3 Talking Points as Winnipeg Jets Lose Heartbreaker to the Dallas Stars

2. Jets Cannot Close the Game Out

The Jets entered the third period down 2-1, but they were playing well, and Braden Holtby was playing extremely well for the Stars.

Winnipeg did battle back and was able to equalize the game courtesy of Kyle Connor within two minutes of the final frame.

The Jets kept on battling and imposing their game on the Stars and were rewarded with the go-ahead goal and a terrific pass from Blake Wheeler that set up Paul Stastny for the goal.

The Jets were controlling the game and looked as if they were going to see out the game and leave the game with two crucial points.

But unfortunately, a defensive lapse led to the Stars tying up this contest. Dallas dumped the puck in on a one-on-three and was able to retrieve the puck. They then cycled the puck and worked it up to the point where Gurianov released a shot, with a screen in front of the Jets’ net, that beat Connor Hellebuyck.

I know that there was a potential cross-check in front of Hellebuyck that led to the screen and the goal, but if the Jets did not get beat on the forecheck by one player when they have three or four players back this play does not happen.

This was a winnable game for the Jets and their own lapses came back to bite. Winnipeg can ill-afford to lose late leads if they have any hopes of making the playoffs.