Last night, the Winnipeg Jets started their final homestand of the year with a matchup against the Ottawa Senators.
The Jets were looking to build on their performance from their game on Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames. In that game, the Jets finally put an end to their seven-game losing streak as they shutout the Flames 4-0.
On the other hand, the Senators were looking to keep up their good run of play. Heading into yesterday, Ottawa was on a two-game winning streak while picking up points in their last six games.
The Ottawa Senators extended their point streak to seven games as they beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-2
Here are three talking points from yesterday’s Jets loss:
3. Jets Home-Ice Struggles Continue
It has been over a month since the Winnipeg Jets have picked up a win at Bell MTS Place and they have not picked up a point in Winnipeg in their last six games.
With the loss last night, the Jets’ home record has fallen below .500 and it currently sits at 11-12-2, while the Jets are seven games above .500 on the road. In fact, the Jets have the fewest amount of home wins in the North Division.
Winnipeg’s home struggles have been apparent and is one of the reasons they went from challenging for first to now in a battle for third place.
2. Who is the Jets Sixth Defenseman?
As the Winnipeg Jets are into the final games of this regular season, Paul Maurice has relied heavily on the same five defensemen.
That last spot on the blueline belonged to Logan Stanley, but then the Jets acquired Jordie Benn and now Winnipeg has given a run of games to Ville Heinola.
With the Jets giving Neal Pionk a rest yesterday, both Benn and Heinola were in the lineup yesterday and played on a pair together. Both players finished with a -1 plus/minus in just over 17 minutes of ice time.
It is safe to say that as of now, no one has yet to cement themselves for that lineup spot as playoffs begin. The last three games of the season will be a bit of a competition for Benn, Heinola, and Stanley as the Jets are still searching for one of these defensemen to take the final lineup spot.
1. Stüzle Records First Career NHL Hat Trick
Our first talking point of yesterday’s game comes from the Senator’s rookie sensation, Tim Stüzle. After his performance at the most recent World Junior Championship, many people were excited to see Stüzle play in the NHL and he has played well in his first season.
Yesterday, Stüzle stole the show as he scored his first NHL Hat Trick and led the Senators to victory over the Jets.
You can see each goal in the video below:
Full credit to Stüzle for his performance in last night’s game. He deserves the first star for his efforts and will be a fun player to watch as he continues his journey through the NHL.
The Jets will look to get back in the win column tomorrow night as they take on the Vancouver Canucks in Winnipeg. Check back tomorrow morning for a game preview!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Why do you think the Winnipeg Jets have struggled on home-ice recently? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats and Videos Provided by the NHL*