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Jets host Sharks to start home stand

March 12, 2019, 10:36 AM ET [46 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The last game for the Jets on Sunday night was a disappointing 3-1 loss to old SE Division rival the Washington Capitals. Unlike many Jets losses this season this one was not defeat snapped from the jaws of victory it was simply a hot goalie and cool powerplay defeating them. That's the good news despite a loss.

Winnipeg controlled the shot attempts/possession game, had a strong game as it relates to expected goals and basically made the Caps rely on some stellar goaltending and a PK that could not convert. It was fun to watch and it had many fans saying on social media that 'this is what the Jets used to look like'.

That's true and the Jets need to keep playing that way as they come into a tough stretch of games starting tonight with San Jose (who beat the Wild 3-0) last night and then Boston before hosting Calgary. This is not an easy stretch and the thankful part is the Jets are at least at home and Calgary plays the Rangers at home before coming to Winnipeg for a game the next day.

This is an opportunity and one the Jets can't take lightly given the two games in hand on the Predators and the surging Blues. This is the time to get greedy, to decide that there is not time to take a shift off or wait for a team mate to do the job. It's all hands on deck and ready for battle.

The Jets Powerplay continues to be a troublesome spot recently as it's become a bit predictable on what they are trying to do. The puck movement seems stale and the positioning is static with many calling for Hayes to replace Connor on the to unit. The other part is that Trouba is not the same with his vision as Buff or Morrissey as a QB.

While it is almost sure to elicit some quip from the masses, would putting Myers as the QB on PP 1 be more appropriate or reach further and have Niku who is the best puck controller and play maker in the offensive zone of the defence? Debate that.

In the game vs Washington Trouba had 6:42 of PP time and Myers had 1:44 with no other defender getting time. On PK time the minutes were even for four player and only Beaulieu and Niku saw no PK time.

Now at home and with a bit of control with the last shift it will be interesting to see how Paul Maurice tries to match his players. Against Washington the all defence pairs were above board on possession with Myers and Kulikvov treading water decently enough. The minutes at 5vs5 were well spaced and Trouba led the team but there was not real drop of significance either. This is why the home ice will be interesting to see because Pomo seems content to roll with what he has until special teams but now he can better situate his D-pairs in zone starts and opposition.

Winnipeg's favourite former player Evander Kane will not be in the game tonight as he is away from the team dealing with personal issues. Nothing sinister here but at least the boo-birds can focus on some one else.

The game are important as with 14 games left the Jets have 7 at home and 7 away and at least 8 of those games against teams in playoff position or battling to get to one of the final wild card spots. The worst kind of team to play is the one that is desperate enough to win but with also nothing to lose if they don't. If you put Colorado, Arizona, and Chicago in that bracket then the Jets play 12 of 14 games against teams that should be considered highly dangerous to their playoff positioning. At least the pressure has has started for Winnipeg and it won't be a jump come April right?
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