Jets End the Year on a High Note Versus the Avs (Jets Avalanche)

Jets Avalanche

Jets End the Year on a High Note Versus the Avs

By Wesley Peters

Jan 1, 2020 • 9:52 pm

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Taking on yet another divisional rival, it was imperative that the Jets started to do some winning. A record of 1-4-1 in their last 6 had them falling to 4th in their division, and just clinging onto a wild card spot. Lucky for the Jets, they would add what was missing in those 6 games, the flying Frenchman, Matthieu Perreault. An overlooked player on this team of young, high profile offensive players, but this man never cheats on a shift, and brings so much quality, and a lot more offense than you might think, to the Jets bottom six. It was good to have him back.

Another roster decision that intrigued and pleased me, was having Harkins remain in the lineup in favor of Logan Shaw. Shaw has done a good job being an honest 4th liner for the Jets, but he had not brought much offense to that line. In the 4 games previous to last night’s, Harkins already had two assists, and the assists he had were crucial plays that lead directly to the goals being scored. Having him line up with Shore and Appleton gave me hope that perhaps, he could get Appleton going. The 6’2’’, 200 lbs, 23 year old has struggled to put up points this year, and though just coming back from injury, after starting slow this year, he put up close to point per game numbers in the AHL, and 10 points in 36 games in the NHL last year. It would be nice to see him find that offensive touch again.

In the end, it would be the big names getting it done for the Jets in this game, and how delightful it was.

1st Period

Beginning with Blake Wheeler, playing in his 900th NHL game, finishing a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play that left Wheels alone on his strong side to rip a puck high and hard. He didn’t get an assist, but Tucker Poolman’s stretch pass to Ehlers was a thing of beauty. The quickness of the play that developed after was really a testament to the chemistry this line has formed on this second line. A dandy, 6 and half minutes into the game.

Despite the Jets having some good looks in the period, the Avs would go to the dressing room with a 17 to 8 advantage in shots and looking like the better team.

2nd Period

Execution matters though, and the Jets were dialed in today and hit on their chances. No one as much as Kyle Connor who led the way with his 2nd career hattrick. His first on the night wasn’t the prettiest but, the forecheck that caused the turnover had probably more beauty to his coach than the finish of all three of his. Gotta love how complete of a player this young man is.

3rd Period

After a couple close chances on either side to begin the 3rd period, Connor forcefully went to lift the stick of Girard, missed, and violently nailed him in the face with his own. Ouch! Of course, Girard is a hockey player so, he was out there trying to score on the ensuing double minor. Nutty.

The powerplay was something to behold as the Avs fired the puck around with precision and velocity. It really looked like just a matter of time before they scored. After a laser beam blast from Makar that hit iron so hard the puck bounced out of the zone, it almost seemed fair that Landeskog would get one to eventually go.

Sure, the Jets gave up 43 shots but, let’s face it, the Avs are the better team. What appeases me, was the Jets willingness to block 21 shots. That and having an All-Star goalie and super skilled forwards who know how to execute.

The win keeps the Jets in the 1st wild card slot and with Dallas winning today, they’ll need to string together a few more wins if they hope to overtake them. The next one should be another entertaining affair as the equally offensive Toronto Maple Leafs roll into town. Thursday 7:00 central.

Happy New Year folks, and thanks for reading!

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