Michael Hutchinson starting tonight was not in the tea leaves I was looking at these past few days. In fact most of this week, and more immediately after the 5-1 against Buffalo, I suggested it would be hard to not start Pavelec. I went so far as to say, what kind of message does that send?
Well the message is here and we can all begin to over-analyze and look for hidden meanings.
Hutch played well against the Bruins earlier this season and in almost every game since his first start against LA. This simply could be having him play against the team that gave up on him and the psychological edge that comes with this scenario. It could also be something to do with workload distribution between him and Pavelec along with the defense situation. In all honesty it could be a flip of the coin too because it's never easy to figure out the Jets goalie starts.
Looking forward to tonight the Bruins come in on 3-4-3 streak having won their last game against the Wild on Wednesday night with a 3-2 OT win. They have had a day of rest and are probably ready to finish their road trip and get back home for Sunday against Buffalo, but this is a team that needs to start winning.
Nearing the halfway point of the season the Bruins are sitting outside the playoff picture in the East at 9th place with 35 points. The crazy aspect to the Bruins is that they have a negative goal differential at -2. A year ago the Bruins had scored 90 goals and only allowed 64 this year it's 81 for and 83 against.
Having lost Chara and Kreijci for extended times will do that to a team but a drop off to this effect seems deeper than that, especially when compared with what the Jets are about to endure with their defense corps.
As for the Jets there's not much that can be said other than tired narrative about 'stepping up' and 'playing smart' etc etc. The real story with this group is how the team tactics compensate for the defense injuries? I suggested in the last column that the 'KISS' approach will be best as the rear guards are not a group who should try anything above their pay grades.
In fact this Jets may need to play with such conservative nature that they mimic an opportunity seeking club based on their opponents mistakes. It's not always a fun style to watch but right now the Jets are like a golfer missing 3 clubs in his bag. The ball has to be in the right position on the right hole to attack. No point trying to putt from the second cut around the green when you don't have a pitching wedge.
The Bruins in all likelihood are going to do everything to exploit tempers, depth, and inexperience tonight- can you blame them? This is an opportunity they need to take advantage of and to the contrary it's something the Jets have to negate for them. To do so is by playing frustrating hockey, get the puck back out fast and make the Bruins turn around and reset. Make them work to get in the offensive zone and tire them out going back to get the puck.
Plan your Work and Work your Plan
That's a tactic and part of an overall system, one the Jets seem far more competent in executing. Tonight, now faced with the most adversity this season, we will see how well this group adjusts and adheres to the plan. It's a style and attitude that has them sitting 7th in the west and despite all the injuries, it should still work. But will the Jets still work at it?