It appears the Winnipeg Jets like playing the Blackhawks. Maybe that's too simply but perhaps they seem to take the team more seriously than other opponents because they took the third game in a row against their Central Division rivals. The total goals have been 9 for Winnipeg and 2 for Chicago in those three games.
Does it mean much? Well those stats don't as they are a product of other things that the players do to create goals. Last night the Jets went toe-to-toe with the Blackhawks in shots and came out ahead again. This was not a hang on for deal life game like that last one at the United Centre, but again the Jets had the kind of game they need togged from their number one goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
The Jets held the edge in shots for the first period and that resulted in a two-goal lead with Wheeler and Scheifele scoring. Strong play from Ehlers and Laine as well as Trouba helped push the play forward for the Jets.
In fact Ehlers was again sensational with the puck and seeing the ice so well as he moved it around the offensive zone. At even strength he and his line mates still had trouble pushing the play in their favour as possession relates with the trio of Ehlers, Scheifele and Laine being 38.1% 36.3% and 38.1% for Corsi. That however may be more of an aberration of their play as against a team like Chicago taking three young players to the woodshed like that is par for the course.
The silver lining is that the second one of Perreault Little and Wheeler was not afraid of anything posting some serious positive possession numbers at even strength- 60%, 57.14% and 53.85%. With results like these you can see that it can help the team by allowing the second line to push play and eventually take some heat off the young guys on the top line.
The good news too was that the Jets penalty kill was solid as well and did not allow a goal during the Blackhawks three opportunities. More good news was a motivated Stafford fed from Petan got a goal and helped seal the win for the Jets. This play from Petan since his return from injury may have had an effect on the future roster moves to come as the Christmas trade freeze was lifted.
Thatroster freeze ended today and the Jets had to make moves and did so by sending Copp and Tanev down to the Manitoba Moose. While Copp has been a solid and dependable player during his time with the Jets the team had to move players who were waiver exempt and Petan was clearly the star amongst the group.
Players such as Stuart, Thorburn and the press box bound Burmistrov remained and one has to wonder if their time is limited with the team as we inch towards the trade deadline and two of them (Thorburn and Burmistrov) have expiring contracts.
While it's the correct move to keep Petan the argument of how contracts of players and the risk of losing them on waivers affects the team can be made. Surely Tanev and Copp will benefit from playing in the AHL with regular time but would it be bad if they were subbed into the line up from the press box?
The log jam of dubious talent that fills the Jets roster could soon be gone and hopefully players like Tanev and Copp can see the future for what it is- an opportunity waiting to be grabbed. That being said, keeping two players who are having trouble holding their own on the ice ahead of two potential regulars has it's pros and cons. Ideally, you want them (the Copps and Tanevs) playing a lot and they will on the Moose. However, should an injury happen will they be called up or simply have Thorburn or Burmi fill that spot?
Discuss as you like.
With the win last night the Jets look to go for their third straight win in over a season of hockey as the host the white hot Blue Jackets at home tomorrow. Again though, fans will want to know which team is showing up as there's still nothing to indicate how well or poorly this team may play on any given night.