Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as the Oilers Beat the Jets 6-1

The Winnipeg Jets started their crucial two-game series with the Edmonton Oilers last night on home ice in Winnipeg. Going into yesterday’s game the Jets had a one-point lead on second place ahead of the Oilers, but Edmonton has two games in hand on Winnipeg.

The Jets also were without Adam Lowry, who is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and Nikolaj Ehlers, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, for yesterday’s critical game.

Kristian Vesalinen was inserted into the lineup for Ehlers, Jordie Benn replaced Logan Stanley on defense and Connor Hellebuyck got the start in goal for Winnipeg.

Although the Jets may have outshot the Oilers 37-30 yesterday, the scoreline was lopsided the other way.

The Winnipeg Jets losing streak continues as the Edmonton Oilers won in commanding 6-1 fashion

Here are three talking points from the Jets loss:

3. The Jets Woes on this Homestand Continue

Yesterday’s loss marked the first time through the Jets’ first 48 games of this season that the Jets have lost four straight games. These four losses have also all come at Bell MTS Place.

The Jets came into this homestand after a great five-game road trip. During that road trip, the Jets only lost one game and many fans were confident that they could challenge for first place.

Unfortunately, Winnipeg lost their opening game of the current homestand to the Oilers and followed that game up by getting swept in a two-game series by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last night did not go any better for Winnipeg as they lost again at home and fell to third place in the North Division. During this current homestand, the Jets have been outscored 18-5.

Winnipeg finishes this homestand on Wednesday night and there is a chance they can get completely swept and not picking up any points during this run of games at home.

2. The McDavid Show

The Oilers and Connor McDavid have definitely have had the Winnipeg Jets number throughout this season. After last night’s victory, Edmonton improved their record to 6-2-0 versus Winnipeg for the regular season.

McDavid has been a Jets killer this year and only improved his output versus the Jets yesterday. En route to leading his team with four points in yesterday’s game, McDavid had a hat trick scoring a goal in each period of the game.

You can see each of McDavid’s goals in the video below:

McDavid’s four-point effort now gives him 19 points in eight games against the Jets this season. In those eight contests, McDavid had seven goals and 12 assists.

Those stats are pretty breathtaking and eye-opening for the Jets. For the Jets to be successful against the Oilers, they must shut down McDavid.

1. Turnovers, Leads to a Rush, then to a Goal

If you did not get to watch this game yesterday, all you need to know is that turnovers were the story of the game.

Out of the six goals that Edmonton scored in the game, five started off a Winnipeg Jets offensive zone turnover. These turnovers lead to mostly odd-man rushes down the ice, and the Oilers capitalized on their opportunities.

Edmonton deserves credit for this. On some of these plays, their defensive zone positioning and a smart play forced these turnovers.

For Winnipeg supporters, this was brutal to watch. The Jets had offensive zone positioning then they turned over the puck and within 10 seconds it was in the back of their own net.

The Jets have been pretty disciplined this year and have not been a team that turnover the puck often, but yesterday it was extremely costly and was the difference of the game.

The Jets and Oilers will finish this mini-series tomorrow night in Winnipeg. This will also be the last game between Winnipeg and Edmonton in the 2021 regular season. Wednesday’s puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. central time. Check back tomorrow morning for our game preview!

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What lineup changes should the Jets make for tomorrow’s game? Leave your comments below!

*All Stats and Videos Provided by the NHL*