It’s still very early into the NHL season but the Winnipeg Jets are getting zero rest. Their mini two-game road trip continues in Pittsburgh Monday night, a day after they secured a 3-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings. There was plenty to be happy about in the victory – Kyle Connor continued his torrid start to the season with his second and third goals of the year and an assist on the opening goal from Cole Perfetti as well. There are also signs that the powerplay is clicking early, as all three goals came with the extra man. Even though Detroit did fight back and score a pair of goals, Winnipeg remained strong and were able to hold on, giving Stuart Skinner his first win as a Jet. Now, they will look to build on that performance and try to string a few wins together. “It was a big win yesterday. Gives us a lot of energy coming into today,” said Jets forward Alex Iafallo. The Jets know they won’t have an easy game as they face Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins. Pittsburgh hasn’t had any problem finding the net to start the season, grabbing 7-0 and 6-5 wins in their first two games. Winnipeg needs to get their defensive game going to stifle the high-powered offence early if they want to have success. “That’s a good offensive team. So I think sticking to our structure in the D-zone and communication is also going to help us, just little plays that they are making trying to get to the net, calling guys off, or calling guys to take another guy. That’s going to be a big factor tonight.” Iafallo noted the new guys on the team have fit in seamlessly to start the year and they have helped play a factor in grabbing three of a possible four points. Speaking of new players, Clay Stevenson is set to make his Jets debut between the pipes. Winnipeg claimed Stevenson off waivers from the Washington Capitals just before the season started. The Drayton Valley, Alta., native has got into five NHL games in his young career, securing three wins and 2.60 goals-against average. Puck drop between the Jets and Penguins is at 6:30 p.m.
