The Winnipeg Jets opened their preseason schedule with a preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday.

Head coach Paul Maurice said the goal was to have the players ready for the regular season.

“It’s a great opportunity for our young guys to get a look at the league and see how it works and where we’re at,” Maurice said.

“And the challenge was to be ready for what’s ahead, which was obviously a great challenge for the guys and to get some games in and have a good feeling of what we’re all capable of.”

The Jets will have the chance to prepare for the playoffs in 2017-18.

They are currently 12th in the Western Conference with a 29-22-6 record.