The Winnipeg Jets playoff chances took a big hit last night after a 4-1 home loss to the Central Division rival Nashville Predators. With the loss the Jets are now five points behind Nashville and six behind Colorado who are holding onto the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Injuries were again the story for the Jets who were without Alexander Burmistrov, Mark Scheifele, Drew Stafford and Adam Lowry.

Head Coach Paul Maurice said that wasn't the main reason for the disappointing result.

"We’ve got enough good players.  You’re going to have injuries," he said. "We’re a good enough team to outshoot them (Nashville) 11-2 even strength in the second period, so then you’ve got to be a good enough team to win the game."

The game started on a good note for Winnipeg when Nikolaj Ehlers scored on a breakaway at 4:16 of the first period to give the Jets a 1-0 lead. Joel Armia picked up his first career NHL assist on the play. Mathieu Perreault also assisted on the goal.

The lead wouldn't hold however, as Ryan Johansen would tie the game up later in the first on the power play. Johansen has been red-hot versus Winnipeg this season, scoring seven points in four games against Winnipeg (two of those points came as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets).

Nashville would pull ahead in the second when Craig Smith scored on a shot from the left face-off circle that went top corner to beat Jets' goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

Any hope the Jets had of a comeback was extinguished when James Neal scored for Nashville with less than two minutes left in the game. Calle Jarnkrok would seal the 4-1 victory for the Predators with an empty net goal.

Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers said the loss definitely hurts.

"We played a pretty good game, full 60 minutes. We had some good chances and weren't able to execute. I think that there’s a lot we can take from this game, and look forward to the next one."

The Jets will look to turn things around Saturday night when they host New Jersey at MTS Centre.