The Winnipeg Jets fell behind 1-0 to the Flames, got a bit of luck with the second Flames goal being disallowed and then managed to tie the game in the second period. Both goalies played well enough for their teams to win as Connor Hellebuyck and Mike Smith had to be solid, the latter being down right spectacular at times too.

That being said the Jets did what this year's Jets seem to do, push the play hard. The Flames had a plan though and aside from Smith's play between the pipes, it was his puck handling that was also critical to the game plan. The Jets like to use a dump and chase tactic at time relying on their excellent speed and puck recovery ability. Smith disrupted that by getting behind the net and firing the puck up the ice and out before any Jets player could get near it.

To counter this counter the Jets tried getting the puck up on the glass, in the corners and anything else. At times they were successful and other times it didn't do much but what they did do well was control the play. The Jets won the even strength possession battle but when looking at it in all situations they fell just short of the Flames. That was mainly to do with the 4-2 advantage in power plays for the Flames.

Getting it to OT should be seen as a bonus for the Jets, and getting through OT to the shoot out should as well. Hellebuyck was solid in net and Jets vets Little and Wheeler did the damage to earn the extra point. Wheeler was particularly deadly in his attempt as he came in with speed on Smith.

Bryan Little and @BiggieFunke were the #HockeyDay heroes for the @NHLJets. 👌 pic.twitter.com/xXFGunmotq

— NHL (@NHL) January 20, 2018

Game takes

Not sure what Nik Ehlers did during his five days off but it sure didn't slow him down. The great Dane was all over the ice and led his team in zone entries not to mention excitement. Mike Smith will be giving him nightmares for some time but I think Smith saw more than enough of Ehlers too.

Dustin Byfuglien can wear the goat horns on the opening goal for the Flames. Buff stood as still as a tree just in front of Hellebuyck as he tried to figure out if he should go play the puck or the pass that was already covered. In the end he flinched and tried 'something' but all he really ended up being was a screen for Brodie to get his 3rd goal of the year.

Tyler Myers confuses me with his play. He either wants to be a rushing defence man or he wants to be beast in front of his own net. Right now he's doing neither particularly well. Myers does have instincts for offence yet his execution is not as good as he might believe it is, much like his reads on gap control.

Trouba was showing some of the execution on offence that Myers dreams of and was often developing scoring chances by joining, if not leading the rush at times.

Laine had a solid game too although some times I've curious about his positioning away from the puck at times. I still would like to see him in a slightly different position on the PP that can allow for better opportunity to unleash his shot.

Perreault and Litte were useful together and provided the Jets their lone goal. Wheeler fought the puck a bit at times with zone entries and play and gave up a partial break away that he had to take a penalty on as he tried to disrupt it.

Hellebuyck was the man stopping 30 of 31 and all 6 he faced on the PK.

Tonight the Jets host the brow beaten Canucks who lost 5-2 to the Oilers last night in Edmonton to conclude Hockey Day in Canada. It's great that both teams played last night so there is no advantage on the travel and rest, it's even better that the Jets were likely home in time to watch the Canucks due to the 1pm start in Calgary.

There is a chance that Bo Horvat might return to action for the Canucks but still all eyes will be on rookie sensation Brock Boeser who's alumni his down Highway 75/29 in Grand Forks ND. If the Jets can pull off a win in the comforts of home and earn the 2 points they will be half way to the .500 point of the opening 4 games after their break. With a quick road trip to California coming after the Jets then play 11 straight at home after as Jets are going to need to use that advantage wisely. Colorado is only 6 points back and Dallas is only 3 as both teams hold the final two wild card spots in the West right now.

It's good that the Central Division is getting back to it's normal ridiculous competitiveness isn't it?

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