So the buzz around Winnipeg the last two days has reached fever pitch and it's almost like a player missing a game to be with his wife during child birth- remember that one? This time it's about the goalie selection/start tonight against Tampa Bay- it's Michael Hutchinson who played in the AHL all-star game yesterday.
Hutch left the team after Thursday's game and went to Laval with the Moose then to Utica for the All-star festivities, played last night and then has the milk run to Winnipeg today. There is uproar and conspiracy.
1. Why not start Comrie? 2. Why not start Hellebuyck 3. What's wrong with Hellebuyck that he cannot start? 4. How can Paul Maurice let this happen? 5. Why did Hutch not decline the start for All-star game?
Does it really matter? Franky the blame game when the team is playing well and just managed 7 of 8 possible points after a six day break should soothe fears but it doesn't. Why can Winnipeg Jets fans enjoy the good times after all the bad they have had?
So unless the weather gets worse and right now yours truly is at the airport and it's basically a white out, the real problem becomes Hutch not being here. Last night was hardly a workout for Hutch nor is the travel that big a deal- these guys are all conditioned to it but why is it causing so much angst and criticism?
I don't get it.
The bigger issue is that Chiarot and Poolman are likely going to have to do some heavy lifting tonight in some capacity if they get caught, particularly on an icing. With Tampa rolling the deadliest top 2 lines in hockey it's that last thing Paul Maurice wants to have happen. Even with the last change option of home ice I would expect the Bolts to try some trickery to get the big guns out against the rookie and 7th d man at some point if not as much as possible.
When it's all said and done it's not about if the Jets win or lose tonight it's how they play and more specifically Michael Hutchinson. A 2-1 loss or 3-1 with a huge amount of saves is more telling than 5-1 win in some ways. The Jets simply don't need him to lose the game. If he does I expect the outcry to be huge because if you weren't paying attention this game is basically the Stanley Cup final according to many.