Connor Ehlers shut down, ice-cold power play and more: 3 reasons why Winnipeg Jets lost 4-1 to Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Tampa Bay Lightning - Source: Imagn
Connor Ehlers shut down, ice-cold power play and more: 3 reasons why Winnipeg Jets lost 4-1 to Tampa Bay Lightning (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Winnipeg Jets lost for just the second time this season, dropping a 4-1 decision against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday at Amalie Arena.

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Jake Guentzel scored twice for the Bolts with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel getting the others. Meanwhile, Adam Lowry replied for the Winnipeg Jets, scoring in the second period to break the shutout.

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Here's a closer look at three reasons why Winnipeg lost on Thursday night to Tampa Bay.

3 reasons why Winnipeg Jets lost against Tampa Bay Lightning

#3. Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers took the night off

Two of the hottest players in the NHL went silent on Thursday night. Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers did not register on the scoresheet, mustering three shots between them.

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Similarly, other top players such as Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey were unable to get past the Lightning’s solid defense. The Lightning played a typical “Lightning” game, grinding the Jets to a halt with strong forechecking and hard-hitting play.

#2. Jets could not solve Vasilevsky

Andrei Vasilevsky was a big reason why the Jets were unable to score against the Bolts. Vasilevsky made 23 saves. While Vasilevsky didn’t necessarily need to steal the game for Tampa, he was solid. Vasilevsky outdueled Jets’ netminder Eric Comrie.

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It’s worth pointing out that Comrie has played well this season. He’s supplanted Connor Hellebuyck quite well, giving the Jets solid backup goaltending. However, the Bolts took advantage of several Jets’ miscues to hand Winnipeg its second loss of the season.

#1. The power play was ice-cold

The Jets have the league’s best power play. However, that power play went silent on Thursday night. The Jets went 0-for-5 with the man advantage.

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In particular, the Jets had two power play opportunities in the third period. Unfortunately for the Jets, they were unable to convert on any of their power play chances.

On the flip side, the Lightning went 1-for-3, getting a power play tally from Anthony Cirelli early in the second period. Hagel’s goal put the Lightning up 3-0.

Overall, the Jets’ vaunted power play had an off night. However, it remains to be seen if this situation was a one-off event or the beginning of a serious dry spell.

The Jets will have Friday off before taking on Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers on Saturday. The matchup looks to be one of the toughest tests the Jets will face this season.

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Edited by Veer Badani
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