These are interesting times here in sports and the thing that often gives fans an escape from the mundane and stressors of life can sometimes come full circle and be a stress. No politics here, although I certainly have opinions but I respect that my beliefs about sports and politics are not always what the HB owners want as content.

Regardless, I will say this the Jets are brutal in the preseason- bad ratings!


Underway tonight at the Bell MTS Centre the Jets host the Flames after a weekend of cuts trimming their roster down to 31 the real test starts now. What that test is for this team is a matter of debate amongst fans and pundits.

Many like yours truly, have been accused of having a 'sky is falling' attitude towards what we have seen in the preseason. Looking at social media the phrase 'it's only preseason right?' seems to be a very frequent sentiment for Jets fans and if that's a barometer measurement of concern or temperament then there is reason to be confirmed.

Put down the the pitchforks and torches for a minute and be realistic towards those who have questions and concerns about what they have seen. Certainly it was obvious to all that Hutchinson would be sent down but is there much more to look as others who will likely move down are still around?

It requires a bit of faith to look into the 'process' the Jets are using to make the roster this year. As what seems like an obvious departure from development with personnel is now about development within the personnel selected- see special teams and systems. They simply have to get better and no amount of swapping players or hoping for development is going to change that.

Should the team continue it's failing ways in those areas how long does the coach and GM wait before panic and desperate measures set in? At some point the talk about making the post season has to be met with a level of action that is equal in importance.

At this point there is still a 'wait and see' mentality about the pre-season games compared to the regular season but Maurice has stated he wants to hit the ground running. That's concerning because the team, no matter what concoction of players are on it, seems to be tripping at some point in every game. There is no cohesiveness on the ice to match the message being presented from the organization.

Never in this team's history has there been more open talk about the playoffs and performance. One would think this is a message that comes directly from ownership, an ownership that is as much a fan and player as a business owner. Surely the frustration of what is seen on the ice, game after game, and season after season is not being missed in the executive suites?

If the pressure is there from above is it being felt now by the players as many compete for jobs at the NHL level? Has any one player come out and looked good enough to usurp a position yet? That's what many fans are waiting for the internal motivation from pressure and desire to take this team to the next level. For many that has not been seen so far this season.

Does having a deep pool of prospects assure a team of anything? That pool of prospects has been the cornerstone of Jets success, or at least as far as eventual success has come. Sure Scheifele, Ehlers, Laine and Trouba are all regulars in the lineup as are Lowry and Morrissey but the leadership and the direction of the team comes from the same core group. That's not to say it's poor or misguided but is it fair to say there could be some fair and non-offensive questions asked of and about it?

Indifference is the biggest issue that should concern the team/organization as that's a by product of fan apathy and tiredness. They become tired of the same, and the more they see the same the easier it becomes to identify. That's why so many are critical of systems and special teams they have seen this act before and have already voiced their displeasure and honest concerns.

Of all the things that have been served up to fans this preseason can anyone be feeling positive at this point? Tonight's opponent the Flames, just like in the 80s, are now a chief rival for the Jets in any quest to compete for a championship. There is good reason to believe that the Jets, like in the 80s again, will be surpassed by the behemoths from Alberta. That by the time Winnipeg figures it out, the two cities from oil rich Alberta will be too far ahead of prairie poor Manitoba.

The desperation of dark times for both the Oiler and the Flames has enabled them to make drastic and necessary moves within the roster or within the organization when needed. This change came after years of stagnation and trust within the upper levels of each organization. The loyalty to Kevin Lowe and his vision as well as the 'contract for life' as said by Ken King for Daryll Sutter are similar in complicity to the vision now seen by TNSE. It's why measuring against teams like Edmonton and Calgary, even in the pre-season, requires more attention than most would give. Are the Jets on the upswing with those two teams or are they doomed to not learn what cost both of them lost years due complacency?

Join the Discussion: » 18 Comments » Post New Comment

» Who are the Jets and time for me to let go...

» Jets bet Oilers in scoreless but exciting game.

» Digestion Problems: Jets edition

» Laine shines in 5-2 win over Wild

» Hellebuyck, Laine and Defense shine in 4-1 win over Penguins