Jets Avoid Avalanche and time for a name
One does not know what kind of team the Jets will be in an afternoon matinee and even more so when they play one of the lesser teams in the NHL. Yesterday the Jets had both opportunities present themselves and despite the skepticism they managed to come out on top.
Nik Ehlers who has recently been playing some of his best hockey this season manage to score two goals and get the proverbial monkey off his back. Patrik Laine also managed to get on the score sheet to with another of his awe-inspiring shots to open the game.
18 goals for the 18-year-old @PatrikLaine29. pic.twitter.com/5jGNCaEIdy
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 18, 2016
Don’t miss out on the effort from Ehlers and Postma to get that play going too and of course the feed from Schiefele.
The Jets managed to stretch the lead to 3-0 with goals from Wheeler and Ehlers before the Avalanche broke Connor Hellebuyck’s shutout bid on a power play goal from Iginla with the goalie pulled. To put the icing on the cake Ehlers managed an empty net goal to add to his slump busting goal.
The news for Jets fans was that the top line of Ehlers Scheifele Laine was on fire, again. Laine had another 3-point game and both Ehlers and Scheifele had two points for seven combined. It’s now prompted a call for a name for this line and it’s not been easy.
Consider the rationale as to why they deserve a name or anointment as some would say. Here is a recent note form Hockey Reference about Laine.
Last night was Patrik Laine's 3rd 3-point game. Since 1987, only six other players had 3+ 3-point games before turning 19 #Jets pic.twitter.com/Iv5AVrByRW
— Hockey Reference (@hockey_ref) December 19, 2016
Now consider this basic stat on the trio- Scheifele, Laine and Ehlers are all in the top 30 in NHL scoring at 11th, 16th, and 30th respectively. Let’s just say they are good.
Naming a line is not an easy task, there usually is a trait about the group and some sort of connection between three that can be described in the name. So now is the time to put this together as it appears unless injury or some other random reason happens this trio is here to stay.
We have a Dane, a Canadian and a Finn. Last names start with S, E, L. First names M, N, P.
Maybe Myers Norris Penny wants to sponsor them?
Is there a trait to their play? Well Laine is clearly the sniper of the three while Schiefele seems to bridge the gap of shooter versus playmaker and Ehlers seems to be seen more as a set up man but not sure how long that will last with the way he has been playing.
If they had some sort of common bond like a winning medal perhaps using a Manitoba landmark would help and we could call them The Golden Boys.
Can Laine’s name be incorporated? Although pronounced ‘line-eh’ it could be used in some way. Maybe the ‘Hosers’ because they’ve got a Liane (line-eh)?
Of course there is the obvious connection of Jets and Air Force.
This tweet is probably a good start.
@Teddier @TroyWestwood 55+27+29 =111. +Jets "The Air Force ones" I'm sure some creative brilliance could take that somewhere anyway.
— Duff for the Dubya (@DuffortheW) December 19, 2016
Let’s explore air force lexicon then.
The Bomber Squadron? Probably too close to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Gunship? Perhaps a bit too weapon oriented
The Squadron
The Air Force
The Bantam Bombers
One thing is they all have some variation of ‘L in there names ehLERS scheifeLE LAIne and that could be a starting point.
The Elevation Line- because they take flight
The Palomino Line- because they score
The Last Call- because they always end your night
It’s not easy as there are a whole host of variables that you want to encompass that don’t especially fit well. So let’s try words or couplets ending in ‘line’.
The Tow Line- because they pull the team
The Roof Line because they all go top shelf
The Adrena-Line because they are so exciting
The Guide Line because they always find the net
The Air Line because they take flight
The Help Line because the goalie needs to call it
The Punch Line because the joke’s on you
The Clothes Line because they undress the opposition
The Head Line because that who everyone talks about
Look it’s all cheesy reasoning but something has to give here and Jets fans need to find a name for this trio before something truly lame becomes the de-facto name. What’s your take? What would you want to see as a name for Ehlers, Scheifele and Laine?