The Winnipeg Jets faltered without key players, losing 4-1 to Utah HC.
Utah opened the scoring in the first period on the power play, courtesy of Clayton Keller, scoring his 26th goal of the season.
Barrett Hayton added his 19th goal of the season, once again on the power play. His 19th goal ties his career-high which he set in the 2022-23 season. Kevin Stenlund extended the lead to 3-0, beating Connor Hellebuyck cleanly with a shot off of the rush.
Mark Scheifele got the Jets on the board in the third period, scoring his 38th goal of the season, evening him with Kyle Connor for the team lead. The Jets' comeback attempt was stymied by Nick Bjugstad, scoring his sixth goal of the season into the Jets' vacant goal.
The Jets took too long to find their game, recording just seven shots in the first period. Unfortunately for the Jets, when they did find their game Karel Vejmelka had all the answers, turning away 31 of the Jets' 32 shots. Hellebuyck didn't find things as easy, allowing three goals on 27 shots.
Without Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers, the Jets found creating quality offence to be difficult.
The Jets return home following the game and will be back in action on Monday when they take on the St. Louis Blues, a team on a 12-game win streak.
Stay updated with the most interesting Jets stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.
