No one really knew what was coming out from the Jets after giving up a 4-1 third period lead last game against the Oilers. The good news for the Jets and their fans was that Dustin Byfuglien was back in the line up and given the third period debacle against the Oilers any change was likely to be received well. Buff did not disappoint either.
There was a decidedly different scent outside Bell MTS Centre last night too as the aroma of marijuana was in the air as it was a day after legalization in Canada of the devils weed. The crowds inside seemed so easily controlled and happy. I wonder how concession sales were?
#MandM
Morrow and Myers were back to their usual tricks as the third pair on the Jets defense and a bit of a chicken and egg moment happened for yours truly....
The Morrow Myers pairing is making me drink double rums
— Pete Tessier (@Teddier) October 19, 2018
The responses were great...
Myers just pulled a puck offside. Take a drink.
— Stephen Moore (@smoore_stephen) October 19, 2018
But you always drink double rums? ......oh you mean two fisting?
— Kirk (@KirkFromThePeg) October 19, 2018
I think that’s the plan at the arena too - help boost alcohol sales
— Chris Thiessen (@winnipegchris9) October 19, 2018
Just like the old days.
The second line was on fire last night and maybe looked their best so far this season. Even Nik Ehlers who has struggled mightily had some jump and looks. The trio all were in positive shot generation territory and were even on goals for and against at 5vs5. Little joined Laine with a PP goal later too. The first one though was bringing back memories.
HOUSLEY TO SELANNE!!!!
— beef master (@sadsackjetsfan) October 19, 2018
The importance of Big Buff
Dustin Byfuglien's return was hardly going unnoticed. Adding him back into the mix allowed for far more to happen on the offense as Buff is the premier puck mover on the defence corps. His role cannot be understated and with a breakaway a two assists and the fourth goal for the Jets the big guy was back and he never looked so good. Take away his on-ice role as his intangibles are through the roof!
BIG BUFF THE HOCKEY SLAYER
— JetsNation (@NHLJetsNation) October 19, 2018
Connor Hellebuyck was halfway through an answer tonight post-game when Dustin Byfuglien chimed in:
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) October 19, 2018
Hellebuyck: "... it took a while to really gain the lead on them and really take over the momentum. That's tough to do..."
Byfuglien: "Bucky, shut up. Let's go." #NHLJets
Continuing his shenanigans today as well
Laugh out loud moment during an intense battle drill as Byfuglien loses his stick, then forcibly rips Brendan Lemieux's out of his hands to replace it.
— Murat Ates (@WPGMurat) October 19, 2018
"He &#-$ing stole it!" Lemieux yelled, flabbergasted.
4-1 leads
They should never make teams uneasy unless of course you are the Leafs or facing Connor McDavid but at least tonight they weren't seeing him. Trouba may still be looking for him.
And Bo Horvat is good but he's NOT Bo McHorvat. https://t.co/pHEVd63zJp
— Neil Klassen (@nklas) October 19, 2018
True or False?
LiTtLe CaNt PlAy SeCoNd LiNe CeNtRe
— Mathmew Purrrr Oh! (@maxthesilent) October 19, 2018
So a win is a win but this one felt a bit more complete and done the right way. It was closed out, they won the shot metrics and got contributions from all over especially the second line. Once Ehlers gets going and whatever combo Maurice finally settles on with Perreault and Rosovic then this team could be quite dangerous. Hopefully the same kind of jam comes out vs Arizona on Saturday before the Jets host St. Louis and Toronto.