3 reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins lost 6-3 against Winnipeg Jets

The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped the first of two meetings this season against the Winnipeg Jets, losing 6-3 at the Canada Life Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The Pens got two goals from Lars Eller and one from Kevin Hayes. Meanwhile, the Jets got tallies from Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Vladislav Namestnikov, Adam Lowry, Mason Appleton, and Nino Niederreiter.

While the Pens had a strong start to the game, they were unable to hold off the powerful Jets’ attack. So, let’s take a look at the three reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins couldn’t hold on to their early lead against the Winnipeg Jets.

3 reasons why the Pittsburgh Penguins lost against Winnipeg Jets

#3. The Pens couldn’t sustain their early momentum

The Jets had a strong start, building a 2-0 lead on goals from Eller and Hayes. Hayes opened the scoring early in the second as the Pens took advantage of their lone power play on the night. Then, Ellers made it 2-0 about four minutes later.

However, the Pittsburgh Penguins could not continue the momentum, eventually giving up three unanswered goals in the third period alone. Despite making a push in the third, the Penguins seemed tired, particularly considering it was their second game in three days.

#2. The Penguins couldn’t get past the Jets’ solid defense

The Penguins did not face Connor Hellebuyck on Sundar afternoon. Still, they ran into strong goaltending with backup Eric Comrie stopping 39 of 42 shots. Comrie played well down the stretch, especially as the Penguins outshot the Jets 17-10 in the third period.

Nevertheless, the Penguins couldn't follow up initial scoring chances, failing to pick up rebounds or get secondary shots on goal. As a result, Comrie was able to keep the puck out in front of him, so his defensemen could clear potential high-danger scoring chances.

#1. The Penguins could not control the Jets speed and skill

The Jets are one of the most skilled teams in the league. That skill was on display on Sunday afternoon as the Pens couldn't control the Jets’ top two scoring lines.

A good example was Scheifele’s game-tying goal late in the second period. The play started with a turnover in the Jets’ zone which led to a rush chance. After the Penguins’ defenders got back into their zone, the Jets moved the puck around until it came back to the point.

Then, the point shot hit the net with Alex Nedeljkovic making the save. However, no one picked up the rebound, or Scheifele, allowing him to skate in front of the net and bury the puck home.

When looking at the replay, the Pens looked disorganized and in disarray, as they were unable to control the Jets forwards.

Following Sunday afternoon’s loss, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be back on the ice on Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames.