The Winnipeg Jets topped off the tank with diluted fuel in the second intermission Thursday night.
In a game they controlled, the Jets coughed up three unanswered goals by the New York Islanders and lost 5-4 after taking a 4-2 lead in the final frame.
Jordan Eberle had two goals in Islanders rally – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
Jordan Eberle struck twice in the rally that gave the Isles the win and sole possession of second place in the Metro Division.
“Just the mindset of our bench, you could feel it,” said Eberle, who had an assist for his first three-point game since March 22, 2018. “We felt like we were going to come back. We liked the way we were playing. We were creating chances.
“This is a huge character win for the team. One of those games that kind of builds your team and moves you forward. We’ve got four huge games left to finish the season, and they’re going to be important. I think the biggest thing is you want to finish strong.”
Casey Cizikas also scored in the rally.
“We got a little loopy, a little careless, and they were able to capitalize,” Jets captain Blake Wheeler said. “When they tie the game, we’ve got to be mature enough to shut the game down and get a point and time to battle it out in overtime or a shootout. We’ve done that a few times now. That’s something we can learn from.”
Robin Lehner made 33 saves to get the win.
“We all know how tight it is, and we really needed a win,” Lehner said. “They came out strong and they had some bounces. They’re a really good offensive team. We stuck with it, stuck with it. Man, what a comeback. We needed it. This group is incredible.”
Adam Lowry struck for two goals, and Brandon Tanev and Mark Scheifele added single markers in the loss.
“I think we just got soft on pucks,” Lowry said. “They started winning all the battles, they started keeping the puck in the zone, they were winning races to the puck, and it showed. They started to control the territory on the ice in the second, and it continued in the third.
“We get a big power-play goal from [Scheifele], and they stuck with their game plan. They’re a tough team to play against. They never quit, so you have to give them some credit. But it’s certainly disappointing.”
Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee scored for the Isles.
“It’s probably the biggest win of the year right now,” Ryan Pulock said. “Kind of coming off a tough loss and we’re getting late in the year, a few games left, and we got to get those points.”
[WATCH: All Islanders vs. Jets highlights]
Connor Hellebuyck made 39 saves in the loss.
“A little bit of respect for the other team. And maybe not them, or just the game of hockey. But if you turn that many pucks over, that’s what’s going to happen,” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said after the collapse.
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