Jets put the Screws to the Bolts
Tentative and uninspired play didn't really summarize the first two periods of the game between the Jets and Lightning last night but those words might be more descriptive that what most fans would use. 'Yawn' 'boring' or 'meh' might be words that fans would use to describe the first two stanzas of play, but after that it was game on for a wild third.
The feeling out process was over for each team and they came out in the third ready to take the game in their hands. The Jets no longer clogged the lanes like George's burgers clog arteries and what begins to happen with this team in the third started early.
Mind the Gap
It was the latest Russian wunderkind, Nikita Kucherov, who opened the scoring as the Lightning came across the red line with three on a collapsing Jets defense. If you were Ondrej Pavelec it's fair to say you wanted to hear the 'beep, beep, beep' as Stuart slammed into reverse like a large truck. At least he would have know what was about to unfold and it's hard to blame him when the defense gives up that much space and screens you. However, that would be Pavelec's only goal allowed as for the next 16 minutes he did what he was paid to do, stop pucks.
What was about to unfold later would be the turning point and one that may not have happened for the Jets all season, a full 5 minute power play in the third period.
Again it was Kucherov who came in and earned a boarding major for his hit from behind on Enstrom. Enstrom left the game and one had to wonder if he was going to be the latest to join the infirmary of Byfuglien, Myers and Chairot. He would return though after being stitched up.
You can see that hit HERE- Enstrom bloddied
The result may have been the best powerplay opportunity the Jets have had all season and they indeed took it to the Bolts. This time Drew Stafford, who had been dangerous all game, tied the game up and still gave the Jets time, over two minutes, to get another.
With approximately 2:50 left of PP time the Jets had Postma in the box for 4 vs 4 play and Wheeler was providing some tenacious forechecking where he stole the puck in the Lightning end and then brought it low and across the front of the net before firing a wrist shot back to the far corner after drawing Vasilevsky out and wide. Now all they had to do was hang on.
That they did and the Jets earning an important two points. Instead of finishing a road trip that started with promise with a win over Nashville they and went sour in St. Louis and Florida they came away with 4 of 8 points. Hardly a disaster, but it was close.
The simple story that one keeps asking is this: why do the Jets seem to adhere and execute their tactics better when faced with injury adversity? It may not be that simple as they had some luck too last night but it was a far more cohesive team than the previous game.
Surprising to some was the play of Paul Postma in his first game since early January. He logged over 20 minutes and look confident moving the puck himself and finding options for passes. Why does he not get more opportunity? What keeps him below Pardy and Harrison on the depth chart? He's in use out of necessity right now but hopefully for him and fans he proves that he is a viable option for regular play- he should be even by the numbers.
As for other news the Jets are back in 8th place in the west as Nashville beat LA and Colorado kept Calgary in check with a win over them. Now with the Jets home on Tuesday to host San Jose, a team looking up at the Jets four points down, how important does this match become and will Myers be available then too?