The game had it's moments in the first period but after the second period there was a sense of inevitable defeat amongst the fans. A game that had no meaning for the Jets seemed to turn into something bigger near the end. In fact a drab game between one team bound for the playoffs vs another that was set to miss them again turned into a rather entertaining finish.
However, how fans see this win seems to need some context.
First and foremost the comments from Jets captain Blake Wheeler didn't seem to help the divide in how people are taking the win. See his post game comments below:
"We didn't give up. We stayed doing what we needed to do." Wheeler gives his thoughts on the 4-3 OT win. pic.twitter.com/6UAf1JT1KN
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 31, 2017
Then you get this kind of comment after:
Somebody tell Blake Wheeler the Jets peed away another season. Wants a more positive line of questioning? Good grief.
— Rob Tychkowski (@Sun_Tychkowski) March 31, 2017
So arguably the second best RW in the league pissed away a season? I wonder how Tychowski would like to answer questions about Post media pissing away revenue and jobs year after year? Because, you know he's responsible, just like the captain is, for all results.
The context here is that Wheeler handled the question well and the reporter asking it should have known what he was going to get back from Wheeler when leading with that. Defending Wheeler is not the purpose, rather providing some context as to why this win is not 'bad' is.
Ask this question. If the team has to change its attitude, approach, and preparedness for games when does that start?
It should start now and it should come from the top meaning owner and GM right down to the farm team housed in the same city and building. When players like Drew Stafford leave and talk about the 'desire to win' within his new team it should raise a few questions if not concerns about the inner intangibles of the team dynamic.
So the Jets win last night, coming back from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to tie with the goalie pulled and then win it in OT. There was some intensity, some passion, and desire that seems to be in short, if not inconsistent supply. Fans were happy but not all.
Tanking does not start in late March. Being bad now does not become a choice to help solidify a better chance of a draft lottery win. For a team that may have an established culture of losing is reinforcing that sentiment at any point a smart move?
Yes the Jets are a slightly above bad team, or they might be bad. Does that have to diminish the good things, the good times, the little bit of light?
If the team is going to be better moments like last night are going to happen because that's how change could begin. Even if the season is lost again as this one is, change has to start at some point.
The roster has holes. Who disputes that? There are curious decisions made by the coach. Who disputes that? The general manager needs to do more to address obvious shortfalls. Who disputes that?
Anything missing?
However if fans are upset that at some point players start giving damn then maybe be upset, but do it within context. Who's fault is it for the injuries? Who's fault is it for the roster? Who's fault is it for the usage? Apply the criticism to the right areas, it's certainly deserved and warranted.
Last night was fun for those in attendance and there was finally enough emotion to keep most fans interested and in their seats. It's a small victory and while hollow in the short term it's still something positive. This is also the entertainment business too and like most of this season last night was a rare display of great entertainment. I'm okay with that.
It doesn't mean that everything is rainbows and unicorns because there are some hard questions to be asked and decisions to be made in the months ahead. Blake Wheeler didn't piss a season away, nor did Scheifele or others. Perhaps guys like Tychowski and the CJOB reporter ought to be a bit more aware of where the problems are, that always leads you to who. That who is not Blake Wheeler.