WINNIPEG

Blake Wheeler and Winnipeg Jets crash Coyotes' opening-night party with 6-2 win

By Jose M. Romero The Associated Press
Published Friday, October 10, 2014 9:37AM CST Last Updated Friday, October 10, 2014 2:42PM CST

Winnipeg Jets' Blake Wheeler (26) celebrates his goal, the first of two during the first period, against the Arizona Coyotes as Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23), of Sweden, skates in front of the goal area in an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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GLENDALE, Ariz. - Blake Wheeler scored twice in 15 seconds, Bryan Little also had two goals and the Winnipeg Jets spoiled the season opener at home for the newly named Arizona Coyotes with a 6-2 victory Thursday night.

Wheeler keyed a four-goal first period for the Jets, who were in control almost from the start as Arizona goalie Mike Smith struggled early.

Wheeler also added an assist, his pass to Dustin Byfuglien for a tap-in from right in front at 12:31 of the second period to give Winnipeg a four-goal lead.

The Jets, also playing their opener, put 16 shots on net in the first period to eight for the Coyotes. Little opened the scoring 7 minutes in on a 2-on-1 break, taking a pass from Andrew Ladd and shooting the puck past Smith.