In perhaps the most complete effort shown by the Winnipeg Jets the team has the results to show. A 2-1 shoot out win is never a glamorous way to win but in a visitors building, after a tough defeat the Jets played standard rosa game hockey and took a necessary 2 points vs a division rival.

Story lines


Ondrej Pavelec had a solid if not great game with key saves that kept his team in the game. Read that again- he had saves which kept him in the game. No one should be pointing fingers at Pavelec for his effort and performance and as of yet it seems criticism will stay muted.

Best of all was his blanking three Stars in the shoot out, historically a part of the game he has been weak at playing. Andrew Ladd did the yeoman's work on the shoot out scoring the lone goal between both teams after teammate Jokinen failed to score on his identical move versus Washington and Holtby.

The Jets were still marred by either puck-luck, turnovers or a combination of both. Pavelec bailed his mates out when it did happen but the trend continues despite some previous dire ramifications. Where this points is probably a desire to make 'something' happen by the Jets. Despite not having Wellwood anymore there is still a tendency within the Jets to over-complicate situations which only require a simple play.

Mark Scheifele played just over 7 mins last night down about 6 mins from his average ice time. He had two shifts in the 3rd for a total of 54 seconds- what did or didn't he do? Thus far it remains a mystery as to how he attracted the coach's ire.

Tonight the Jets face the Avalanche in Denver. Who starts? This is the pre-game storyline as Pavelec's record in back-to-back games is abhorrent. Does Montoya get the start despite solid play from the number 1 goalie? The numbers and history suggest Montoya should start but rarely do those facts appear to influence Noel's decisions with player usage.

After tonight the Jets will have played 13 games and have a chance to earn 14 points in that stretch. They still sit well back of the top 8 in the west base on games played and it's not getting any easier with the schedule ahead.

Last night's game is a reason to be optimistic about a team that has to improve. The problem is the tests are only getting harder.

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