Hellebuyck off, comeback falls short, and more: 3 reasons why Winnipeg Jets lost 6-4 against Toronto Maple Leafs

The Winnipeg Jets’ eight-game winning streak came to an end on Monday night at the Canada Life Center following a 6-4 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, thanks to a John Tavares hat-trick.

The Jets mounted a comeback bid down 5-2, pulling to within one late in the third, but the Leafs added an empty-netter to seal the win. Kyle Connor led the way with two goals.

Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi had the others for the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, Tavares netted a hat-trick, with Matthew Knies, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly scoring for Toronto.

So, here’s a look at the three reasons why the Toronto Maple Leafs snapped the Winnipeg Jets’ eight-game winning streak.

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Three reasons why Winnipeg Jets lost to Toronto Maple Leafs

#3 Hellebuyck has an off-night

The usually invincible Connor Hellebuyck had an uncharacteristic off night, giving up five goals on 35 shots. While Hellebuyck shouldn’t beat the brunt of the loss, the Leafs beat him on shots he could have stopped.

A good example is Rielly’s goal. During the play in the Winnipeg Jets’ zone, a puck battle along the boards led to the puck on William Nylander’s stick. Nylander found a wide-open Rielly who pinched up from the blue line. Rielly had all the time and space needed to launch a rocket to beat Hellebuyck on the top corner.

Of course, Rielly deserves credit for the goal, but Hellebuyck went down a bit too soon, leaving the top corner exposed for Rielly to score. On another night, that shot might not have gone in.

#2 The Leafs outplay the Jets in the first two periods

The Leafs outplayed the Winnipeg Jets in the first two periods. Toronto entered the first intermission up 2-0, outshooting the Jets 19-6. In the second, the Leafs skated away with a 5-2 lead, outshooting the Jets 13-9.

However, the Jets turned things around in the third, outshooting Toronto 8-4, roaring back with two unanswered goals. Unfortunately, the comeback attempt was unsuccessful.

#1 The Jets comeback falls short

The Jets simply ran out of time on Monday night. With the game 5-4 with roughly four minutes to go, the Jets turned up the heat. Nevertheless, time was not on their side as the Leafs iced the game with an empty-netter.

Had the Jets played more aggressively from the start, they could have turned the score around much sooner. Their effort, while commendable, wasn't enough to maintain their eight-game winning streak alive, though.

Now, the Jets have a chance to start a new streak when they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night at the Little Caesars Arena.