I don't want to say 'I told you so', I really don't. BUT I TOLD YOU THIS MIGHT HAPPEN!
That was yesterday's topic and now today we really have to ask why this team fails to rise when they have the opportunity too do so. Actually we won't discuss that- that's like figuring out the Caramilk riddle.
But ask this- why when the Jets scored, a fast rush with Buff feeing a streaking Wheeler did we never see that again the whole game?
The defence system employed led to the second Hansen goal was bizarre. Yes the Jets play a weird hybrid 'man' coverage but having Buff chase to the blue line while leaving Scheifele on Sedin and Morrissey looking around for anyone was a mess.
What is happening now to the Jets is pretty easy to see. Teams have, or will figure out the very un-dynamic offence the Jets use and effectively counter against it. That what the Canucks did last night and when the Jets finally got off their laurels to put forth some effort in the puck battles and rushes it was too late. Then Markstrom did his job, one that seems to rarely happen with either of the Jets goalies.
Let's not dismiss the idea that on the schedule this was the pre-Christmas break, break. A night in Vancouver, some shopping a game, then a day off/practice, then a game and home. What a way to slide into Christmas. Notice the use of the word 'slide'?
Sliding down the standings is where this team is going without something changing and right now it does not matter on the roster formation. If the system, either even strength, defence, PP or PK is not going to change then perhaps its time to change the roster?
Something is not working. The team looks half decent for a bit but then with some basic adversity of another team adjusting for them they look awful, lost and some what defeated. Where's the leadership? Where's the coaching, and what might be done to improve it?
Don't look for much between now and Thursday. It will be some practice review and hopefully a lot more hustle but after that do you expect anything to change?
I wouldn't.