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Jets Grades- the 3rd Line |
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Jets Grades- the 3rd Line
Much like the fourth line on the Jets there was a rotating cast of players who played on the third line but also spent time on the fourth line and some on the top power play unit. The theme of ‘trying to find a fit’ amidst the injuries and possible combinations was alive and well with the third line as much as it was the 4th line. If you recall even Mathieu Perreault spent time there earlier in the season.
As in the first series of grade reviews there is something to remember:
One aspect about grading players that is different than how we traditionally assign grades is that no two players are alike. Giving player Y on the top line a grade of A does not mean that Player X on the bottom line cannot get the same grade. Why would they be considered the same when they are vastly different?
The 3rd Line(rs)
Copp, Lowry, Armia and Dano
Andrew Copp C+
Copp, who started the season with Manitoba Moose, was probably the poster child on the team for Paul Maurice’s player movement and usage. While predominantly a third line player Copp played more even strength minutes with Wheeler, Thorburn and Scheifele than he did with Armia. The other interesting thing is his usage seems to align with him being more of a defensive player based on the defence pairings he was on the ice with and where.
Copp has shown offensive skills in the past and he addd 4 more points in 13 less games played this year but still his numbers suggest he’s closer to an excellent fourth line player as opposed to third line.
What the coach says “Andrew this has been a tough year based on injuries around the team and your role has been diverse. I still can’t figure out what you are though, a defensive forward or a guy who has hands and never gets to use them. You definitely had a decent enough season given the chaos I had you endure but it’s time to make my job easier- figure out what you are going to be as a player and then let me use you that way okay?”
Adam Lowry B
This will certainly be met with some guffaws around that grade but again, we’re grading Lowry against himself and his role, not Little or Scheifele. Lowry was a fan favourite in his rookie season for his tough style of play and his production. That was a different time though and Lowry had a tough season last year even spending some time on the farm to get things straight. This past season one could say that Lowry ‘bounced back’ having a career high in points with 29, and goals with 15. Other would suggest those numbers should be higher given his PP time and usage.
Lowry is likely a victim of something he can’t control, his size. For many hockey minds in the NHL size still matters and Lowry has that but it’s still unclear whether he uses it to his advantage or if there is anything else to develop in terms of his skills. The coach was enamoured with him at times and to fix the failing PP unit he would have more time than rookie sensation Patrick Laine. Again though, usage is not the player’s fault, particularly in this case. Lowry is still not a strong possession player and his production should be higher given his minutes and usage. He’s not Mathieu Perreault but somehow Lowry is often compared to him due the insane argument of keeping hi m over Perreault. He’s a third line player, that is obvious except to some who still believe size matters.
What the coach says: “Adam, good lord you’re a big strapping boy but I need you to…man I can’t get over your size. Would you like more PP time? Wait, you need to play as big as you are Adam. You know be that dangerous, mean monster in front of there net and ours. I love size. However, you have to find a way to keep your pace up and work on your skating. Being big is great and all but it’s not a tool, it’s the tool box and you need to get some other tools in there if you are going to be anything more than a third line player, especially if we ever get a real coach for the PP.”
Joel Armia C+
Armia was a fan favourite because every now and then you see these flashes of brilliance that totally defy everything you saw in him up to that point. The latest in these flashes were the two consecutive games where he scored shorthanded goals. The Armia of Darkness was that kind of guy, when you weren’t seeing the flashes of brilliance it was near total darkness.
The challenge for Armia was that he struggles in his own end. He’s a big body with skill but his reading of the play leaves a bit to be desired as does his positioning in the defensive end of the ice. Almost every player who played with Armia had their possession stats improved when apart from him. It’s not that he’s a black hole when it comes to his defensive zone play its that his offensive talents do not compensate for that lacking part of his game.
What the coach says: “Joel you’re a big guy and you know how I love size. Size matters Joel. It really does but you don’t use yours very well. In fact I’m not sure if you know what’s going on some times, at least when you’re in our end. Now Joel, don’t take this wrong way but I’m wondering what the Jets saw in you when you came from Buffalo. Oh. I’m being harsh Joel, you’re so big and you only had 10 points less than Lowry in 25 less games. Time to learn what happens in our end of the ice Joel because chances are the goaltending isn’t getting much better.”
Marko Dano C+
Dano is the prize from the Andrew Ladd trade in 2016. He’s the lone player that came to Winnipeg and one that comes with promise but some people are wondering if he’s another Alex Burmistrov. That’s harsh but there is that thinking out there in the fandom. Dano had 4 goals and 11 points in 38 games this season, but like Burmistrov his production is not where his value is- he’s a driver of play.
Dano helped his team mates push the play and like Nic Petan, it does not seem to get the notice it should, at least that’s what some will present. They are not wrong but Dano suffers from something like Burmistrov does, he can’t seem to get the notice from the coaches. He’s been given chances but he’s also been dealt some bizarre usage decisions. Fans should be concerned that he is deemed expendable come the expansion draft as it would leave the return for Ladd dependent on the future of Logan Stanley. Dano is still a work in progress, but he also suffers from usage and line mates, something he can’t control. However if you believe what the coach has suggested these guys need the opportunities but they have to earn them too. Huh?
What the coach says: “Marko I know I give you mixed messages but there’s something missing from your game that we need. I’m not going to give you a chance to play with other players until you show me why you should. How does that sound? There’s still things you can learn in the AHL but I really enjoyed having you up with the big club so you could get more experience. You know, in all honesty Marko, I don’t know what to do with you. Chevy has loaded up on guys like you, ignored goaltending and can’t figure out how to build a healthy defence. I’m running out of ideas for you, sorry man, reality bites.”
Agree or not the third line and the various players who have played there have been another confounding puzzle. It’s not easy to make sense of the roster choices, the reasons why and how it never seems to sync in any form. Actually that there is the problem and between Maurice and Chevy with expiring contracts and loss to expansion it’s time for them to fish or cut bait, on what they want to build for that line. The pieces are there but they never seemed to get used together at the right time.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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