Winnipeg Jets let must-win slip away, fall 5-4 in shootout to Penguins

The Jets showed some battle but not enough attention to detail as they let this one slip away with their failure to hold a 3rd period lead.

For those who would like to take a deeper dive into the advanced stats click here to see the results from the game via Natural Stat Trick.

Notable:

The ethical tank folks had to be “happy” with the start by the visitors as the Jets gave up two goals in 2:02 to start the game and found themselves down 2-0 rather quickly to start this game,

Morgan Barron tied his career high in goals with his 11th of the season in what I’m sure it will be a memorable one for him. That’s three assists in the last four games for Jets prospect Brad Lambert.

1st period analysis: Two goals against Connor Hellebuyck in first three shots. Dylan DeMelo played all of two shifts (on for both against).

Message was received as the Jets started the middle frame on a much better foot/skate.

Eventually they would tie the game courtesy of a shorthanded goal with Cole Koepke getting his sixth on the season. He scored zero goals in his first 17 games and now had six goals in his last 36.

First game back for Neal Pionk and he tied the game in the 3rd early in the 3rd. It appeared the Jets had gone bang-bang with Mark Scheifele putting them up 4-3 but it was called back after a Pens challenge.

Winnipeg would score the fourth goal of the game (again) as Brad Lambert got his second of the season and secured his first multi point game of his career firing a shot past Silovs to make it a 4-3 game.

Connor Hellebuyck did get taken out but would stay in the game.

Seemed somewhat inexplicable in a must-win game but Jets coach Scott Arniel went with Gustav Nyquist as the second shooter. While you understand that he’s evidently the second best guy on the team from a % perspective, that’s historical and he didn’t have a particularly strong game that would merit a shot.

The Penguins would go on to win the shootout and thus the game 5-4 over the Jets. Winnipeg drop to 0-1-1 on this three-game road trip in what was really a must-win game for Winnipeg.

Multi Point Game:

Brad Lambert 1G 1A

Highlights:

Players/Coach availability:

Illegal Curve Post-Game Show:

Up next:

The Jets are back in action tomorrow in New York City as they take on the Rangers. Start your day with the Morning Papers which will go live at 7 AM CST tomorrow on illegalcurve.com and then join us after the game on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.

Podcast: