NASHVILLE – Out on the road for one last push as the season is running on fumes with little to no hope of making the playoffs, the Winnipeg Jets were hoping to make some noise as they began to fight for jobs next season and show management that they are capable of big things.
Pekka Rinne picked up the win over Jets in OT – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
The Jets came out on fire as the power play that has been haunting them all season clicked as captain Blake Wheeler buried his 21st goal to give the Jets a 1-0 lead.
Dustin Byfuglien gave the visitors a 2-0 leadwhen he ripped home his 11th after a gorgeous feed from Nik Ehlers.
Things turned a bit 23 seconds later as Nashville got on the board as Austin Watson beat Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck for his fifth.
With just 10 seconds remaining in a very exciting opening period Mike Fisher buried his 17th to tie things at 2-2.
Fans got some added action as Jets forward Shawn Matthias and Predators tough guy Cody McLeod dropped the gloves at the final buzzer .
Just 19 seconds into the second period Filip Forsberg scored his 28th of the season that Hellebuyck probably wishes he had back.
Momentum swings were back and forth in this game.
Super rookie Patrik Laine who has been on a three game goalless slump snapped out of it as he wired a wrister past his fellow Fin Pekka Rinne for his 33rd of the season.
Another fellow Fin gave the Jets a 4-3 lead as Joel Armia scored his eighth of the year.
The Jets dominated most of the play after forty minutes and had the lead heading into the final frame.
Nashville caught a break early in the third as Ryan Johansen was in the right spotand buried a sharp angle shot into the back of the Jets goal for his 12th to tie things at 4-4.
The Predators continued to pressure and Hellebuyck continued to stand on his head and help the Jets to at least earn one point as we headed to extra time.
WATCH: All Jets vs. Predators highlights
With Byfuglien in the box for hooking, the Predators capitalized with the man advantage with James Neal scoring his 20th of the year with a rocket of a shot that found the net to give the home squad a 5-4 win.
The Jets will head to New Jersey for a battle with the Devils tomorrow night.
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