New assignment sparks Thorburn

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This article was published 28/01/2015 (3899 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

PITTSBURGH — Given the chance to pen his own game script, Chris Thorburn might have crafted a different ending.

The gritty, often-maligned Winnipeg Jets winger had one of his better games in double-blue and white, finishing with a goal and an assist while working on the right side of Adam Lowry and Evander Kane.

But, alas, that storyline was overshadowed as the Jets gave up a 3-2 third-period lead before falling 5-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday night.

‘Every time you get points with new guys, there’s a little bit of excitement. We made some good plays out there, some simple plays using our size and we got rewarded for it’

— Jets forward Chris Thorburn

“Every time you get points with new guys, there’s a little bit of excitement,” said Thorburn. “We made some good plays out there, some simple plays using our size and we got rewarded for it. Hopefully, it continues going forward. It doesn’t feel as it does without the win.”

The Lowry line combined for two of the three Jets goals and finished with seven points — Thorburn’s goal and assist was matched by Lowry while Kane had three helpers.

“They were really good,” said Jets coach Paul Maurice. “I thought Evander Kane’s puck control in the game… the Trouba goal, especially, he made a great play on that. Good size, a lot of net drive from those guys. I really, really liked their game.”

“Playing with Evander and Chris, their straight-line speed is tremendous and just chipping pucks through, they did a great job of winning foot races,” said Lowry.

“They used their size tremendously and we were able to get in on the cycle and create some turnovers using our size and using our strength. That’s why our line was fairly successful.”

NO CROSBY, NO MALKIN, NO MAATA… NO MATTER: The Penguins are now 9-0-1 in their last 10 games that both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been out of the lineup dating back to 2011. All-time they are 29-13-6 minus two of their best.

“I don’t think the (mentality) changes when they don’t play,” said Pens forward David Perron. “Myself, I was making plays out there and playing with Sid the last little while gave me a lot of confidence.

“Even though they weren’t playing you want to make sure you prove to everyone we can still play and find a way to win without them.

“It’s going to be good to get them back, though.”

NOTABLE NUMBERS: During the Jets 14-game losing streak in Pittsburgh they have surrendered 4.79 goals per game… Both Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little had three-game point streaks snapped… The Jets are 1-2 in the three games this year in which they did not have a power play. Their lone win was a 3-2 OT victory over Edmonton on Dec. 3… The Penguins are now 6-1-1 against the Central Division and 9-2-1 versus the Western Conference… Pittsburgh defenceman Kris Letang’s five assists set a new career high.

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ONE ON, ONE OFF: The Jets activated Mathieu Perreault from the injured list and he played 14:38. To make room, Mark Stuart was put on the IR, but he continues to skate and could be activated as soon as Thursday’s game in Philly.

THANKS FOR COMING OUT: Marcel Goc picked up an assist in the game but was traded afterward to the St. Louis Blues for Maxim Lapierre.

“He’s a big guy, he plays with energy and plays with an edge at times,” said Pens GM Jim Rutherford after the game. “He’s averaged roughly nine to 10 goals a year so he’s capable of scoring a little bit. I think this a good addition for us.”

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait