Yesterday the Jets lost to the Blues in a shootout but not before more fans could marvel at the resilience of the team, a new found trait under Paul Maurice. Frankly the Jets could have won the game but this time the puck luck was not on their side.
The example that lead to the point of discussion for this game is below:
What is not seen in this clip is after the goal Paul Postma, in his first game back, looking at the ref and saying 'Really' and waving his arms in frustration. Before I saw the play and the puck hitting the ref I though Postma was saying 'WTF!' to Pardy. How quickly fans and some media come the defense of players with last names beginning with the letter 'P'.
Postma should have been giving it to Pardy as his fellow player blew the read and coverage on the play. Even the puck had gone harmlessly into the corner the damage was already done. Pardy had taken himself out the play before the chip in was made and the ref's skate was just part of the puck luck. In fact Postma, who did I mention was in his first game in 4 months, should acknowledge that the puck may have been put there deliberately to gain advantage.
But that's luck and the Blues got some. Pucks bounce off glass, boards, posts and skates all the time no different if it's an official either. Postma however needs to recognize that, he could have played Roy better but he had no choice as Pardy had created the mess already.
The difference though for the Jets is that they kept with the game plan, they stayed the course and capitalized to tie the game and force OT. That is the good news, particularly after the game in Washington where they could not hold the game in the third as they played it in the second. It's a credit to the change in the group, coaches included, that they recovered as well as they did for the tough opposition that is the Blues.
Mark Scheifele had two goals yesterday afternoon the second being a highlight drive to the net and slick move to score on Brian Elliot. Credit Wheeler with the pass but Scheifele, who is keeping his name in the Calder race, is finding his spots as evidenced by his first goal on another nice feed but from Setoguchi. While it appears Nathan McKinnon will run away with the award Scheifele is putting up a good fight with some of the other players hovering behind McKinnon.
The Jets like all other teams have a break now but it won't be all relaxation, or at least it shouldn't be. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff needs to consider his plan of action as the trade deadline approaches shortly after the season resumes from the Olympic break as does Paul Maurice.
The Jets are 2 points back of 8th place in a very crowded space. So the question becomes do the Jets go all-in to get that final spot and potentially play the likes of Anaheim, Chicago or St. Louis in the first round? If the answer is yes what does 'all-in' mean?
In the case of Winnipeg, going 'all-in' simply means status quo in terms of roster or adding a depth forward for the bottom six or three. They get a stud winger back (hopefully) with Kane after the break and a healed infected hand and that could boost the team a fair bit. Why sell something in the future for a short-term reward of the post season? It makes little sense for this team and even less so when looking at the upcoming schedule.
The Jets only play 11 of their next 22 games at home so no advantage there. They also play only 3 teams below them in the standings in those final 22 games along with another road trip through 'Death Valley' that is California. It's hardly an easy schedule so why risk assets for the now if it's unlikely that a 9-3-1 pace is sustainable- and it is very unlikely.
So what should the Jets do? (Aside from getting Paul Maurice a contract for next season and beyond).
This is the kind of situation that proves whether a GM is on his game. Chevy had to make one tough decision after Noel lost the room, (yes, owner Mark Chipman admitted that later) can he make another or more? He's got two weeks to figure that out with no pressure which is a rare luxury for any GM, hopefully he doesn't get too comfortable with this 9-3-1 record.