The Winnipeg Jets are facing a challenging season, having fallen to the bottom of the NHL standings following their latest defeat, marking their eighth consecutive loss. After leading 4-1 in their most recent match against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team ultimately succumbed to a 6-5 loss, leaving them with a disheartening record of seven out of eight losses decided by just one goal.
“How do we turn it around? I don’t have a single answer for you that doesn’t involve me talking here for five minutes,” said Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi, reflecting the team’s struggles. “There’s a lot of things we can clean up and continue to talk about and work on. It’s got to translate to the game, though.”
The Jets did display some offensive spark, scoring their most goals since a win on December 13. However, this boost was overshadowed by their defensive issues, as they allowed the most goals since their previous victory on December 11. Jets coach Scott Arniel pointed out the inconsistency that has plagued the team: “We finally score some goals but we implode the other way. That’s kind of been our group right now. It’s trying to find that consistency in all areas, both offensively and defensively.”
Goaltender Eric Comrie took the net after star goalie Connor Hellebuyck had started nine consecutive games. Comrie’s performance was shaky as he allowed all six goals in the loss, echoing the same number of goals conceded in his last outing. With another back-to-back set of games approaching, the Jets face a pivotal decision regarding their goaltending strategy, particularly after Comrie’s uneven performance on Thursday.
Despite the setbacks, Arniel was hesitant to place blame solely on Comrie, emphasizing that the team’s overall structure needs improvement. “Lot of sloppiness,” he admitted. “We did all the right things to get to 4-1 and then it turned into a pond-hockey game. Some blind plays into the middle, got caught on some rush chances. All the things we’ve been doing so well since the break… without the puck kind of went out the window the last 30 minutes.”
After contributing two goals in the game, star forward Mark Scheifele summed up the situation in a straightforward manner, recognizing the pressing need for the team to regroup and refocus as they anticipate the upcoming challenges. With determination and adjustments, the Jets hope to break their losing streak and regain their footing as they continue through the season.