The Winnipeg Jets fell to the Columbus Blue Jackets by a 4-3 final. It was a hard fought game from Winnipeg who took the lead three separate times before finally allowing the Blue Jackets to go ahead in the closing minutes of the game. This game also signalled the end of the Mom’s trip where the Jets finished 0-3. As the title suggests, the moms likely aren’t mad, they are just disappointed in the poor play of the club over the last week. With the All-Star break giving the Jets over a full week off, it’s a much needed break from the ice as the Jets can spend some time forgetting about the recent stretch of losses.

It was a bit of a weird start to the game as the Blue Jackets had the early edge in shots. They were able to get the first three or four chances, but Brossoit made a few nice saves. A few minutes later, Winnipeg finally got their first shot of the game. It came off a defensemen’s shinpad and dropped right in front of Appleton. Appleton made no mistake as he put it past Merzlikins to open the scoring.

The lead was shortlived however, as Winnipeg got running around in their own end just moments later. Ehlers got caught on a pick and nobody helped him on defense as Seth Jones walked in and beat Brossoit on the short side.

The Jets had a powerplay later in the period, but their recent struggles continued as they weren’t able to muster anything dangerous at the net. Even though the powerplay wasn’t rolling, the Jets scored another five on five goal later in the period as Bittetto’s point shot grazed Connor on the way to the back of the net.

The Jets took the lead again and headed into the first intermission up by a goal. The period wasn’t the best for Winnipeg, but having a lead is the only thing that matters.

The Jets held the lead at the start of the period, but they didn’t hold it for long as the Blue Jackets scored early in the period. Copp lost the puck behind Winnipeg’s net and the Blue Jackets made a quick passing play before snapping it past Brossoit.

With neither team doing much for most of the period, Winnipeg got the best chance to score with their second powerplay of the game. The top unit finally converted as Pionk’s shot found some room through plenty of sticks and into the back of the net. This goal gave Winnipeg the lead for the third time in the game.

Just like the other times that Winnipeg took the lead, Columbus scored a few minutes later. This goal came on the powerplay as the puck squeezed through Brossoit. It was left lying in the crease as multiple players dove to try and get their stick on it. Appleton arrived just a moment too late as Nyquist was able to nudge the puck into the open cage just before Appleton crashed into the net. The end result was a goal as the Blue Jackets tied things up at three heading into third period.

With the game tied at three, it seemed like both teams were content to play it safe and not take too many chances. Eventually, somebody had to score, and it took all the way until five minutes left for the go-ahead goal. Columbus took the lead for the first time of the game as Bjorkstrand beat Kulikov towards the net and put a nice shot high, short-side on Brossoit.

The game tightened up in the closing minutes as the Jets searched for the tying goal. In the end, they weren’t able to find it as they dropped their fourth straight game.

The same as every other night, Winnipeg allowed far too many dangerous scoring chances on Brossoit while they weren’t able to muster much offense on the other end. Brossoit played well, but there were too many defensive mistakes that cost the Jets.

Mason Appleton is your Top Gun of this game. With the opening goal coming off a quick shot on net, he appeared to have an extra jump in his step for the rest of the night. The lines got shuffled midway through the game, and he started playing with Wheeler and Copp for most of the second and third period. He was quick on the forecheck and had a few great chances. This solid effort gives Appleton player of the game honours.

The Winnipeg Jets’ next flight is back to Winnipeg after this game. With the NHL taking a break for the All-Star festivities this weekend, the Jets get over a week off to rest and relax. They get back on the ice next Thursday as they host the Bruins. This kicks off a three game homestand against Boston, St. Louis, and Nashville.