Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets put forward an "embarrassing" performance on Monday evening, dropping their first-ever game in Utah against the Hockey Club by a score of 5-2, and their head coach didn’t hold back with his comments. Scott Arniel calls the Jets' performance “embarrassing” The Jets didn’t generate much offence in this game, scoring their two goals late in the third period. Before that, they seemingly mismanaged the puck in every key spot, and Utah was able to capitalize on their many opportunities. It's safe to say that Scott Arniel was not happy with his team's performance on this night, and he expressed that in his postgame press conference. “That was embarrassing,” Arniel said. “That was, of all the games this year, that was the most embarrassing game for me, for our players, I take full credit I gotta be the one that holds these guys accountable and make sure we’re better. That was embarrassing. From top to bottom, we did a horseshit job.” Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) This game certainly ranks high under the “poor performance” category this season, and with the Jets’ next opponent being the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, they’ll have to turn things around in a hurry. Heading into the third period down only 2-0, the Jets had an opportunity to make the game close in the final 20 minutes. Two key turnovers cost them that opportunity, as they turned the puck over at the offensive blue line, leading to an odd-man rush chance the other way for the Hockey Club. “That is not Winnipeg Jets hockey,” is what Nikolaj Ehlers said after the game. The Jets have now lost two straight, and have scored only five goals in their last three games. The goal-scoring drought, along with the lack of a power play opportunity in this game, is certainly not Winnipeg Jets hockey. “Long shifts, turnovers, and I mean they’re a good team, don’t take anything away from them, they’re a really good team. They dominated us today, simple as that. We’re not winning the Stanley Cup with the way that we’re playing today.” Adam Lowry exits with injury and does not return Adam Lowry didn’t appear on the Winnipeg Jets’ bench to begin the second period and did not return to the game. Scott Arniel did not have an update on Lowry’s status after the game. Losing Lowry would have massive implications on the Jets' forward core, and their already spotty centre depth outside of Mark Scheifele on the top line. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) With Lowry out, the Jets went to a full line blender, uniting Niederreiter with Scheifele and Ehlers for the third period, a line that scored both of Winnipeg’s goals and gave them life when it was too little, too late. Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t yet chatted with UFAs or RFAs Outside of Arniel’s postgame comments, the most interesting part of this game was Kevin Cheveldayoff’s comments to the TSN broadcast at the intermission, where he spoke to his potential trade deadline plans, updates with pending free agents, and more. When asked if he has had any conversations with UFAs or RFAs, Cheveldayoff said: “I haven’t had any negotiations with any of the free agents yet as far as sitting down and talking to them about actual nitty-gritty of contracts, but I have had conversations with many of the RFA and UFA free agents.” This isn’t all that surprising, but is worth noting, given the Jets' extensive list of pending free agents. The most notable pending UFAs include Nikolaj Ehlers, Alex Iafallo, and Neal Pionk, with the most notable pending RFAs being Gabriel Vilardi, Dylan Samberg, and Morgan Barron. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) When asked about his potential trade deadline plans, Cheveldayoff pointed to past years where they have been more than willing to buy. "I think we've shown we've always been aggressive if the opportunity is there,” Cheveldayoff said. The expectation remains that the Jets will look to buy this trade deadline, as Cheveldayoff has done many times in the past when his team is near the top of the NHL standings. Cheveldayoff is expected to speak once again this week to reporters on the road in Colorado. Up next The Jets’ next contest comes against a divisional rival, the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday at 8:30 PM CT. They’ll then return home for a two-game set to take on this same Utah Hockey Club on Friday night, and the Calgary Flames on Sunday. Stay tuned to Illegalcurve.com for what is tracking to be a newsy week in Jets (and Moose) land.

Next day takeaways: 3 thoughts from the Winnipeg Jets’ “embarrassing” 5-2 loss to Utah HC

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff media availability during TSN broadcast

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Winnipeg Jets fail to play to their standard falling 5-2 to the Utah HC in their first ever visit to Salt Lake City

Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff says they haven’t yet sat down with any of their UFAs or RFAs

Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Game 48: Winnipeg Jets vs Utah Hockey Club pre-game report

WST | Winnipeg Jets Week in Review

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Next day takeaways: 2 thoughts as the Winnipeg Jets lose to the Flames 3-1