NEWARK, NJ — The Winnipeg Jets spoiled the New Jersey Devils’ Stanley Cup banner celebration, edging the defending champions 3-2 in a shootout at Prudential Center on opening night of the 2026-27 season.

The game marked the first meeting between the clubs since New Jersey captured the Stanley Cup in last season’s seven-game Final.

Winnipeg wasted little time taking control. Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring 5:28 into the first period on a controversial play that appeared to deflect off his skate. After a lengthy review, officials ruled the goal was legally directed into the net, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead.

Just over 10 minutes later, Neal Pionk doubled Winnipeg’s advantage by blasting a slap shot from the high slot past Jacob Markström.

The Devils responded before the first intermission when Danton Heinen buried his own rebound to cut the deficit to 2-1.

New Jersey finally drew even in the third period as James van Riemsdyk weaved through traffic and beat Connor Hellebuyck on the stick side to make it 2-2.

Neither team could find the winner in overtime, sending the game to a shootout.

Kyle Connor gave the Jets the early edge before Jack Hughes answered for the Devils. Josh Morrissey restored Winnipeg’s lead in the second round, and Hellebuyck slammed the door by stopping New Jersey’s final two shooters to secure an opening-night victory and a measure of revenge for last season’s heartbreaking Stanley Cup defeat.