Winnipeg Jets vs. Vegas Golden Knights: 3 Takeaways From Game 1

The Winnipeg Jets topped the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in Game 1. Here are three takeaways from the exciting opener. 

The Western Conference Final is underway. In Game 1, the Winnipeg Jets were the home team. They were inspired by an energetic crowd. Three first-period goals gave them all the momentum they needed. From that point on, the Jets went into shutdown mode. Winnipeg topped the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2.

After topping the Nashville Predators in seven games, the Jets showed no signs of being exhausted. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights seemed a bit rusty and unprepared to start. They did, however, look better as the game went on. Let’s take a look at three takeaways from an exciting Game 1.

1. (Big) Buff-alo Soldier

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Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is the heart and soul of the Jets. He can get his team going in so many different ways. Whether it’s with a eye-poppingly hard slap shot, a brilliant pass, or a Hulk-esque hit, Byfuglien has various ways he can imapct a game. When he’s at his best, he’s doing a bit of everything. Byfuglien had a terrific Game 1.

In the first-period, he was a force of nature. Byfuglien got things going early with a goal 65 seconds into the game.

While he didn’t get an assist on Patrik Laine‘s goal that made it 2-0, he deserved one. Byfuglien stretched to keep the puck in the offensive zone. This kind of heads up play has become the norm for him. Byfuglien is a natural defenseman who had to learn how to be a forward with the Blackhawks. And then had to relearn how to be a defenseman. Over the years, he’s picked up on the things great defensemen do. And he does them.

Byfuglien concluded his evening with an underrated great decision. The Golden Knights were taking Laine away from the Jets power-play. Instead of trying to force something that wasn’t there, Byfuglien decided to get the puck on net. Mark Scheifele made a perfect tip to get it past Marc-Andre Fleury.

It’s so much fun to watch Byfuglien play because he does so many of the little things right. He’s also a very exciting player who is one of the most well-rounded players in the league. Byfuglien can do everything well.