The ups and downs of Connor Hellebuyck are a curious thing aren't they? Gives up five goals against Minny and comes back to post a 29 save shutout against the Blues, a team the Jets are now 4-0 against this season. It's the second time that Hellebuyck has posted a shutout after giving up 5 goals the game before. It really just adds to the mystique about his play and how he addresses adversity.
The intrigue last night was probably the way the Jets played defence against the Blues. Adhering to the system, keeping shots to the outside for the most part and not allowing high dangers scoring chances was a irregularity to see.
By the start of the second period the Jets were pulling away from the Blues in shot attempts and thus possession and essentially took control of the game. Again, this is often an irregularity for the team as it relates to their defence, undoing the hard work the offence has done.
What sealed the deal for the Jets was the propensity for the Blues to take penalties giving the home side an advantage, one that is not always effectively used though. The highlight, aside from Blake Wheeler scoring from the point on a power play slap shot was Bryan Little embarrassing Pietrbngelo on a puck race toward the Blues' empty net. Not only did Little hunt the overrated defender down, he out worked him and out-skilled him to slide the puck into the empty net giving the Jets that extra cushion. Wheeler added the cherry on top with another empty net goal to make it 3-0 and all that was left was helping Hellebuyck get the blanking of the visitors.
If the Jets feel a boost or extra motivation because there is as a chance to make some ground that's great but discovering how they do it and being aware of 'it' is more important for players and coaches.
One thing that left a sour taste in fans mouthes was the Reaves hit on Ehlers, a defenceless player trying to bat the puck out of the air with his hand. Reaves did a helmet on helmet hit on a player arguably half his size- how??? Then only received a minor penalty as Ehlers lay on the ice and was eventually taken off. Again the inconsistency with head hits by the officials is seen and perhaps instead of nitpicking over offsides with a replay system that does not work very well it should be used for dealing with these circumstances. Nothing will come of this play but in the NFL that was a flagrant hit. Ehlers returned though and seemed okay after likely following protocol.
A win is a win but now it's on to deal with the sliding Avalanche (pun intended) who come into town tonight.