Jets filled in by Flyers, lose 7-1

The Winnipeg Jets were trounced 7-1 by the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night at Canada Life Centre.

This was as close to a must-win as it gets for the Jets, who entered play five points back of the Los Angeles Kings for the final Western Conference wildcard spot.

But they came out flat against a Flyers team fighting to stay above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference.

Haydn Fleury scored the only goal for Winnipeg, which falls to 35-32-12. The Jets now truly need a Manitoba Miracle with three regular-season games remaining. They would need to win them all and get some serious help on the out-of-town scoreboard.

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, starting for a ninth straight game and 20th time in the past 22 outings, only lasted two periods. He was given the hook after surrendering five goals on 20 shots. Eric Comrie came on in relief and surrendered two more.

Sean Couturier led the way for the Flyers with two goals and an assist, while 10 different players registered at least a point.

The Jets now hit the road for two games beginning Monday night in Vegas.