Jets Defeat Devils in High-Scoring Affair

Winnipeg scores three goals in the second period to overcome New Jersey

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:15am

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The Winnipeg Jets defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in a game that featured a high-scoring second period. Gabriel Vilardi and Mark Scheifele each had a goal and an assist for the Jets, who scored three times in the middle frame to take control of the game. Connor Hellebuyck made 26 saves for Winnipeg, which improved to 6-2-2 in its last 10 games. Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier scored late for the Devils, who have lost two straight after winning five of six.

Why it matters

This game showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, with the Jets' three-goal outburst in the second period proving to be the difference. The win keeps Winnipeg in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, while the loss is a setback for New Jersey's postseason aspirations in the East.

The details

The Jets opened the scoring just 1:33 into the game when Vilardi set up Mark Scheifele for the goal. The Devils tied it at 8:02 of the first period when Arseny Gritsyuk fed Lenni Hameenaho for his second career goal. Vilardi's sizzling wrister put Winnipeg back on top 3:23 into the second, and Cole Koepke and Nino Niederreiter added goals later in the period to make it 4-1 Jets. Jesper Bratt scored on the power play late in the second to get New Jersey within 4-2, and Nico Hischier made it a one-goal game with 1:46 remaining, but the Devils couldn't complete the comeback.

  • The Jets scored the opening goal just 1:33 into the game.
  • The Devils tied the game at 8:02 of the first period.
  • Vilardi's goal put Winnipeg back on top 3:23 into the second period.
  • Koepke and Niederreiter scored for the Jets later in the second period.
  • Bratt scored on the power play late in the second period.

The players

Gabriel Vilardi

A forward for the Winnipeg Jets who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Mark Scheifele

A forward for the Winnipeg Jets who also had a goal and an assist.

Connor Hellebuyck

The goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets who made 26 saves in the win.

Jesper Bratt

A forward for the New Jersey Devils who scored a goal in the game.

Nico Hischier

The captain of the New Jersey Devils who scored a late goal to make it a one-goal game.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out strong in the second period and we were able to capitalize on our chances. That was the difference in the game.”

— Mark Scheifele, Forward, Winnipeg Jets

“We fought hard to get back in it, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole in that second period. We'll need to learn from this and be better moving forward.”

— Nico Hischier, Captain, New Jersey Devils

What’s next

The Jets will look to build on this win when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. The Devils will try to bounce back on the road against the New York Rangers on Saturday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the offensive firepower of both teams, with the Jets' three-goal outburst in the second period proving to be the difference. While the Devils made a late push, they ultimately couldn't overcome Winnipeg's strong middle frame performance.