Judd Caulfield gets first NHL goal as Ducks roll Jets 5-1 in Winnipeg

Anaheim opened the scoring and kept Winnipeg from settling in, getting contributions across the lineup in a lopsided win that handed the Jets their first regulation loss of the season.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. Rookie Judd Caulfield scored his first NHL goal and added an assist as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 on Friday night. The win handed Winnipeg its first regulation loss of the season, snapping the Jets’ early momentum and giving Anaheim a statement result away from home.

Caulfield’s night was notable not only because it was his first goal at the top level, but because he factored in on two different plays. His goal and helper helped set the tone early, and Anaheim kept pressure on after gaining control of the pace.

Anaheim’s scoring was spread beyond its newest contributor. Tim Washe and Mikael Granlund each had a goal and an assist, combining for two of Anaheim’s five goals and adding playmaking that went beyond finishing. That two-point production reflects how the Ducks were able to generate opportunities in multiple ways rather than relying on a single line.

The Ducks also got goals from Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko. With that variety, Winnipeg had fewer obvious targets for defensive attention, a challenge that grew more difficult as the margin widened. Anaheim’s ability to keep scoring after answers from the Jets slowed is often the difference in games that feel out of reach.

For Winnipeg, the setback means it will have to respond quickly, especially after starting the season in a way that led to no regulation losses. The Jets still have reason to believe in their structure, but Friday’s game showed how quickly scoring can tilt once an opponent gets sustained offensive zone time.

The Ducks, meanwhile, improved to 3-1-0 with the victory. Through a short stretch, that kind of start matters for team-building and confidence, particularly for a club that will look to integrate young players and maintain offensive balance.

Looking ahead, the focus for Anaheim will be whether it can keep Caulfield and the rest of the group producing as the schedule tightens. For Winnipeg, the priority will be tightening defensive details and limiting the kind of second-chance opportunities and multi-point nights that tend to turn a one-goal contest into a rout.

Why It Matters

Caulfield’s first NHL goal, paired with a second point, gives Anaheim a timely boost from a rookie as it builds early-season identity.
The Ducks’ scoring spread, with multiple players recording two-point nights, points to a deeper offense than a one-line attack.
Handing Winnipeg its first regulation loss adds urgency for the Jets, which will likely emphasize defensive tightening in the next stretch.
With Anaheim up to 3-1-0, the result strengthens its confidence and short-term standings picture as the season develops.

Sources

Key Facts

Judd Caulfield scored his first NHL goal and added an assist in Anaheim’s 5-1 win over Winnipeg.
Tim Washe and Mikael Granlund each recorded a goal and an assist for the Ducks.
Sam Colangelo and Nikita Nesterenko also scored for Anaheim.
The Ducks improved to 3-1-0 with the victory.
Winnipeg suffered its first regulation loss of the season.
Game was played in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Friday night.