The Winnipeg Jets’ playoff hopes took a hit after losing 3-0 to the struggling San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. The Jets, who started the season strong with a 20-9-1 record, have recently dropped to scramble for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference.
Coach Bowness Calls for Desperation
Jets Coach Rick Bowness called for desperation from his players, saying it’s crunch time and inconsistencies with some players are hurting the team’s playoff chances. Bowness has been criticized for his decisions and strategies, including not playing the team’s best players enough and prioritizing faceoffs over offensive opportunities.
Gregor Shines as Sharks End Losing Streak
The game saw the Sharks end their nine-game losing streak, with Noah Gregor scoring a goal and an assist for the Sharks. Gregor scored the opening goal for the Sharks in the first period. James Reimer, Sharks’ goaltender, made 41 saves in the game and got his third shutout of the season. Kevin Labanc and Martin Kaut also scored goals for the Sharks.
Scheifele Believes Jets Are Still in Playoff Fight
Despite their recent struggles, Jets forward Mark Scheifele believes they are still in the thick of the playoff fight. He has been struggling to score lately and has a different philosophy on how to create offense compared to his coach. Bowness is being criticized for not holding players accountable enough and for making questionable lineup decisions.
Predators Close In on Jets
The Nashville Predators won against Boston Bruins on Tuesday night and are now only three points behind Winnipeg Jets in the playoff race. The Jets lead Calgary Flames by two points for the second wild-card spot.
Jets’ Offensive Struggles Continue
The Jets’ offensive struggles continued against the Sharks as they outshot the Sharks 16-12 in the first period but couldn’t score. Blake Wheeler hasn’t scored in 21 games, while Kyle Connor has only one goal in his last 14 games. The Jets’ power play has been cold, converting only once in the last 30 attempts.
Next Game Crucial for Jets
The Jets will face the Flames next Wednesday in a crucial game for the Western Conference playoff race. If the Jets lose that game, they could be on the outside looking in at the playoff race. The Jets need to turn things around quickly and get back on track if they want to make it to the playoffs this season.
In conclusion, the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff hopes are in jeopardy after their recent string of losses. Coach Rick Bowness is calling for desperation from his players, but inconsistencies and questionable lineup decisions have hurt their playoff chances. They will need to find their offensive spark quickly if they want to hold onto their current spot or even move up in the playoff race. The upcoming game against Flames is crucial for their postseason aspirations.
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