The Winnipeg Jets, in their second game against the Calgary Flames, were to make do without two of their top players in Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine. Here is the rundown of their afternoon tilt.
First Period: Managing Without Stars
The tension between both teams was evident early on as seen when Matthew Tkachuk was met with disdain when colliding into the Jets bench.
The Winnipeg Jets were the first team to take the lead with a flick of the risk from Jansen Harkins, his first ever goal in the NHL playoffs. Matt Lowry’s backhand pass was timed just well enough for Harkins to release his shot. Due to the aforementioned injuries on their roster, the Winnipeg Jets would have to find the numbers elsewhere and have done so thus far.
The remainder of the first period had both the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets in a back-and-forth flurry of chances, but neither were able to complete their plays. As expected, tensions were running high by the end of the first period. Although the refs managed to halt them, the physical play was becoming more prominent after each whistle.
The Winnipeg Jets went into the first intermission with a 1-0 lead over the Calgary Flames.
Second Period: Back To Square One
An early goal in the first half of the second period would not be enough for the Winnipeg Jets. Adam Lowry added to his assists from the first period with a goal to go up 2-0 on the opposing Flames. Jack Roslovic and Josh Morrissey were awarded the assists on the play. However, the bulk of the second period was led and controlled by the Calgary Flames.
Elias Lindholm of the Calgary Flames then proceeded to cut the Jets lead in half at the 8:31 mark. One could tell the momentum of the game’s second frame had shifted at this point. Further evidence can be seen in the tying goal by the Calgary Flames when Sam Bennett scored on the wraparound, a goal that he made look all too easy.
By the end of the second period, the game was knotted at two, putting pressure on the Jets to gain a new lead and tie the series.
Third Period: Jets Take Back The Game
The Stanley Cup Qualifiers being only a best-of-five meant that if the Jets went down on Monday, they would be one game away from elimination. Fortunately, their play went back to that of the first period and were able to stave off an elimination game.
Nikolai Ehlers scored a power play goal at the 9:36 mark to give the Jets a 3-2 lead. The play featured smart puck movement by Kyle Connor and Neal Pionk. It’s almost surprising to find out that this was Nikolai Ehlers’ first ever postseason goal, but expect more in a young, but so far, promising career.
The Calgary Flames would not go quietly with a strong effort after pulling Cam Talbot to get the extra man on the ice, but the Jets were able to hold onto their one goal lead for the win with a strong defensive game and Connor Hellebuyck doing what he does best.
Looking Ahead To Game Three
With the series all tied up, the Winnipeg Jets have bought themselves time in regard to the injuries that befell Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine. According to reports, Mark Scheifele is to meet with specialists to determine the nature of his injury after avoiding a hit from Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuck. There are only 18 hours to go until the Jets and Flames play their next game, so it is not likely that we will see either player return just yet.
We hope to have more news on both Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele in the coming days.
The Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames will face off on Tuesday in downtown Edmonton at 6:45pm ET. The game is available for viewing on Sportsnet Ontario, NHL.TV and NHL Network. The game will also be carried on TVA Sports to be viewed in French. As well, it can be heard via radio on TSN 1290 and Sportsnet 960.