WINNIPEG - When I wrote “expect some changes” after Tuesday’s disappointing loss to Buffalo, I knew it wasn’t only going to be the recall of David Gustafsson from the Manitoba Moose. Prior to last night’s game, the Winnipeg Jets announced that Paul Maurice is no longer the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. Maurice resigned, saying he believes the team needs a new voice to carry it forward. Quite frankly, Maurice lost the room weeks ago and the Jets on ice play reflected that.
Dave Lowry has stepped in as the “interim” head coach for the remainder of the year. Unlike when Bruce Boudreau stepped behind the bench after the Canucks fired Travis Green and went on an immediate hot streak, we saw more of the same from the Jets as they fell to Washington Capitals 5-2 at Canada Life Centre.
Now, no one expected immediate results as Maurice had only been gone for 9 hours, but one should have expected a better effort. After a scoreless first period, Winnipeg fell behind 2-0 in the second after Brett Leason and Daniel Sprong beat Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets ended two periods of play behind 2-1; former Capital Brenden Dillon scored at 14:32. Early in the third, Josh Morissey tied things up, but Washington took back the lead at 9:09 when Conor Sheary scored. Washington potted a couple of empty netters to spoil Lowry’s Winnipeg coaching debut.
The Jest outshot Washington 42-39, so they had some chances, but the same problems plagued the Jets, poor passing, inability to move the puck effectively out of their own end, and lack of a serious threat around the net.
Dave Lowry gets a second chance to impress the Jets faithful on Sunday when the Jets face the St. Louis Blues in a matinee at 2pm (TSN3, 680 CJOB/Power 97).
What do you think?