The Winnipeg Jets did not help their chances in making the playoffs with their second straight loss in which every point is invaluable falling in a rout to the Pittsburgh Penguins 8-4. It's the second straight game against the Pens, who this time had Sidney Crosby back in the line-up form his season-long concussion injury, that the Jets allowed eight goals scored against them. It was also the second time in as many games Evgeny Malkin had a 5-point night scoring two goals and three assists. Crosby had four assists.
The Jets did have plenty of chances to bend the twine, but didn't have the high-end skill to match the Penguins finishing of their scoring chances. The Pens out shot the Jets 35-30.
The officiating was questionable as James Neal second goal at 1:15 of the third period was the result of Ondrej Pavelec being bumped in his crease with no call by either referee. Multiple trips and slashes by the Penguins also went uncalled. The Jets did manage a power-play goal on the one call that went their way, when Brian Little scored on a feed from Andrew Ladd on the first half of a double-minor high-sticking call to Malkin.
The Jets remain 10th in the Eastern Conference with another tough game on Friday against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals who remain four points up on Winnipeg and are sure to be primed to avenge last Friday's 3-2 loss at the MTS Centre. The Buffalo Sabres are also a impediment as they lead the Jets by two points are are playing well.
Claude Noel post-game press scrum
