Jets’ Defense Falters as Comrie Takes the Heat in Loss to Hurricanes

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 on November 21, 2025, in a game marked by a shaky defensive performance. Starting goalie Eric Comrie, stepping in for the injured Connor Hellebuyck, faced an early challenge when Carolina’s Jordan Staal scored just 16 seconds into the match. Despite this setback, Comrie managed to make 24 saves, showcasing resilience throughout the contest.

Head coach Scott Arniel expressed understanding of the situation, highlighting the need for the team to support their goaltender more effectively. “Obviously, we got caught right off the bat there on a transition play,” Arniel said. “I felt for him right away, but then he settled in. He made some big stops in the first period.”

The Jets saw contributions from Gabriel Vilardi, who netted two goals, and defenseman Josh Morrissey, who extended his point streak to seven games with a goal and an assist. Morrissey’s performance included tying the game at 1-1 shortly after Staal’s initial goal, demonstrating the Jets’ determination to rebound from early adversity.

The match began with Staal’s goal, followed by a series of defensive missteps from the Jets. Winnipeg’s Dylan DeMelo reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “We need to play better in front of him.” Comrie’s solid play kept the team competitive, but Arniel emphasized the need for improvement, noting, “We need to play better in front of him. A couple of mistakes we made are things that we need to clean up for him.”

Carolina’s offensive pressure continued, with Staal scoring again in the second period, followed by a shorthanded goal from Seth Jarvis. The Hurricanes took a commanding 4-2 lead early in the third period, but Vilardi’s quick response brought the Jets within one goal.

As the game neared its conclusion, Winnipeg faced a late-game challenge when K’Andre Miller was penalized for high-sticking Vilardi. With Comrie pulled for an extra attacker, the Jets pressed for an equalizer but could not find the back of the net.

The matchup also featured a special moment for former Jet Nikolaj Ehlers, now with the Hurricanes. The Jets honored Ehlers with a video tribute in the first period, and he received an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. Ehlers later assisted on a goal, reinforcing his offensive prowess.

Despite the loss, the Jets remain committed to improving their defensive strategies as they prepare for the upcoming matches. Comrie, who is now 4-2-0 this season, continues to earn the respect of his teammates, with DeMelo stating, “On and off the ice, he’s one of our hardest workers.”

Looking ahead, the Jets will need to address their defensive lapses to support their goaltending and maintain competitiveness in the league. The team’s next game will be crucial in testing their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.