The Winnipeg Jets fell 4-1 at the hands of the Dallas Stars on Thursday evening.
The Winnipeg Jets have lost for just the second time in their past nine games.
On Thursday, the Jets and Dallas Stars took to the ice at American Airlines Center in a battle for first place in the Central Division. And much like that of the previous two matchups, Dallas took the cake once again.
The game began exceptionally well for the host, which scored three times in the opening frame.
Up-and-coming goal scorer Jason Robertson got the Stars on the board just seven minutes in on a poor defensive zone giveaway.
Then it was veteran forward Joe Pavelski, who doubled Dallas' lead with one of his patented redirections with just three minutes remaining in the frame.
Youngster Logan Stankoven then got his third goal in just his fourth career NHL game played as time ticked down in the first period.
The Jets' loss was significant in the playoff race, as the two clubs entered the game tied with 79 points, despite Dallas having played four more contests than Winnipeg.
Vlad Namestnikov did get one back for Winnipeg, as he potted a power play marker late in the second period off a fluky bounce from a Nikolaj Ehlers wrist shot.
The Jets battled back in the second and third periods, killing off a significant five-on-three man disadvantage, only to have Roope Hintz put home an empty netter to seal the deal on the divisional tilt. The Jets will look to find a way to get a win against the Stars when the two clubs meet for the final time of the season this April.
The game marked the end of Winnipeg's stretch of five games against Central Division opponents, while also serving as the opener of a three-game road trip.
Connor Hellebuyck finished the night with 32 stops on the 35 shots he faced, while Jake Oettinger made 25 saves for Dallas.
Next up is a rare 11:30 AM central puck drop in Carolina against the Hurricanes on Saturday, before the Jets travel to Buffalo for a test against the Sabres at 6:00 PM on Sunday.