Normally I like to keep my own personal doings out of my blogs, but I want to take a second to congratulate my little sister on graduating from her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy. She had to return to Winnipeg yesterday for her convocation and now has to make the long drive back home. It would be nice if Winnipeg had an airport for her to fly back from.
It's strange sometimes how quickly an NHL roster can change. One year ago, the Winnipeg Jets boasted one of the best defenses in the NHL, specifically the right side which had Byfuglien, Trouba, and Myers patrolling the blue. Now, Trouba and Myers play for different teams and Byfuglien is MIA. Poolman, Pionk, and Kulikov have become the replacements for those players... coincidentally, the Jets have also allowed the most goals in the NHL.
Edmonton put on a much stronger performance against the Red Wings than they did against the Flyers, limiting the high danger chances in their own end. Despite the 2-1 seemingly close victory, the Oil were in control most of the game and had it not been for Bernier the score could have been 5-1. In prior years, a trip into Winnipeg would be viewed as a big test for Edmonton. The Jets have dominated the Oilers recently, winning 5 of their last 6 contests. This year could tell a different story.
Winnipeg has lost their last 3 games, scoring a total of 5 goals through those games while allowing 14. Remarkably, the Jets actually outshot their opponent in each of those games. The Jets have a slew of talented scoring forwards, the toughest weapons Edmonton has faced this season. If they are as porous as they were against Philly this game could get ugly fast.
LINEUP
- Gagner has been called up by Edmonton but won't be in the lineup tonight.
- Koskinen was brilliant for Edmonton the last two games, but running each goalie for two games then switching has worked out well for Tippett. Smith will start tonight.
McDavid has only showed up once in my Player Spotlights because it feels too easy because he should always be here. Connor is once again surpassing our expectations of him as he has 17 points in 8 games, something Edmonton hasn't seen since Gretzky. Connor only has 2 career goals in 11 games against the Jets. Look for him to double that number tonight.
JETS PLAYER SPOTLIGHT - PATRIK LAINE
Part of the contract disputes Laine had over the summer with the organization was that he wanted to be on the Jets top line. He has been there and is making the most of his time there, with 12 points through 9 games. Laine has the ability to score goals at a ridiculous pace but can be notoriously streaky as well. #29 for Winnipeg hasn't scored in four games and you can bet he doesn't want a goalless streak like he had last season again.
-----
3 (+1) KEYS TO VICTORY
Until they get a 5 on 5 goal against an opponent this will remain in the Keys To Victory. Edmonton needs scoring from their bottom 6.
1.) Deny The Top Line. The combo of Laine, Scheifele, and Wheeler has done most of the heavy lifting thus far for the Jets. There will likely be a power vs power matchup with the McDavid line going against Winnipeg's best. Whichever of those lines gets shutdown could mean the loss for that team.
2.) First Shorty? Edmonton is still running a red hot powerplay that is #1 in the league while Winnipeg has the worst penalty kill in the league at 56.25%. The Jets have also allowed 3 shorthanded goals and will be facing an Oilers penalty kill that is very aggressive. Once again special teams could be the main story of the game and I will go as far to say Edmonton will score their first shorthanded goal of the season tonight.
3.) Bearing The Weight - Ethan Bear has easily been the great surprise story for the Edmonton Oilers this season. Through the first few games of the season, Bear looked calm and poised with the puck, making great plays under pressure and handling his minutes well. In the past few games though we are seeing his offensive instincts kick in. Bear has 2 goals in his last 2 games, both brilliant shots from the point. Edmonton fans thought they would have to wait for Evan Bouchard to see that kind of point shot but Bear is bringing the heat early.
---
FILM OF THE DAY
My intro to this blog talked about the reverse of fortunes the Jets defense is facing, meaning I am going to pick a movie where the narrative is played in reverse. Memento is the obvious choice here but I also want to pick films that people haven't necessarily seen before so instead I am going with a Korean film, Peppermint Candy. For those who enjoy foreign films I highly recommend it.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»