Stars Fare Far from Glory as Skaters Miss Magic in Loss to Opponent

The Winnipeg Jets fell 4-3 to the Nashville Predators in a mid-March shootout. Winnipeg made it close, tying the game late on a last minute Jonathan Toews marker, but fell in the mini game after an entertaining overtime period. Two perfectly placed shots from Filip Forsberg and Matthew Wood following strong Jets pushes made a big difference for a Nashville team that was heavily outshot 39-23.

Winnipeg heavily outshot its Central Division rival, but ultimately fell back two points of the Predators and remained deep within the woods of a murky Western Conference postseason picture. Tuesday's divisional tilt marked the final test of the season-long, eight-game homestand from Canada Life Centre, to which the Jets went 5-2-1. Photo by Danny Truong Erik Haula gave the visitors an early lead on a Nashville power play midway through the opening frame.

With Dylan DeMelo in the box for tripping, Haula redirected Roman Josi's point shot past Connor Hellebuyck, giving the visitors the edge early on. But Winnipeg got one back late in the period. With three Predators opting to chase Vilardi and the puck behind their net, the Jets' top line winger centred the disc to Josh Morrissey, who made no mistake beating Juuse Saros low, glove side with 40 seconds left in the period.

After putting up just one shot on goal through the opening nine minutes, Winnipeg piled on the offence in the second half of the period for a commanding 14-7 lead through 20 minutes. With Filip Forsberg in the box for tripping, the Jets' top power play unit made the visitors pay. And they did so in short order.