Would it me too much to suggest that Winnipeg could be Canada's team should they secure a playoff spot tonight?
That thought is a premature right now but the buzz word today in Winnipeg is 'premature'. No one is trying to get ahead of themselves but fans and media are buzzing that something that has not been seen in 19 years may return.
(from Toronto Sun)
Should this event, a playoff berth happen is there more pressure on the team or the fans?
That seems like a rather ridiculous question but as commentators on the networks, radio and internet say time and time again 'what will that building be like if the Jets make the playoffs?'
Getting there is just one step and that happens tonight with two possible scenarios. As outlined yesterday, either a Jets win or a Calgary win seal the deal for Winnipeg and put the nail in the coffin for LA.
Tonight it is believed Andrej Pavelec will make his third start on this important road trip and will look to continue his shutout streak, one now entering it's 7th period. As important is whether Enstrom will return to action and the status of Andrew Ladd.
Ladd is injured- that is clear and Bryan Little may be battling something as well. To what extent and where for both is not known but judging by their play, as courageous as it has been, all is not right. It would be foolish to expect either to miss tonight's game against the Avs, if they clinch they can rest in Winnipeg.
It is believed the Avs are starting Reto Berra in net and this could be a scenario where the Jets become stymied and frustrated or take advantage of facing an inconsistent back up. His last five starts have seen save % of: .946, .893, .971, .963 and .909 in a period going back 30 days. Before that stretch his run was bizarre- in 6 games he appeared in Berra faced only 52 shots and made 43 saves for a .826 save %. Jets fans are hoping that guy shows up!
The task at hand is really simple- win the game. To do so requires some tactics and those should be not allowing the Avalanche to establish their game. Sounds easy but the converse is that the Jets need to do a bit more of what they are doing and that is creating opportunities to realize some good luck.
In the last two games how many of the goals scored have been 'great skill' goals? Maybe Stafford's PP marker but that squeezed through Dubnyk under the arm. The other one from Wheeler was a deflection off a skate and Thorburn's in St. Louis was as unlikely a situation for him as fans will see. That's no slight at Thorburn but this is a guy who needs more luck than the regular NHLer to score goals.
Of course the Jets need to stay out of the box too, something they did well with St. Louis and even caused them to unravel a bit as well. Imagine if Stasny had not taken that slashing penalty before he scored?
Look at it this way, there are two chances to clinch a spot and the Jets need to focus on their opportunity, win and they're in. It doesn't require much more discussion or analysis than that.
Oh yeah, Go Flames!