Jets Curb Cup Champs and Claim Victory (Jets Blues)

Jets Blues

Jets Curb Cup Champs and Claim Victory

By Wesley Peters

Feb 2, 2020 • 1:15 pm

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The Set Up

The Jets got back in the win column Saturday night with two from Roslovic, one from Copp, and a couple empty netters. The win brought the Jets to within three points of the last wildcard spot, currently held by the Arizona Coyotes with 59 points.

Against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Jets played an honest game. I’m sure it would have been more pleasant with less than 23 giveaways to the Blues’ 4. However, Hellebuyck made 38 saves, and early execution allowed the Jets to play a bit more conservative, getting through the rest of the game with good goaltending and teamwork.

1st Period

The game began as a board battle yielding little dangerous offense. There was a weird deflection that few tracked, perhaps for Hellebuyck too, but you didn’t miss much if you missed the first five minutes.

Six and a half in, a puck would squirt free for Mark Scheifele, but without any traffic, and not far to go, Binnington snagged it with the glove. Next, Jansen Harkins instigated some rough stuff, and the fight we witnessed against Boston on Friday, was apparent again Saturday night.

Alexander Steen would get the nod for playing in his 1000th game. Fitting, that he would be commemorated for his legacy game against a team that intersects so greatly with his father’s.

The Jets top line would move the puck fine, giving Connor the chance to shoot it wide, and eventually create a powerplay. Not much would come from it but, as it ended, Roslovic would take a feed from Niku, walk in and put it low blocker. Jack’s back baby.

Also, JetsNation is bang on here.

2nd Period

A quick shot 2 minutes in would be the first threatening opportunity of the period. That was until a magnificent chance materialized when Shore broke out 3 on 1, shorthanded and, dropped a pass for Morrissey, that he sent in on net. Binnington blocked it, and even though Connor was right there for the rebound, it went up and over the net, alluding the Jet.

As the St Louis powerplay ended, Scheifele carried the puck over the Blues’ line and dished to Copp who got robbed on the redirect. Roslovic would get a chance for his second when a puck squirted out in front to him. Not this time, but it evidently was coming; and you know who else has been coming along? Sami Niku. His two assists tonight, I think, are the beginning of some kind of run for the young defender.

Back to the game, 4 on 4, Schenn produced a scary moment when he ripped a shot that Helle just got enough of with the shoulder. Shortly after, Robert Thomas took a feed in the slot, but wired it wide. Justin Faulk, granted some time and some space, walked in unchallenged and shot it at Helle’s face. The concussion spotter was eating a burger, but it was ok because Helle wouldn’t be bothered.

Jack Roslovic, not done being fun, dropped a puck for Kulikov and went to the net. He would get to the rebound and resound the debate on whether he’s a second or third liner. He is a second liner you know. He just scores all his points from the third line.

Going into the third up by three is ideal, but not as exciting perhaps as a one-goal game. The Jets remedied that and ticket holders got to skip the requisite number of heartbeats that make up a satisfying emotional experience.

You could smell it coming in off the rush when, Alexander Steen the 1000 game machine, let one go that Hellebuyck made into a stat of his own. And even though, Morrissey aesthetically put it hard off the bar, the levee would break when Schenn took a one-timer from Schwartz, and mounted the comeback.

The Wrap

So, the Jets are kind of back in a way, and that’s making it fun to watch games again. That break, I think, did make a difference for many players on this team. Hopefully, they can get back Beaulieu and Bryan Little sometime soon.

And for all those people that supported #freeniku, I want to hear from you. I’m curious about what you are seeing. His stat line from Saturday night: 2 assists, +1, 1 hit, 2 blocks, 2 shots, 2 giveaways, 1 takeaway, in almost 17 minutes of ice time. He’s no doubt looking better than when he first came up. And, in the 16 minutes he played against Boston on Friday, he registered 4 shots, and remained even. Maybe help is already on the way.

Really looking forward to seeing the Predators on Tuesday. Neither team plays until then, and the Jets have a 1-point lead albeit, with two games extra played. So, a win on Tuesday would mean a lot for their continued chance at a playoff position. Game’s at 7:00 beauties.

"Feel good, feel good."

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