The MTS Centre was rocking yesterday as the Jets took a 5-1 lead over a team as maligned in net as the Jets have been. Not only that St. Louis looked lost after they peppered Jets goalie Andrej Pavelec with 25 shots in the second period alone. It was frustration and a bit of redemption setting in all at the same time. Frustration for the visitors and redemption for the the home team and perhaps it's recently recalled and former number one goalie.

Perhaps either Hellebuyck or Hutchinson would have got the win in either of the Jets last two games when the offence scores six and five goals respectively. It does not mean that goaltending is not the issue- it still is as giving up 3 goals a night is no way to expect wins. In this league three scored goals combined in a game is often seen a feat.

That being said the Jets got it done and were led by the captain Blake Wheeler, on the score sheet and off. Wheeler was all over the ice, forechecking, passing, hitting and back checking. It was an impressive effort from the captain.

That being said, some things changed in the game that left more than a few fans scratching their heads. Drew Stafford was injured in the game and promotion came to Andrew Copp to step up from the 4th line to the 2nd. Clearly Maurice does not want to mess or even will considering altering his third line of Matthias, Lowry and Armia so up went Copp. The curious part was why not Petan?

Petan was having a good game, winning draws and making what few plays he could given his ice time and line mates. The kid has skill, that is undeniable so why not let him have more ice time?
Also, what did Andrew Copp do that made him deserving?

Copp had a decent game but by my count had three glaring mistakes all to do with zone exits where in each case he overplayed the puck or did not make the quick outlet pass or chip to help force a line change or transition.

Copp was good, but Petan, at least by my eyes, was not nearly as prone to errors, particularly ones that could cost scoring chances or goals.

These weren't the only notable players, Ehlers scored a beautiful goal from a slapper as he dangerously came down the left side. Scheifele and Little also had goals too as did the captain.

With Stafford out and listed as day-to-day and Laine still out Branden Tanev was recalled from the Moose. Laine skated today but said he was not ready and ruled out for the game tomorrow against Anaheim. With Tanev coming uo there is opportunity and Maurice said that both Petan and Copp on the first line.

That would mean this:

Perreault Little Copp/Petan
Ehlers, Scheifele Wheeler

This interesting because when injuries hit late last year it was the second line of Ehlers, Scheifele and Wheeler that caught fire and had some amazing chemistry, are we about to see it again?

The fans at the MTS Centre left happy with a 5-3 victory but the observant ones know that the game could have been at risk. Pavelec did his job but with nearly 3/4 of the third period gone his team mates stopped doing theirs and allowed too many grade 'A' scoring opportunities to happen. Two of which St. Louis converted on with relative ease.

It was a win and again the Jets for their first 3-game win streak of the season tomorrow at home vs Anaheim. Perhaps they could make it four games when they host San Jose on Tuesday, but that might be asking just a wee bit too much.

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