There doesn't have to be some long analysis of the game tonight between the Jets and PRedators at Bridgestone Arena- they are two team exceeding expectations and trying to continue playing the same successful style of hockey. Before the teams have split the two previous meetings, both at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, and now look to the 'rubber' match in Nashville tonight.
By now most hockey fans should be aware of Filip Forsberg. He was the player the Capitals traded to acquire Martin Erat. I can hear the gasping and laughter. He was also the same player that the Jets passed over to take Jacob Trouba in the 2012 draft.
While it may be far too early for revisionist thinking and analysis would the Jets be a better team with Forsberg? That's a tough question to answer because without Trouba where would the Jets defense be? Thinner than it already is surely but just how thin? Forsberg would be pushing for that #2C spot with Mark Scheifele and would that have created problems, a spoil of riches down the middle, a problem certainly not unwelcome.
Tonight is another showcase of these two players as the teams have both exceeeded preseason expectations. The interesting aspect is that while Nashville went to a more dynamic lineup designed to increase offense they have only scored 41 goals meanwhile allowing a conference second best of 34 allowed. The Jets on the other hand have a negative goal differential of -3 scoring 33 but allowing 36.
The Jets in some ways resemble the Predators of old, a model ownership and management said they intended to mimic. The Preds have moved forward, beyond their traditional strengths as players were traded and lost due to free agency, does that same fate await Winnipeg?
The test will undoubtedly be with Trouba and Scheifele when the time comes for the Jets as Nashville will face one in retention of Forsberg. In some ways tonight, and in future meetings, the Jets can still learn from their division rivals. The Preds are a deeper team even with Winnipeg cast-offs such as Jokinen. The Jets know they have to turn the team and city into a desirable place to play to attract that depth and Winnipeg is no 'Music City'. It does have a chance of being a competitive team into the future and that all depends on the trajectory of players like Trouba.
For the Jets, just like it does for Nashville with Forsberg, the future lies within who they acquire at a young age and what those players can produce. Trouba's rookie year was nothing but outstanding and Forsberg is on that trajectory too will Jets fans one day wish the GM didn't pass on a player many thought should have gone earlier than even Winnipeg's position? Hopefully that questions becomes a debate and not a definitive answer.