Penalties killed Jets… again

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This article was published 12/01/2016 (3693 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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It was another loss for the Winnipeg Jets Tuesday: a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. But what everyone will surely be talking about around the water cooler today is something even more familiar than the final result.

Indeed, the Jets’ penchant for taking penalties — especially at inopportune times — was once again on full display at the MTS Centre. The lack of discipline hit a crescendo late in the game, seriously damaging the likelihood of a come-from-behind win, and more importantly, the chance to earn much-needed points in the standings.

With the Sharks leading 2-1 and 7:05 left on the clock in the third period, defenceman Tyler Myers lost his cool before issuing a heavy cross-check on Sharks forward Tommy Wingels. The move proved costly as Myers was issued a five-minute penalty and a game misconduct, leaving the Jets short-handed for the full length of the infraction.

“It was a penalty, I’m not going to argue that,” said Myers after the game. “I’d argue about the five (minutes) but either way it’s a penalty that I shouldn’t take.”

The Jets were soon down two men after Blake Wheeler, who appeared to tie the game short-handed, was instead called for goaltender interference. The Sharks made good on the 5-on-3 power-play to put the visitors up 3-1.

“Wasn’t a good time,” added Myers. “Just got to control myself better.”

Jets head coach Paul Maurice did his best to restrain from what surely compounding frustration lingering between his ears. The loss dropped the Jets to 19-21-3, further hurting their chances of getting back in the playoff race.

“I understand the questions, I don’t have a lot of room here,” said Maurice, adding, “I’ve got enough concerns, refereeing can’t be one of mine.”

Asked if Myers’ explanation of losing his cool on the penalty was an excusable explanation, Maurice said: “We can’t take that penalty.”

As for any kind of supplementary discipline from the league, Myers doesn’t expect to receive a call. “I think it’s a joke if I get a phone call from the league,” he said.

After Sunday’s 4-2 loss against Buffalo, a small medical team was seen wheeling a stretcher into the Jets dressing room, creating a buzz as to what and whom the attention was for.

Speculation suggested it was for Mathieu Perreault after he was reported to be injured twice during the contest, including an incident early into the third period that forced him from the game. It was confirmed Tuesday morning that it was for Perreault, who was taken to hospital by ambulance for a series of tests.

“I was having a little bit of trouble breathing and my left lung was hurting when I took deep breaths,” said Perreault after the morning pre-game skate. “I wasn’t too sure what was going on and they didn’t want to take any chances. They didn’t know if something was wrong with the spleen, so that’s what led to the big scene. I got a little worried. You see the ambulance and all these doctors around you… I got a little nervous.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton