Jets downward spiral continues in loss to Canucks

In Winnipeg, the Jets cannot buy a ticket to third in the North Division.

The Montreal Canadiens lost in overtime on Monday night and crawled to within one point of the stalled Jets.

“I think when you go through a stretch like we’re going through right now, it’s very frustrating,” Winnipeg’s Blake Wheeler said. “I still think we have a good vibe in our room and a lot to look forward to going forward, but we are certainly having a hard time here closing out the season.”

On Monday, the Vancouver Canucks hung a 3-1 loss on Winnipeg.

“I think we knew the odds were stacked here for the last few games, so I think the team is probably prepared for that,” Vancouver head coach Travis Green said. “When you start a season, you want to make the playoffs. But when it’s official, it always stings a little bit.”

The Jets are ice cold, having lost nine of their last 10 matches.

Thatcher Demko made 39 saves in the win.

“I’m sure a lot of the guys on the team feel the same way; we want to win and regardless of the circumstances,” Demko said. “It’s about pride for our organization, pride for our teammates, coaches, staff. You’re playing for a lot more than what people may think. We’re going to try to win every single time we get on the ice, regardless of the situation.”

Kyle Connor had the lone Winnipeg goal.

“We threw everything at Demko there,” Connor said. “We had, I don’t know how many Grade A chances. … It’s just one of those nights. I thought we had great zone time. We gave them a couple of 2-on-1s there that we have to sharpen up.”

Nils Hoglander struck twice for Vancouver.

“I think I played great tonight,” Hoglander said. “I had a lot of chances, but I think I can score more goals if I [capitalize] on my opportunities.”

Bo Horvat added a single marker for the Canucks.

“[Hoglander] has been great,” Horvat said. “He keeps getting better and better. It takes a little bit for as young guys to figure things out. I think he’s improved immensely over the season so he’s just going to continue to get better, and he showed that again tonight.”

Laurent Brossoit made 28 saves in the loss.