|
Jets drop Preds but still more questions |
|
|
|
|
|
For the fans who made it to the early start of the game yesterday at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg they had a great time in the Jets 3-0 win over the Predators. Don't let the score fool you though, it was not a dominant game for the home team, in fact it was anything but that.
The Predators double the Jets in shots on goal while using the extra power play time they had to pepper Connor Hellebuyck with shots and scoring chances. If the Jets netminder was not your MVP of the game then you watched a different game.
Hellebuyck was sensational and he needed to be as his mates did not give him much support from the start of the game. In fact at one point the shots in the first period were 11-4 for the Predators. While the second period saw the Jets equal up the shots and chances that rate could not be sustained for the third although the Jets came in with a tenuous 1-0 lead after Drew Stafford managed a wrap around attempt that bounced up and under Saros to open the scoring.
The third would be a wave of penalties for the Jets including one four minute double-minor to Mark Stuart for high sticking Colin Wilson. Wilson being a local boy had some family there yesterday, one of whom is a acquaintance of mine. As an aside-after the game she saw Colin and said his nose was a mess and she could barely look at it. This is person who works in the healthcare field too.
While the Jets deserve some praise they also deserve some criticism with the PK unit a very passive box that allowed Nashville chances. Had the Preds connected on passes like they did on Friday the outcome would have been very different. That being said, while a passive box the Jets took away shooting lanes and angles for most of the Nashville PP time. It was as impressive as it was risky.
The Jets were not without there opportunities too on the power play but had a ton of trouble gaining entry into the zone with the puck as well as sustained pressure. I'm starting to wonder if the book is out on the Jets again, much like it was early on after the relocation from Atlanta. Nashville in particular gave the Jets players no respect and simply pressured them when they had the puck, no matter who had it.
One of the few players to manage this pressure well was Patrik Laine who had some chances to put the puck in the net but either hit the goalie or missed. The problem remains the same, the umbrella that the Jets use with limited motion allows teams to come at them and dare the Jets to get the puck away from them or make a pass. So far it works more than it fails.
Nashville also did a very good job at even strength to transition back to the offensive zone when the opportunity allowed, the neutral ice was not a favourable place for Winnipeg. That is an on-going problem and one that Paul Maurice has to address.
Kyle Connor played just over 3 minutes yesterday. He was a ghost and either something was wrong or the coaches did not trust him in that tight a game.
There was a point when both Stuart and Thorburn were out on the ice during the PK. What more needs to be said.
Jacob Trouba had a very solid game. He took control of the play when he needed to with a few rushes that resulted in chances and helped organize his team. He was physical and nearly took Ribeiro into next month on an open ice hit. I would go so far to say that Trouba was seeing the play faster than his team mates and often ahead of them for trying to make a play. That was one difference between the two teams that really stood out- the Jets were often looking for each other where Nashville knew where they were supposed to be.
Frankly this team cannot get healthy soon enough- it needs some stability and some time with a consistent roster as it was designed. Will it change the fortunes for the season? I wouldn't make that bet but I would suggest it presents less issues to cover on a game to game basis.
Jets continue home stand against the Devils on Tuesday.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
Join the Discussion:
»