The Winnipeg Jets gave up three unanswered third period goals and lost 5-2 to the Washington Capitals Friday night at Canada Life Centre just hours after head coach Paul Maurice resigned.

Conor Sheary, Michael Sgarbossa and Alex Ovechkin into an empty net scored in the final frame for the Caps after Winnipeg defenseman Josh Morrissey notched his fifth of the season on the power play two minutes into the third period.

The opening 20 minutes was scoreless.

Brett Leason and Daniel Sprong staked Washington to a 2-0 lead before Brenden Dillon potted is first of the season for the Jets at 14:32 of the second period.

Nikolaj Ehlers assisted on both Winnipeg goals.

Connor Hellebuyck made 34 saves in net for the Jets while Vitek Vanecek was stellar in net for the Capitals stopping 40 shots.

Maurice stepped down after nine seasons with Winnipeg.

Dave Lowry, who was hired by the Jets as an assistant coach last season, made his NHL head coaching debut on Friday.

The former Brandon Wheat Kings head coach has replaced Maurice on an interim basis.

Winnipeg (13-9-5) will host the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and then play road games against the Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars before the start of the Christmas break.