Early goals, stiff defense spark Jets to home win

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Winnipeg Jets were in rhythm and the Vegas Golden Knights looked rusty.

Or, maybe the Jets are just that good.

Dustin Byfuglien scored about a minute after the puck dropped and Winnipeg built a three-goal lead early in the first period and went on to beat Vegas 4-2 on Saturday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

While the Jets played at home less than 48 hours after advancing past top-seeded Nashville on the road, the Golden Knights were off for nearly a week after eliminating San Jose in the second round.

“We didn't have much of a rest,” Byfuglien said. “We're still in game mode.”

Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck made 18 saves.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 22 shots for the Golden Knights, whose Stanley Cup-winning goalie has given up at least three goals for the fifth time in six games.

“He's the best goalie in the playoffs as far as I'm concerned,” Gallant said.

Winnipeg started strong and fast. Vegas, meanwhile, didn't appear anything like the team that took the league by storm in its record-breaking inaugural season.

The Jets' fast, deep and talented team had 114 points this season and trailed only the Predators' league-high total by three points. Their success has carried over into the postseason, where they’ve avoided trailing a series.

The hard-charging, smoothpassing Jets put the Pacific Division champions on their heels right from the start and didn't relent.

Byfuglien's slap shot 1:05 into the game off a drop pass from Scheifele put Winnipeg up 1-0. That ignited the party-like atmosphere in a relatively cozy arena with just 16,345 seats and a low ceiling.

“That was huge for us,” Jets center Paul Stastny said. “Early in the game, too. And then all of the sudden it gave life to everyone, everyone on the bench, the crowd.”

After a flurry of goals early, the Jets were able to play conservatively to cut down on Vegas' comeback chances.

“We were getting the puck deep,” Jets center Mark Scheifele said. “We weren't fooling around with it in the neutral zone.”

Jason Halstead / Getty Images Patrik Laine, right, contributed to a three-goal first period for the Jets in a 4-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.