I had tried to get something creative going by re-writing The Night Before Christmas. I actually got about half way and was going to finish it last night but got way to caught up in the Seahawks Chiefs game.
So with that I'll give you a Jets Christmas shopping list but first a bit of context.
Dec 25th 2017 (5vs5 Stats)
Jets were 5th in the Western Conference with 46 points in 37 games. They had the 14th best CF% in the league at 50.36% and they had a PDO or 100.37. The team had an expected goals for percent of 51.16% good for 13th in the league. They were shooting 8.36% and had a on-ice save percentage of .9201
Dec 25th 2018 (5vs5 Stats)
This year they are 1st in the Western Conference 50 points in 36 games. They are 13th best in CF% at 50.38% with a PDO of 100.17. The team has an expected goals for percent of 48.81% 21st in the league. They are shooting 8.11% with a .9206.
This team is much the same yet a year ago there was cautious optimism as many did not have the Jets being where they were but this year there is a difference sense at the break, more of a 'why aren't they better?'
The Jets are a good team a slightly improved team until you consider their Expected Goals drop but yet they keep winning. They seem to win in high scoring games, low scoring games ad medium scoring games. No matter what they are a team that wins more than loses but yet the general feeling across the fan base is that they are not where they should be. How much more can they do? The post Christmas run will say a lot.
So what do the players and coach need for Christmas to make what happens after Christmas something that becomes even more special than last year?
Mason Appleton- a chance to play with skill and not have to carry Lemieux around Kyle Connor- more goals so you can cement your reputation as a true sniper Andrew Copp- good health as you are a straw that stirs the drink and makes other teams madder than hell Nik Ehlers- more flying zone entries to with line mates who can keep up with you Patrik Laine- some of Ehlers skating ability and some more truculence to your game Brendan Lemieux- hockey sense Bryan Little- the speed you had 5 years ago for another 5 years Adam Lowry- a return of your mean streak, gonna need that soon Mathieu Perreault- regular line mates you can play with and mentor to be just like you Nic Petan- a regular roster spot with Perreault Jack Roslovic-see above and add in more offense Mark Scheifele- some love from the Eastern media and recognition as a Hart candidate Brandon Tanev- continued improvement and more respect Blake Wheeler- a few more goals as your shot is pretty damn good actually
Dustin Byfuglien- some well-timed earth shattering hits Ben Chiarot- a little more foot speed and a better pivot against the rush Dmitry Kulikov- continued health as you steady Myers Josh Morrissey- more of whatever it is you do because it's soooo good Joe Morrow- a chance to come in and be helpful without needing to be more than you are Tyler Myers- a healthy Kulikov as he is the yin to your yang Jacob Trouba- the offense you've always wanted to have and a reasonable contact demand
Connor Hellebuyck- the steady play of last year and more comfort in your new gear Laurent Brossoit- respect and a nice raise because you have given this team wins when none were deserved.
Paul Maurice- some imagination to see what your lines could be Kevin Cheveldayoff- a team willing to trade you what you need for the playoffs and more cap space Mark Chipman- a little more ruthless attitude to get this team to where it's so close to being- a true Stanley Cup contender for a few years.
For all the readers, critics and others- thanks for reading and doing what you do. I appreciate all comments no matter what and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.