Luck eventually went to Winnipeg's side last night as they managed a come from behind win over the New York Rangers after going up 2-0. Mark Scheifele had two goals to get to 30 on the season again, and Joe Morrow and Andrew Copp did the clean up to give the Jets a 4-3 win.

This game was not without it's oddities though as the Rangers managed to find the back of the net on not one deflection requiring some luck but two when the go ahead goal to put them up 3-2 went off Trouba and Morrissey to go past Connor Hellebuyck.

The Jets came out flying and controlled the shots well as they managed a 2-0 lead going into the first intermission but the Ranger clawed back and with two PPGs they took the lead.

The Jets played a good game but again, the shots allowed is concerning and the trend continued last night despite a strong first period. It just seems that the Jets take their foot off the gas when they should be hammering the pedal and going all out. That being said there is some technical stuff that might be showing why shots are coming against them.

One thing I tried to watch last night was how the Jets defence aligned with the rushes from the Rangers and it's something I will continue to watch and compare. Often the Rangers would counter attack and one of the Jets D was back, deep. Now given where the forward is coming back from there was often a huge gap down one side if the ice. In an ideal world there is a forward back checking and forcing the puck carrier to pass or choose a line that the D can angle in on. When that didn't happen there was a ton of space and the ability to set up once gaining the zone which often led to shots.

The theory here might be respect for the speed of certain Rangers forwards and having been taken to the woodshed in Montreal but it didn't really solve the underlying problem, more shots allowed. Eventually if a team allows a lot of shots they will allow more good quality shots and that's where the concern comes long term . Quantity usually leads to an increase in quality and as the game wore on last night the Rangers were finding gaps and space as well as some insane luck.

Speaking of luck the much discussed 4th line of Lemieux, Copp and Appleton have certainly had it. In 117 minutes of 5vs5 play they have a 117 PDO and made up of an on-ice shooting percent of 18.75 and save percent of .984. This is happening while being a 45% CF for line. With a goal last night one has to wonder when the regression hits as someones are going to have to pick up the slack.

Speaking of regression is it about time that the line (Roslovic and Little) with Laine ticks up? Pointless again last night and sitting on the 2nd unit PP the Finntastic one and his mates were less than stellar. In 154 5vs5 minutes this season they are a 42.76% CF 8.96% on-ice shooting and .935 save percentage. Both of these numbers are above the team as a whole but not where they should be right? Well they are almost identical to last season when that trio was together and better than this season and last when it was Ehlers, Little and Laine.

Again given the talent spread on the team the concern becomes if this is as good as it gets with that line then going 27-18-29 is a step in the wrong direction. It leads to the idea that something more is needed or, a different variation of lines. Would it not be prudent to start some testing or experimentation soon before the trade deadline arrives?

Certainly living in the bubble of the Jets is clouding fans. The team is 1st in the division, 1st in the conference, and 2nd in the league as it stands today before the games. It's not all that bad yet there are signs that point to trouble. If Dallas had these problems would anyone outside the bubble care? The bubble is also something that affects the team too, in particular the coaches and while the results are there is there not room for improvement? Certainly the wins are welcomed but they are not always pretty and that seems to be the concern that gets overlooked inside and outside the bubble.

Join the Discussion: » 39 Comments » Post New Comment

» Who are the Jets and time for me to let go...

» Jets bet Oilers in scoreless but exciting game.

» Digestion Problems: Jets edition

» Laine shines in 5-2 win over Wild

» Hellebuyck, Laine and Defense shine in 4-1 win over Penguins