The Winnipeg Jets’ hot start to the 2025-26 NHL season took a hit on Tuesday night as they were blanked 3-0 by the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena. It was a disappointing result for a team that entered the night among the league’s early-season success stories, winning four of their previous five games and remaining undefeated on the road.
Instead, they ran into a desperate Kings team seeking its first home win of the season, and goaltender Darcy Kuemper slammed the door shut. The Jets couldn’t find the spark that carried them through their strong October stretch, leaving California with their first road loss of the season. Here are three takeaways from the defeat.
The Offence Went Cold at the Worst Possible Time
The tone of the game was set early when Josh Morrissey appeared to give the Jets a 1-0 lead in the first period, only for the goal to be overturned after a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference. The reversal seemed to drain some of Winnipeg’s momentum. “We just felt if that was the other way around, we probably wouldn’t have challenged it, if it had been Helly we just feel there wasn’t enough contact,” said head coach Scott Arniel post-game.
From that point forward, the Jets struggled to establish offensive rhythm. Their top six — led by Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi — generated some flashes, but Kuemper was sharp, turning aside all 30 shots he faced. Alex Iafallo had one of Winnipeg’s better chances midway through the second, cutting to the slot and firing a shot that Kuemper kicked away with his left pad.
When asked about the Jets’ offensive output, Arniel didn’t mince words. “Well, actually, I go the other way — I don’t think we created enough offence,” he said. “We only had about 10 scoring chances, and we didn’t get to any second opportunities or sustain pressure in the offensive zone.”
Winnipeg’s depth lines, which had been a major strength during their recent winning streak, also struggled to sustain pressure. The third line of Nino Niederreiter, a returning Adam Lowry, and Tanner Pearson failed to generate extended zone time, while the fourth line saw limited minutes.
The Jets were held off the scoreboard for the first time since their Oct. 23 matchup with the Seattle Kraken, and that’s notable — this team has built its identity around pace and offensive creativity. The Kings clogged up the neutral zone and forced Winnipeg to dump and chase, an area where Los Angeles’ defensive structure thrives.
Discipline and Special Teams Proved Costly
For much of the game, the Jets hung around. Hellebuyck was steady in goal, making several strong stops to keep it close, and the defence corps handled the Kings’ push reasonably well. But in the third period, discipline issues crept in — and they proved fatal.
With just under eight minutes to play and the Jets pressing for an equalizer, Namestnikov took a double-minor for high-sticking, giving Los Angeles a four-minute power play. The Kings capitalized with 5:00 left, when Kevin Fiala nabbed the puck at the point and ripped a snap shot off the post and in behind Hellebuyck for a power-play goal, making it 2-0 in the 3rd period.
The Jets went 5-for-6 on the penalty kill, but the timing of the goal was devastating — and it was followed by an empty-net marker that sealed the 3-0 result. On the flip side, Winnipeg’s power play once again struggled to make an impact. They finished 0-for-5, continuing a slump with their power play, with one goal in their last three games, going 1-for-11.
The Jets have the personnel to improve in that area — with Morrissey’s quarterbacking and Connor’s finishing — but consistency remains elusive. Cleaning up the minor penalties and reestablishing a shooting mentality will be essential if they want to maintain their strong start.
A Wake-Up Call on the Road
Heading into Tuesday, the Jets were a perfect 4-0 away from home, showing poise and confidence in opposing buildings. That streak ended abruptly in Los Angeles, and while one loss doesn’t change the overall narrative, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of focus and preparation.
Indeed, the Kings entered the night 0-3-2 at home, and their energy was palpable from the opening puck drop. They won puck battles, clogged shooting lanes, and managed the game with veteran composure. The Jets, meanwhile, looked a step behind in the details — losing 50-50 puck battles and struggling in transition.
Despite the setback, there were a few bright spots. Lowry, playing his first game back, looked close to his usual form — finishing with four hits and delivering several strong shifts on the forecheck. Arniel spoke about easing him back into action, saying, “That was the idea, to try to get him out there as much as possible. We didn’t want him overthinking it, just playing. He’s missed a lot of time, but I thought he got stronger as the game went on.” Meanwhile, Morrissey, despite having his goal overturned, logged over 25 minutes of ice time and remained active in transition.
Going Forward
At 9-4-0, the Jets still sit comfortably among the Western Conference’s top teams, but this game offered a valuable lesson in maintaining consistency and discipline. The offensive firepower remains, but execution — especially on special teams — needs fine-tuning.
As the Jets continue their road trip, the focus will be on rediscovering their offensive touch and re-establishing their commitment to structure. One shutout loss doesn’t erase a month of strong hockey, but it does highlight the margin for error in a competitive Central Division.
If Winnipeg can channel this frustration into sharper execution, they’ll be better for it — and that’s exactly what good teams do.
