Rangers fall to Winnipeg Jets for fourth straight loss as Connor Hellebuyck stops 21 shots
Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin makes a save on the Winnipeg Jets' Vladislav Namestnikov during the second period of their NHL game in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Tuesday. Credit: AP/Fred Greenslade
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Gabriel Vilardi scored the tiebreaking goal early in the second period, Connor Hellebuyck stopped 21 shots for his 38th win of the season, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Rangers 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Vladislav Namestnikov also scored and Cole Perfetti had two assists to help Winnipeg get its third win in four games.
Mika Zibanejad scored for the Rangers, and Igor Shesterkin finished with 22 saves. The Rangers have lost four straight (0-2-2) after winning four of five.
Namestnikov opened the scoring 5:18 into the first period, snapping an eight-game point drought with his 11th goal of the season.
Zibanejad cashed in on the Rangers’ first power play of the game, scoring his 15th. It was Zibanejad’s 106th power-play goal with New York, which tied Brian Leetch for fourth-most in franchise history. Chris Kreider is tied for first with Camille Henry with 116 PPGs.
With Matt Rempe in the box for goaltender interference in the second period, the Jets’ top power-play unit went to work. Vilardi pounded home his 27th of the season at 5:06.
Shesterkin turned aside everything else he faced the rest of the night, including breakaway chances by Namestnikov and Adam Lowry in the second period.
Dylan DeMelo thought he had his fourth of the season 5:06 into the third period, but after video review it was ruled that Morgan Barron interfered with Shesterkin, and the goal was taken off the board.
The Rangers pulled Shesterkin with over two minutes left in the third period, but couldn't get a tying goal.
Takeaways
Rangers: The Rangers have their longest losing streak since losing four straight in regulation Dec. 22-30. They are now tied with Boston, two points behind Columbus for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
Jets: League-best Winnipeg increased its lead over Dallas to eight points atop the Central Division.
Key moment
Peter Laviolette’s successful coach’s challenge for goaltender interference at 5:06 of the third period negated a goal by DeMelo.
Key stat
Hellebuyck allowed one goal or fewer for the 20th time this season.
Up next
Rangers play at Minnesota on Thursday, and Jets host Dallas on Friday.
