Jets fall to Rangers

It was another ear-drum piercing game at the MTS Centre last night for the 2-4-1 Winnipeg Jets taking on the 2-2-2 New York Rangers. The Rangers were finishing up a long 7 game road trip having not played a single home game yet this season while this was the last home game for the Jets as they prepare to go on their own 7 game road trip.

The final tally ended at 2-1 in favour of the visiting New York Rangers. Head coach Claude Noel phrased the outcome well with “We did everything right but win the game.”

The Jets came out sloppy, playing nervous in front of a sold out crowd at the MTS Centre. There were multiple instances of players out of position, missing passes, and losing one-on-one battles.

The momentum began to shift however when Jets left winger Tanner Glass dropped the gloves with Rangers left winger Brandon Purst just 1:55 into the first. Afterwards the Jets settled down, started to play smart hockey, and the real hockey was on.

By the end of the first period while the score remained tied at zero, the Jets led the shot count 8-3. However, the Rangers missed 4 solid scoring chances with backdoor passes across the slot during the period that did not register as shots.

By the middle of the 2nd it was all Jets, even if they were short handed the scoring chances were coming left right and centre. And at the 14:29 mark of the second period Nik Antropov made it so launching a wrist shot over the right shoulder of Martin Biron. 2nd year Jet, Alexander Burmistrov assisted in the goal – extending his point streak to 5 games.

By the third period, the Jets looked like a top team in the NHL maintaining offensive pressure, finishing checks, and creating solid scoring chances. Midway through the third, fans saw a 4+ minute push with numerous chances to put the puck in the net including Zach Bogosian letting fly with a rocket that rattled loudly off the post.

Moving Evander Kane to the front line to play alongside Nik Antroprov and Alexander Burmistrov was the right move on Claude Noel's part. Consistently throughout the game they were responsible for shifting the momentum in favour of the Jets.

Nik Antropov about playing with Kane and Burmistrov tonight:

However, an unfortunate powerplay rush from the Rangers with a pass from Ryan Callahan across the crease that bounced off the skate of Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian and behind Chris Mason proved to be the game winner.

Zach Bogosian regarding the outcome of the game:

The Jets now start a 7 game road stint with their first match in Philadelphia on the 27th against the 5-2-1 Flyers who are fresh off their win last night their 4-2 win against the Leafs. The next home game will be November 10th against the Florida Panthers.

Goaltender Chris Mason talked about the difference in the game:

 

photo's courtesy Ray Peters