So much for being “above the line.”

Faced with the prospect of actually cementing their eighth-place position in the NHL East, Saturday, the Winnipeg Jets made like a chunk of concrete and began sinking again.

Against that powerhouse known as the Washington Capitals, an Eastern Conference bottom-feeder with all the identity of a mime, the Jets were shut out for the first time this season, on home ice, no less.

This was no stoned-by-a-hot-goalie shutout, though.

The Jets treated Washington’s Braden Holtby like a dinner guest, throwing a mean appetizer at him, perhaps, but making him feel plenty comfortable for much of the last 40 minutes.

Comfortable is exactly how the Jets looked: pleased with themselves after winning five of their last six and moving into playoff position.