Let's not get into the minutiae of last night's game between the Jets and the Kings there's stuff to dissect but for now it's big picture stuff. Do you think the Jets were stymied by a hot Jonathan Quick (with special mention to Drew Doughty) or did the Jets simply have a let down game after the big OT win over Tampa Bay.
It was an even possession battle for the teams but when looking at luck did it seem to fall LA's way? When considering the first goal that the Kings scored the only luck that Hellebuyck has is bad luck. He stops a deflected shot and the puck goes straight up and then down bouncing towards the line and crossed as Morrissey swipes at it but misses.
Hellebuyck did not have a great night, again, and it's becoming a bit more concerning. One thing I commented on last night was his lateral play seems far off from last year. Some have commented that he's playing deeper in the net and not challenging as much in various situations. Hellebuyck has been noted as saying the new goalie equipment is not to his favor and has shown off bruises from pucks. The change in equipment might be messing with his head and that seems somewhat plausible if you watch him- an air of uncertainty in his positioning and reads. The Christmas break might not come soon enough for him.
Another comment I made last night was Laine being static on the PP and how the play against him is to clog the cross ice pass, one that comes from Wheeler. The critics jumped on that and said that Laine opened up and Buff didn't pass to him. That's totally true, and there is reason to believe that Buff freezes him out but it's not all on Buff every PP. Much of the PP runs through Wheeler on the right wall and then down low and to Scheifele too. That particular PP last night had more control from Buff probably based on the way LA was covering in front. Be nice to see Laine move up towards the top of the circle just to see if it draws the defense out or off their positions.
Last night was an aberration and it's going to be rare to have another team give it's rather unsung heroes that many goals against the Jets. It's a game that the Jets should have won, especially given the number of injuries the Kings have but you are going to lose some.
It was the first game on the road trip starting an extra half hour later than normal and the Jets did not practice on Monday as they traveled and the Staples Centre had a basketball game the night before so the Jets had to commute to LA's practice facility. It was not an ideal situation but that's no excuse the Jets should win that game- no question.
Now there are a few more questions and a bit more pressure as they head to San Jose who blanked Minnesota last night. At least they did the Jets a favour.