The Winnipeg Jets weren’t able to capitalize on the momentum of their 4-0 shutout victory over the Stars in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinal.
They were felled by the host Stars on Sunday afternoon deep in the heart of Texas, a 5-2 final score that put them yet again into a one-game deficit.
Dallas was buoyed by a three-point performance from Mikko Rantanen, while Thomas Harley added a goal with an assist; Mikael Granlund came through with two assists.
Jets Fans Voice Their Frustrations After Losing Game 3
Jets fans were displeased with Game 3’s result, making their voice heard on social media.
This fan demanded to know what happened in the final frame, asking, “What the hell was that 3rd period? They hit a wall? D-men just stopped attacking the Dallas forwards, just back on their heels, written invites onto the slot, terrible.”
Another fan kept things short and simple, saying, “That was brutal. Just folded after the call on the kicking goal.”
Another frustrated fan believes the officials were against the Jets, saying, “It’s too bad the NHL officials and situation room don’t know the rule book. If our goalie keeps letting in weak goals, this series will be over soon. So much for Helly being over his struggles.”
This fan wanted to know, “Okay so we have forgotten still, how to play on the road. And yup, THIS loss SUCKS. Can we tie it up in game 4 here? Or are we so cursed there’s no hope on the road?”
One fan demanded a change between the pipes, exclaiming, “I know you’re paying Hellebuyck big bucks, but he doesn’t deserve to start another game. The team is bigger than one goalie. Start Comrie!”
Finally, this fan took a completely different tune with a callout of his fellow Jets fans, saying, “I can’t believe I’m seeing people overreact to 1 bad game. We’re in a slump, I get it. However to say this team isn’t a Finals contender is just ridiculous. To everyone who thinks this team won’t be playing for a title, all I’m gonna say is don’t come to the parade.”
Jets Coach Scott Arniel Remains Confident
Even after the disappointing loss, Jets head coach Scott Arniel refused to accept his team was a deer in headlights on the ice during a rough third period in which they allowed three goals en route to the 5-2 loss.
“At the end of the day, we have to be ready,” said Arniel. “They came out and jumped on us. We have to be ready for that next shift and we gave up that quick one.
“But I like a lot of what we did. I don’t think it got us rattled. I think that we got back on our heels a little bit in that next one, we gave up a rush against that top line.”
The Jets and Stars will get back at it in Game 4 on Tuesday night before the series once again returns to Winnipeg for Game 5. Winnipeg will need elevated performances from top players like Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele if they have any realistic hope of returning home tied at 2-2.
Game 4 is scheduled for Tuesday evening starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
