The Winnipeg Jets snapped their three-game losing streak with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday night. Adam Lowry scored the game-winning goal 1:39 into the extra frame, completing a comeback from a 2-0 deficit in the first period.
Jets rally from behind to force overtime
The Lightning took an early lead with two goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. Steven Stamkos opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 4:23, and Alex Killorn doubled the advantage with a shorthanded goal at 9:49. The Jets were outshot 13-6 in the first period and looked sluggish and disorganized.
However, the Jets came out with more energy and urgency in the second period and scored two goals to tie the game. Kyle Connor cut the lead in half with a wrist shot from the slot at 5:21, and Nikolaj Ehlers tied the game with a one-timer from the left circle at 14:14. The Jets outshot the Lightning 15-8 in the second period and dominated the possession and scoring chances.
The third period was a tight and tense affair, with both teams trading opportunities but failing to break the deadlock. The Lightning had a late power play but could not capitalize, and the game went to overtime.
Lowry delivers the clutch goal for the Jets
In the overtime period, the Jets controlled the puck and created several chances. Lowry had a breakaway but was denied by Andrei Vasilevskiy, who made 28 saves in the game. However, Lowry got another chance moments later and made no mistake. He received a pass from Mark Scheifele and fired a shot from the right circle that beat Vasilevskiy on the glove side, sending the Jets bench into a frenzy.
Lowry, who is the captain of the Jets, said he was happy to contribute to the team’s win.
“It feels good to get the monkey off the back,” Lowry said. “We’ve been struggling a bit lately, and we knew we had to play better against a tough team like Tampa. We showed a lot of character and resilience to come back from two goals down and get the two points.”
Lowry has six goals and 10 assists in 22 games this season and is one of the team’s best defensive forwards and penalty killers.
Jets improve their record and confidence
The win improved the Jets’ record to 11-8-3 and moved them into the third spot in the Central Division. The Jets have been inconsistent this season, and have had trouble scoring goals and defending leads. However, the win over the Lightning, who are the defending Stanley Cup champions and one of the best teams in the league, could be a turning point for the Jets.
Head coach Paul Maurice said he was proud of his team’s performance and hoped it would carry over to the next game.
“That was a big win for us,” Maurice said. “We played a hard-fought game against a very good team, and we found a way to win. We didn’t quit, we didn’t panic, we stuck with our game plan and we got rewarded. I think this win gives us a lot of confidence and momentum going forward.”
The Jets will face the Florida Panthers on Friday, while the Lightning will host the New York Islanders on Saturday.
