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Game 2 WC Final- Jets expect more from Vegas |
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Don't take the lede as a troll phrase, one that would suggest the Jets don't see much in the Vegas Golden Knights. Nothing could be further from the truth, they simply expect more from them in game two as they know this series will not be easy despite a relatively routine 4-2 win on Saturday night.
If Jets fans are honest and take away the hype and excitement that is permeating everything in the city they will realize this series could turn into a dog fight quickly. Fans should be like the players and expect more to come from the Golden Knights tonight.
The issue that the Knights face is that the Jets are not the LA Kings, void of offense and struggling defensively. Nor are the Jets San Jose, a solid team but one missing spiritual leader Joe Thornton and also with depth challenges when compared to Winnipeg and Nashville. In fact neither the Kings or the Knights may be as well rounded as the Wild either but that's a different discussion.
The Knights biggest strength is their speed and cult-like adherence to puck pursuit but against another fast team such as the Jets the same tactic can be used against them. The Jets line of Copp, Lowry and Armia was disrupting so much of what Vegas tried to set up in their own zone and did a very good job of keeping them from launching attacks. Then it happened with Perreault Little and Tanev, where again the play was pushed so that the Knights could not set up with their speed again.
This is a big issue for the Knights and tonight I expect they do something about it. What change they make will be interesting to see as the Jets will likely be prepared to counter.
It's easy to think that after one game the Jets will have this series in the bag but don't bet on that because the first game looked easy. The Golden Knights will bring more to their effort tonight and don't be surprised if they see something from the film from last game. The Jets nearly gave up more odd-man rushes than they would have liked and Vegas will want to find a way to exploit that possibility for game two.
The basic premise of the series remains the same, the Jets are as fast as the Golden Knights, they can score more, the play a more physical game, and they have as good of goaltending most games. It's not easy for the Jets because Vegas are good but they have to stay committed to making reads and awareness of the game and their team mates.
As noted before the Jets, in particular Dustin Byfuglien, have to keep an eye on Reaves. While he tried to pull Buff into some shenanigans it did not work, at least in that game. Player's like Reaves are wild cards with basically one skill, physicality and fists. If the physical play does not work out how long until he tries to escalate it? When will he cross the line in an attempt to draw the Jets attention? It would not be surprising if Reaves almost behaved like a Judas goat, leading his team to slaughter while taking dumb penalty after dumb penalty. Being aware of this is something the Jets need to do so as to exploit the opportunity.
Would it be wise to expect Fleury to have the same type of game? Certainly he failed the 'test' that Patrik Laine hinted at but does that mean he won't learn? This is one area that should be of concern for Winnipeg, that Fleury will stand on his head and stymie the Jets forcing frustration much like Rinne did in games six and four.
The biggest issue the Jets need to concern themselves with is discipline to their game plan and also the game. Keep drawing penalties and keep working to make the Knights feel pressure when they have the puck- much like last game. It's also easier said than done.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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