It was a night of milestones, grit, and a little bit of history as the Winnipeg Jets edged out the Calgary Flames 2-1 at the Scotiabank Saddledome on October 20, 2025. For the Jets, this victory marked their fifth consecutive win, and it was anything but routine. The game featured a dramatic third-period comeback, a franchise record, and a goaltending duel that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
Heading into the contest, both teams had something to prove. The Jets, already riding a four-game winning streak, were looking to solidify their status as early-season contenders in the NHL. The Flames, on the other hand, were desperate to halt a five-game slide and avoid sinking further in the standings. The stakes were high, and the tension on the ice was palpable from the opening faceoff.
The first period was a defensive chess match, with neither side able to break through. The Jets and Flames traded power plays, but both goaltenders—Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck and Calgary’s rookie Dustin Wolf—stood tall. The penalty box saw plenty of action, disrupting the flow and limiting five-on-five play. As Jets coach Scott Arniel remarked before the game, “When you get a wounded dog, there’s one of two things: either they’re going to bite you, or they’re going to put their tail between their legs. I don’t think they’re going to do the tail part.” Calgary, stung by recent criticism and a lopsided loss to Vegas, came out with renewed effort, but Winnipeg’s penalty kill remained relentless, going a perfect 5-for-5 on the night.
The deadlock finally broke at 13:22 of the second period. Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson fired a long shot through traffic, with Ryan Lomberg providing the screen. Hellebuyck was beaten for the only time all night, and the Saddledome crowd erupted as Calgary took a 1-0 lead. The Flames, however, have struggled to protect leads this season, a trend that would ultimately haunt them once again.
As the third period began, the Jets found themselves trailing but far from defeated. Enter Jonathan Toews, the 37-year-old veteran who signed with his hometown team after a lengthy layoff battling long COVID. Toews, who hadn’t scored an NHL goal since April 13, 2023, parked himself in front of the net during a power play. At 2:41, he expertly deflected Neal Pionk’s point shot past Wolf, tying the game and sending the Winnipeg bench into a frenzy. “These last few games I feel like I am really starting to settle in,” Toews said after the game. “I kept telling myself to be ready for that one chance. We got our chance in the third and it was nice to get a stick on it. It’s nice to get that first one and start to build some confidence in the offensive zone.”
Toews’ goal was more than just a personal milestone—it was a spark for the Jets. The momentum shifted, and Winnipeg began to press for the go-ahead tally. Flames rookie Samuel Honzek nearly answered, ringing a shot off the post in search of his first NHL goal, but luck was not on Calgary’s side.
With just under five minutes left in regulation, the Jets struck again. Goalie Hellebuyck made a crucial save, and defenseman Josh Morrissey quickly corralled the rebound. Morrissey, who would later be recognized for setting a new franchise record with his 295th assist as a defenseman, launched a perfect outlet pass to Kyle Connor. Connor and Mark Scheifele raced up the ice on a two-on-one rush, and Connor zipped a cross-ice feed to Scheifele, who buried the one-timer for the game-winner at 15:06. “Unbelievable pass by K.C.,” Scheifele said. “I trust in that guy with the puck every single time. You know he’s an amazing player, and I’m lucky to play with him.”
Scheifele’s goal continued his torrid start to the season. He has now scored in all six games, notching a team-leading seven goals and ten points, and recently passed Blake Wheeler as the franchise’s all-time points leader. The Jets’ top line continues to fire on all cylinders, but on this night, it was the collective effort—and some key contributions from new faces—that made the difference.
Calgary pressed hard in the closing minutes, pulling Wolf for an extra attacker and earning a late power play, but Hellebuyck and the Jets’ penalty killers were up to the task. The Flames, now 0-4-0 when scoring first and outscored 13-2 in third periods this season, couldn’t find the equalizer. The final horn sounded, and the Jets celebrated a hard-fought win that showcased their resilience and depth.
Hellebuyck’s performance was nothing short of stellar. He stopped 32 of 33 shots, improving his record to four consecutive wins with a sparkling 1.50 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage over that stretch. “Your best penalty killer has to be your goalie and Helly was,” said Arniel. The reigning Vezina and Hart Trophy winner reminded everyone why he’s among the league’s elite, making timely saves and exuding calm under pressure.
For the Flames, the loss was a bitter pill. Rookie goalie Dustin Wolf was excellent, turning aside 26 shots and giving his team a chance to win. But Calgary’s inability to finish and protect leads continues to be a storyline. Coach Ryan Huska made a statement by scratching Yegor Sharangovich after public criticism of his effort, but the shakeup wasn’t enough to change the result. “Last game, we were like a 50-50 team, is the best way I can put it. There were 50 per cent of our guys that I thought worked really hard and were committed and then I don’t think we had enough from the other 50,” Huska said before the game. The Flames will need to find answers quickly if they hope to climb out of the Western Conference cellar.
Beyond the scoreboard, the night was filled with memorable moments. The Saddledome crowd erupted in support of the Toronto Blue Jays, who were clinching a World Series berth during the hockey game. The unity between Calgary and Toronto fans—even as rivals—was a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together.
Looking ahead, the Jets return home to face the Seattle Kraken, buoyed by their five-game winning streak and the promise of key players like Cole Perfetti and Adam Lowry nearing a return from injury. As coach Arniel put it, “I’m probably going to have a headache here somewhere down the road, because I’m going to have a lot of bodies at one time, which is a good thing.” For now, though, Winnipeg is relishing a team effort that has them flying high early in the season.
The Flames, meanwhile, are left searching for answers as their losing streak hits six. With effort and flashes of promise, Calgary showed they’re not ready to roll over just yet. But until they solve their third-period woes and find some scoring touch, moral victories will have to suffice.
