Dawson Mercer scores first goal as Jet in Winnipeg's 6-2 win over Canucks

WINNIPEG · Dawson Mercer recorded his first goal since joining the Winnipeg Jets, contributing a goal and an assist in a 6-2 home victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday. The win marked the Jets' second consecutive victory as they began a three-game stretch at Canada Life Centre. Goaltender Stuart Skinner stopped 24 shots for Winnipeg in front of a crowd of 13,312 fans. Mark Scheifele also had a goal and an assist, with additional goals coming from Mario Ferraro, Neal Pionk, Alex Iafallo and Cole Koepke. Vancouver's goals were scored by Brock Boeser and Liam Ohgren.

Winnipeg established an early lead with two goals in quick succession during the first period. Iafallo and Koepke found the net just 14 seconds apart, giving the Jets a 2-0 advantage by the 4:03 mark. The Canucks responded when Ohgren scored at 6:51 to cut the deficit. Mercer restored the two-goal lead at 14:04 of the first, converting a pass from Cole Perfetti for his first goal of the season.

Mercer's tally sparked a run of four unanswered goals for the Jets. In the second period, after a display of skill from Kyle Connor, Pionk seized the puck and beat Canucks netminder Leevi Merilainen at the 6:52 mark. Nearly five minutes later, Scheifele deflected a pass from Connor into the net, with rookie Viggio Bjorck earning an assist for his first NHL point. That goal gave Winnipeg a commanding 5-1 lead heading into the third period.

Ferraro extended the lead to five goals midway through the final frame, scoring at 11:36. Boeser managed a consolation goal for Vancouver with a backhand shot at 16:09. Merilainen finished the night with 23 saves on 29 shots as the Canucks' record fell to 3-14-1. The Jets improved to 6-8-3 with the win.

With files from The Canadian Press, CityNews and Global News