Despite losing Carey Price to a lower-body injury, the Montreal Canadiens rolled into Winnipeg having won three of their last five games, ready to take on a high-powered Jets team.
The game started off slowly, but took off as soon as Winnipeg was called for the first of their six penalties on the night. Despite not scoring, both Andrew Shaw and Max Pacioretty had great chances right in front of Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, as well as a couple of good looks from Shea Weber.
Later in the period, on a Michael McCarron penalty, the Jets opened the scoring as Patrik Laine beat Al Montoya cleanly, giving the Jets the early 1-0 lead.