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The Penguins are Coming, Is Bogo Back?

February 15, 2013, 9:05 AM ET [3 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Nothing strikes fear like a bunch on Penguins but if the Winnipeg Jets hope to turn their listing ship around a win against one of the few teams they have previously beaten would help. Life is tough right now for the second year team as they search for answers to the myriad of questions about why the offense fails to lift off.

Yesterday’s media storm around the team had to do with two trades Jets GM Kevin Chevaldayoff had made the day before. One was to acquire Eric Tangradi from Pittsburgh and the other to move forward Alexi Ponikarovsky back to the Devils where he played last season. Oh yeah, there was this little thing with Evander Kane too.

One thing is for sure, not one of the reporters asked Kane about why he hadn’t scored in seven games. Too bad the Jets defense wasn’t as good as that move.

Let’s look at the offense the key issue again for this team, just like many predicted it would be last year. Currently the Jets sit at 24th in the league for goals scored with only six teams have scored less. Last year the Jets finished 14th overall in the league with 16 teams scoring less, three of which made the post season.

However last year offense was not a problem, the issue of keeping goals out of the net was. The Jets were 26th in the league in total goals allowed in 2001-12. Right now they sit 24th in the league having allowed 40 thus far.

The approach for coach Claude Noel before this season began was to shore up the defensive side of the game. Perry Pearn was brought in to help the special teams side and some roster moves made to bring in more defensive minded players. Jokinen and Ponikarovsky were two players who had shown they could adjust their styles to play a two-way game. One is now gone.

What we’re witnessing on the ice now is a nothing more than a mess. Players are consistently out of position, rushes and attacks find the puck carrier often alone and isolated. Watch this tonight- I will be- and see how often a Jets player is isolated and turns over the puck. It will astound you.

More importantly the trickle down effect of having too many passengers on this team is the offense. It is far too predictable and easy to defend against. Lately there have been Canucks games on after the Jets have played and the stark difference between styles of play is utterly amazing.

When a Jets player (finally) gets the puck deep in the offensive zone he often has to look up for where his teammates are, then wait. There’s no urgency, little effort, and lack of understanding. Back to the Canucks, there is never a question where the players are to be, how they are move and the speed with which they get up the ice-a stark contrast to the Jets.

Go back and read this columnfrom Winnipeg Sun columnist Paul Friesen. It captures exactly what many are starting to understand about the Jets. There’s a disconnect going on amongst the players. The bigger question is how does Claude Noel fix it.?

Game Notes

- It is expected that the long awaited return of Zach Bogosian happens tonight as he takes the ice with Ron Hainsey as his partner. Game time decision is what Noel has said.

- Eric Tangradi is also expected to play against his former team tonight but it is not yet certain where.

- In the last meeting Crosby had scored twice before the Jets stormed back and potted 5 answered goals.

- Pittsburgh has only allowed six less goals than Winnipeg

- Winnipeg has scored 13 less goals than Pittsburgh

- Pavelec gets the start

- Game time is an hour earlier, 6pm puck drop.

Enjoy the game.
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