The Winnipeg Jets dropped game 3 of their second-round playoff series to the Dallas Stars by a score of 5-2. They now trail the series, two wins to one. Coming off a shutout victory at home in Game Two, this outcome was especially disappointing. In order to win the series, the Jets need to solve their playoff road issues in a hurry.
Slow start issue returns
After a great start to Game Two, the Jets once again started sluggishly in this game. Nino Niederreiter took a very careless high-sticking penalty in the offensive zone to put the Stars on the power early. To make matters worse, on the ensuing penalty kill, Josh Morrissey tripped Miko Rantanen to give the Stars a short 5-on-3. Just after Niederreiter came out of the box, Roope Hintz re-directed a Thomas Harley pass into the Jets net to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
This marked the fourth time in these playoffs that Connor Hellebuyck has allowed a goal on the first shot he faced. It’s happened three times on the road. Plain and simple, this trend must end immediately.
Kyle Connor tied the game with a wrap-around at the halfway mark of the period. Unfortunately for the Jets, Thomas Harley restored the Stars’ lead after another delayed Niederreiter penalty.
Improved second period
After a slow start, the Jets got to their game in the middle frame. They dictated play for large chunks of the period. Niederreiter tied the game at 2 just after the half way mark of the period after a beautiful set up by Morrissey. The period ended with the game tied at 2-2.
Nears the end of the second period, believing the officials missed a call on the Jets, a frustrated Mason Marchment slashed the leg of referee Graham Skilliter. Skilliter skated away from the incident without any reaction. During the intermission, the Sportsnet panel insisted that Marchment’s action was a suspension-worth offence according to the NHL Rule Book. However, it looks like Marchment will escape any punishment.
Game gets away in third period
The turning point in the game came at the four-minute mark of the final period. On replay, it was clear that Alex Petrovic kicked the puck toward the net, which then went off of Hellebuyck’s stick and in. After an eight-minute review, the disputed goal stood.
The explanation: While the puck was kicked towards the Jets net, Hellebuyck propelled it in rather than it deflecting off him. A very controversial ruling. Less than a minute later, the deadly Mikko Rantanen scored off the rush to give the Stars a 4-2 lead.
Scott Arniel called a timeout after Rantanen’s goal to settle the team down. Although the Jets put heavy pressure on the Stars for the next 10 minutes, they drew no closer. Wyatt Johnston scored with under six minutes left in the game for a a 5-2 final.
Bottom line: Jets need to solve road issues
The Jets are now 0-4 on the road in these playoffs. Although Hellebuyck did not get pulled this time, he still posted an ugly stat line of five goals on 26 shots. The goalie took himself out of position on Johnston’s goal in particular.
Game Four on Tuesday night will be very telling. Exorcise the road demons and the series goes back to Winnipeg knotted at two wins apiece. Lose again, and the Jets are in deep trouble. It’s never easy to win three games in a row in a series such as this.
