It had to be this way didn't it? it had to be that the Winnipeg Jets couldn't put a four-game winning streak together. Was it because Minnesota is simply a better team? Why, yes, it is frankly. Or is it because the hockey gods simply don't want Jets fans to feel any semblance of satisfaction? Maybe both.
In any event, the Winnipeg Jets were embarrassed yet again by the leaders of the Central division, 5-3 at the MTS Centre. Starter Ondrej Pavelec let in three goals on 11 shots, and pulled himself out of the game with a lower-body injury. Connor Hellebuyck, who came in for relief, fared better and actually gave the Jets a chance for the comeback.
The Jets made it interesting in the second period, as they drew close, scoring two before the period expired, but that's all they would produce, as they ran out of time and surrendered an empty-net goal to the Wild for their insurance marker.
Patrik Laine was invisible in this game, and coach Paul Maurice let him know it by cutting his ice time substantially for the rest of the game. Laine took it in stride, acknowledging it was the coach's decision.
That brings up the point of, is Paul Maurice handling Laine (as well as Josh Morrissey, Nikolaj Ehlers and Nic Petan the right way?
The Jets remain five points out of the last playoff spot, but incredibly still remain in the hunt.
Next up are the Chicago Blackhawks at the MTS Centre on Friday, February 10th. Let's hope the Jets continue to have success against the Hawks for some desperately needed points.
