Jets, giving the club two goals from its defence corps — a positive sign for a team that has emphasized the need for offence beyond its top forwards. Connor added an assist for a two-point night in the defeat.

Late Lindholm equalizer sets stage for OT

Hampus Lindholm, rookie James Hagens and Elias Lindholm replied for the Bruins. Boston jumped out quickly with two goals in the opening period to carry a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes, then went quiet offensively until the dying moments of regulation.

With goaltender Jeremy Swayman on the bench for an extra attacker and the Bruins trailing 3-2, Elias Lindholm redirected a David Pastrnak shot that deflected off Jets defenceman Neal Pionk and past Skinner, tying the game with just 38 seconds left. Pastrnak and Nikita Zadorov each finished with two assists, while Swayman turned aside 30 shots for the win. Boston went 0-for-1 on the power play; Winnipeg converted once on three opportunities.

Skinner debuts amid Hellebuyck turmoil

Skinner, brought in during the off-season as insurance in goal, stopped 26 shots in his first start for the Jets. He has been thrust into a prominent role after franchise netminder Connor Hellebuyck requested a trade, then declined to report to training camp, leading to an indefinite suspension.

Despite the circumstances and the overtime loss, the home crowd responded strongly to Skinner, repeatedly chanting his name after key saves. The Jets will look for their first win of the season when they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, while the Bruins continue their road swing Saturday against the Minnesota Wild.