The Jets came back from their Christmas break on the 27th to face the Flames and then the Wild yesterday. In those two games they scored a total of 2 goals and allowed seven. By many accounts they were outplayed and in some possible frustration the number one goalie vented about the abuse he and other goalies are allegedly taking.
Let's get to the facts...
In the game agains the Flames the Jets were dominant in terms of controlling play and getting shots on net. What they could not do was solve the puzzle that is Rittich. In all game situations they were better they took it to the Flames. The Flames though were better at capitalizing on their opportunities and they certainly won the battle between goalies.
Against the Wild the Jets did something that's been noted of them for much of this season- they took a period off. In this case it was the first period but after that they controlled the play, possession and shot attempts in all meaningful categories. Their challenge was a bit of luck- just like the previous game.
Want some numbers? In their last two games the Jets are shooting 1.85% at 5vs5 and have a .907 save percentage for 925.5 PDO. In their last 10 games including the previous 2 they are a 1000 PDO shooting 7.94% and a save percentage of .924. It's going to happen-where the bounces, posts and shots don't go your way and unfortunately right when you want to establish momentum with wins you have none, or so you think.
By all measurements the Jets did what they needed to do to win the games. They also did a few things to cause themselves problems with their play too but in a practical world they are doing the right things. About those wrong things though, they are correctable and that's where some concerns come into play.
The empty net goal yesterday was a result of some poor effort to contain the zone. The shorthanded goal by Calgary was also a result of careless play. It seems right now that when something goes wrong the puck is going past Hellebuyck where last year he was bailing them out. Yes, Hellebuyck needs to be better but so does some of the play in front of him.
Here's the rolling average for Shot Rate For
Here's the Rolling average for Shot Rate Against
What we see is the inconsistency with the Jets which has been masked because they seem to find ways to win by outscoring teams. There's the concern and that's what has to get corrected if they expect to the the dominant team they were in the second half of last season.
Edmonton is up next and it's time to take advantage of a team that is reeling after the improved play from the coaching change. Happy New Year!