JNGD.S8.G23 Instant Recap: Jets Fail To Seal The Deal Against The Pens

Photo credit:© Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports

By KB

5 years ago

The Winnipeg Jets fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins by a score of 4-3. This is the type of game that leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of Jets fans as Winnipeg had gained a lead three separate times only to watch it slip away. Not only did the Jets give up a lead, but they lost the game in the third period once again. It was a good night for Scheifele who scored twice, but everyone will have to wait at least one more game before Laine reaches 100 career goals. Laine had some chances, but was unable to find the back of the net as his four game, eleven goal streak comes to an end.

First Period

After a phenomenal performance against the Blues, all eyes were on Patrik Laine in the opening frame. Every time he shot the puck there was an audible gasp from the crowd who seem to be expecting a goal on every single shot. Regardless, Laine didn’t score in the opening period but Brandon Tanev did to give the Jets the lead. It was a great individual effort on the penalty kill as Tanev used his speed to circle the net and slide the puck past DeSmith

The lead was short-lived for Winnipeg as Crosby scored the tying goal of a nice backhand shot. Not many people have a backhand like Crosby who seemed to flip the puck with ease past Connor Hellebuyck.

The scariest moment of the first period came off a Dustin Byfuglien collision in front of the bench. Byfuglien was visibly shaken up and could hardly climb over the boards to get the bench. He immediately left for concussion testing but was luckily cleared for the rest of the game. With Kulikov hurt and Trouba a bit bruised, the Jets cannot afford to have another defensemen go down with injury.

Second Period

The second period was all about Mark Scheifele as he opened the scoring less than a minute into the second period. It was a great passing play on a three on two rush where Ehlers dropped the puck to Wheeler who found Scheifele streaking across the far side.

Unfortunately for Winnipeg, as soon as they regained their lead, they let it slip away. Some poor defensive zone coverage led to a wide open Sheahan who got a great look in the slot. Hellebuyck stopped the initial shot before it bounced around the crease and Sheahan poked in the rebound.

As mentioned before, Scheifele was on fire in the second period. He made a great rush in the midst of a Penguins line change and fired his second goal of the period past DeSmith.

The period finished with both teams trading chances without anyone able to convert. The Jets third and fourth lines were creating some solid offensive zone time and Perreault almost slid another goal past DeSmith. The save was made and the Jets head into the third period with a lead once again.

Third Period

All Winnipeg had to do was tie the Penguins in the third period and they would win the game. With a one goal lead, you don’t even have to outscore the opposition, as a tie equals a win. Unfortunately, the terrible third periods continued for Winnipeg and they gave up not only one goal, but two goals to lose the game in regulation.

It began on a really soft goal by Derek Grant who floated one towards Hellebuyck that never should have gone in.

With the score now tied, it was still anybody’s game until the Penguins got another freebie on a bad touch by Wheeler in his own end. A pass from the corner bounced off Wheeler to a streaking Aston-Reese who scored the game winning goal.

Talking Points

The fourth line for the Jets had a solid game. They spent most of the night in the offensive zone and created quite a few chances on net. Petan in particular looked strong and appears to be gaining more confidence as he plays.
There was plenty of trouble when the Jets were trying to break out of their own end. They committed way too many turnovers and it almost cost them a couple goals. It started with the defense making poor decisions and continued with the forwards struggling to clear their zone with possession of the puck.
Connor Hellebuyck was not at his best tonight, especially with the third goal for Pittsburgh. It was a soft shot that never should have went in. Hellebuyck was fighting the puck the entire night and seemed to have some trouble from the very start of the game.
Another game where the Jets are leading after two periods ends in a loss. This is a terrible trend and the Jets are having some major difficulty trying to finish out games. They will need to figure out how to protect a lead if they want to be considered a top team in the league.

Boxscore

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