The Winnipeg Jets gave up a shorthanded goal, a power play goal, an even strength goal and an empty-net goal in a 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks Tuesday night at MTS Centre.

"We weren’t as good as we need to be to beat that team," said Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice. "They were faster than we were.  From the start all the way right through the game. We got down but we had some chances to tie the game, we were in a 2-1 game so it’s not out of reach at any point. But they were faster than us."

Chris Tierney opened the scoring for the Sharks as potted a shorthanded goal with 4:42 left in the first period.

Jets rookie Nikolaj Ehlers drew the Jets even as he scored his seventh of the season just 23 seconds later.

But Joe Thornton put San Jose back on top as beat Connor Hellebuyck with 47 seconds remaining in the opening frame.

The second period was scoreless.

The Sharks padded their lead when Joe Pavelski scored his 22nd of the season with 4:01 left in the third period and Joel Ward added an empty-netter with 54 seconds remaining.

San Jose netminder Alex Stalock handled 21 shots while Hellebuyck finished the night with 23 saves.

The Jets (19-21-2) host the Nashville Predators Thursday and then meet the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul on Friday.

 

photos by Ray Peters