(Sports Network) - The Winnipeg Jets will try to kick off a four-game
homestand on a positive note, as they host the Boston Bruins in Tuesday's
clash at MTS Centre.
Last season was Winnipeg's first since relocating from Atlanta and the
franchise missed out on a playoff spot in large part due to its play on the
road. The club went 23-13-5 in Winnipeg compared to a 14-22-5 record
everywhere else, but this season the problem area has been the Jets' play at
home.
Winnipeg, which is tied with Carolina atop the Southeast Division with 32
points but has played one more game, is 9-6-2 on the road in 2013 and 6-6-0 at
MTS Centre. The good news for the Jets is the club has won its last two on
home ice heading into this four-game residency.
The Jets had posted at least a point in six straight games (5-0-1) before
losing in regulation Sunday in Ottawa. Kyle Turris and Jakob Silfverberg
scored in a 75-second span late in the third period to help the Senators notch
a 4-1 win over the visiting Jets.
Zach Bogosian posted the sole offense for the Jets, who saw a three-game win
streak come to an end. Ondrej Pavelec stopped 38 shots in defeat.
"I think the fact we played three games in four days, and not really playing
with enough of four lines really caught up with us," Winnipeg head coach
Claude Noel said. "I can't fault the players for their effort. I thought they
worked hard and tried to come back in the second period. It was a factor, no
doubt."
The Bruins were also on the losing end Sunday, as they dropped a 2-1
regulation decision in Pittsburgh. Tomas Vokoun stopped 31 shots and Joe
Vitale netted the winner late in the first period for the Penguins.
Tyler Seguin tallied and Tuukka Rask made 16 saves for the Bruins, who had won
five of six heading into Sunday.
"I'm not disappointed in our effort here today. I thought we competed hard, I
thought we had a chance to win," said Bruins head coach Claude Julien. "Today,
to me, was a typical playoff game. I thought we played well, we played hard,
so did they."
Bruins forward David Krejci left the game with a knee injury after getting hit
by a shot from teammate Johnny Boychuk. Krejci did not suffer a fracture on
the play, but is questionable for Tuesday.
Boston enters Tuesday's action trailing Montreal by one point for the top spot
in the Northeast Division. The Canadiens are playing Tuesday evening against
Buffalo.
The Bruins are playing the second test of a four-game road trip and are 9-3-2
as the guest this season.
Boston is 2-0 against the Jets in 2013 and will try to sweep the season series
on Tuesday.
The Sports Network