Jets conclude pre-season with loss to Avalanche
The Jets finish their pre-season with a 5-2 loss to the Avalanche.
Quick answers
What was the outcome of the Jets' final pre-season game?
The Winnipeg Jets lost their final pre-season game 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche on September 25, 2026. The Jets finished their pre-season with a record of 1-3.
What performance did T.J. Hughes have in the game?
T.J. Hughes, a prospect for the Avalanche, had a standout performance, scoring three goals and providing four points overall. He contributed to nearly all of Colorado's goals, demonstrating his emerging skill.
Avalanche rally to win the game
The Winnipeg Jets ended their pre-season on a losing note, falling 5-2 to the Colorado Avalanche in Denver. This loss capped off a disappointing pre-season campaign for the Jets, finishing with a 1-3 record.
Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring for the Jets with a power-play goal in the first period. Following this, Vladislav Namestnikov restored the lead after the Avalanche initially tied the game.
However, the Jets could not hold onto their lead. The Avalanche responded with four unanswered goals over the final period and a half, effectively taking control of the game.
Standout performances
T.J. Hughes, a prospect for the Avalanche, emerged as a key player, scoring three goals and assisting on another. His performance was pivotal, as he was involved in all but one of Colorado’s scoring plays.
Hughes, who played with the AHL’s Colorado Eagles last season, showcased his readiness for the NHL stage. The University of Michigan product solidified his standing within the organization with this display.
Jets’ starting goalie struggles
Jets’ goaltender Stuart Skinner played the entire game, facing 32 shots but allowed four goals, resulting in an .875 save percentage. Skinner’s performance raised concerns as the team prepares for the regular season.
With their opener against the Boston Bruins just days away on October 2, the Jets will need to regroup quickly and address their defensive lapses observed during the pre-season.
Looking ahead to the regular season
The Jets will look to bounce back from this lackluster pre-season as they gear up for their regular season opener. The game against the Bruins will be critical for setting the tone of their season.
Adapting to a competitive Atlantic Division will be paramount for the Jets. Fans will hope to see a more cohesive team effort in the upcoming match.
For related context, see NHL starting-goalie status.
Reporting for this story draws on Sportsnet.
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