“It’s something you dream of as a kid’: Anderson-Dolan making most of opportunity with Jets

It was a true “pinch me” moment for Jaret Anderson-Dolan.

The 25-year-old Winnipeg Jets forward, who was toiling in the American Hockey League just a few weeks ago, scored the biggest goal of his young career on Saturday night to send Canada Life Centre into a full-blown frenzy.

“It’s something you dream of as a kid scoring a playoff goal,” Anderson-Dolan told the Free Press on Sunday.

“And especially in an environment like that, in the Whiteout. I remember growing up watching Whiteouts. It’s obviously a crazy environment. Our crowd and fans are so good and so supportive. It’s definitely a cool moment scoring that goal and I kind of just blacked out after it went in, honestly.”

Thing is, the Calgary product wasn’t initially sure the goal was even his. Defenceman Luke Schenn’s shot was obviously deflected, but linemate Morgan Barron was first given credit. It was later changed to Anderson-Dolan’s tally when replays showed it hit Barron, then him, on the way past St. Louis goaltender Jordan Binnington.

“I don’t think either of us really cared. I didn’t find out until they announced it in the second period there after intermission,” said Anderson-Dolan, who had just four previous games of NHL playoff experience which all came in 2022-23 with the Los Angeles Kings. He didn’t record a point.

“Obviously very special. This time of year you want to do anything to contribute to a win. Scoring goals is obviously part of that, no matter if it’s a double deflection or not. It still counts the same. I thought that was a big goal for our team.”

It sure was, giving the Jets their first lead of the series with just under five minutes to play in the first period. Although the Blues would quickly answer back and then grab the lead back early in the middle frame, Winnipeg rallied with a trio of third-period goals to grab a huge 5-3 victory.

The fact Anderson-Dolan was in the Game 1 lineup, let alone scoring, is rather unexpected. He broke his foot in the final pre-season game last fall, then was sent to the Manitoba Moose once he recovered nearly two months later. He remained in the minors until late last month when injuries created an opportunity.

Anderson-Dolan, who signed a two-year free agent deal last summer and had 19 points (7G, 12A) in 51 games with the Moose, made his Jets debut on Apr. 3 in Vegas. He’d play six more regular season games, recording a total of one assist.

With forwards Gabe Vilardi (upper-body), Nikolaj Ehlers (lower-body) and Rasmus Kupari (concussion) all unable to start the playoffs, Anderson-Dolan’s spot in the lineup remained secure.

“Honestly, it changes quick,” he admitted.

“It’s been kind of a weird year. Just being down with the Moose, I tried to stay ready. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity I have. You dream of playing in the playoffs, every kid playing hockey dreams of scoring and even just playing. I definitely feel very fortunate.”

Anderson-Dolan, a second-round draft pick of the Kings in 2017 who has 15 career NHL goals in 134 regular-season games, finished his first playoff game with the Jets with one goal on two shots over 12 shifts that lasted 7:07. He also had one of his team’s 33 hits.

Kupari was a full participant at Sunday’s skate, but it’s hard to imagine coach Scott Arniel taking Anderson-Dolan out at this point. He’s been very effective on the fourth line with Morgan Barron and David Gustafsson, including getting some key shifts down the stretch in Saturday’s game even when it was tied late in the third period.

“(We) put responsibility on those guys’ shoulders, and really it’s — I know the other team has some top-end players, but I’m confident that whoever’s out on the ice will take care of their job,” said Arniel.

“Do the job against those guys, and whether that’s our fourth line or our top line that’s what you expect this time of year, and it’s what we’ve done kind of all year. So those guys are good and I need them to be good again (Monday).”

However, if Vilardi and/or Ehlers are able to return, Anderson-Dolan and/or Gustafsson would likely be the ones to come out barring any other injuries. Vilardi joined his teammates at Sunday’s optional skate in a yellow non-contact jersey and is getting closer, while Ehlers has yet to resume skating and would seem unlikely for this series.

Anderson-Dolan is simply focusing on what he can control, which is making the most of every chance that comes his way.

“It’s just not getting too high or not getting too low,” he said.

“That’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career, is things can change quickly. Everybody down there is just trying to stay ready, either in a call-up or be ready when their time comes. Definitely proud of that aspect, of being ready and able to step in and have an impact.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg