Chipman, is our owner and we are stuck with him and he makes sure the guys who are paid the most, play the most!!! always has!!! we were playing Antropov top minutes until his contract ended and we are doing the same with Wheeler.

blame Chippy!!! he is the true coach and GM of this bad team
- Ross77

This I agree with, recall Pavlec? Wouldn’t buy him out and paid 4 mill to be in the minors. Maybe they couldn’t buy him out but I agree, Wheeler is highest paid so they will play him. Forget about a buyout, unless they can trade him, they will keep him and play him.

you guys are right, lets keep blaming Ehlers who leads this team in points per minute every year, has the best underlying numbers and the best contract on the team. lets keep playing him so little while we play Shief, Connor, Lowry, Wheels, Pionk and others sooooo much cause our results are awesome right? we are going to win the cup playing those guys soooo much right? hey lets give shief 10 million extension while we are at it, cause he clearly leads our team to great results.
- Ross77

It’s not blaming him for the teams woes, it’s pointing out his absent minded gaffes, which are plentiful and often.

I still maintain he has one of the lowest IQ on this team. Last nite he was terrible, again.

He is good at north south and taking a shot, if he doesn’t lose it or give away the puck first. Sell high

Even if the Jets make the playoffs, you can expect .378 pp/GM which indicates his playoff performance won’t be anything to look forward to.

Sell high.

I know some disagree on here but the only common denominator for when the Jets starting losing vs winning is Ehlers vs Perfetti.

Ehlers can put some points on the board but I think he is overall a liability on the ice and gets bumped off the puck easily against the tighter-checking teams. The Bruins really made him look bad last night and that's the type of hockey the Jets would expect to see if they make the playoffs. Ehlers is minus 6.

Perfetti can also put points on the board, but not quite as much as Ehlers....yet. However, Perfetti is very defensively responsible (plus 10 ). Perfetti played best on a line with Sheifele and Wheeler while Ehlers played best when he played with Dubios and Connor who can cover for his constant defensive gaffs. Unfortunately, Perfetti won't be back till the end of the regular season.

The other massive liability is Pionk. Why he gets soooo much ice time is completely beyond me. It's not just his defensive gaffs ( minus 13 ), he also makes very poor decisions with the puck. There must have been a half-dozen times in last night's game where he made poor pass choices in the O-zone and ended good zone time for the Jets. I remember the one in particular where Scheif was wide open on the left side for a one-timer and Pionk didn't even see him and took a weak low-chance shot.. You could see the disappointment on Schief's face. You could run an entire clip of poor decisions by Pionk last night. Message to Bowness.......sit him for a game or two ......please !!!!!

...and of course, we all miss PLD, especially against teams like the Bruins.
- jetsnation

I wholeheartedly agree with all your assessments in this.

Even the TV pundits are starting to speak openly of Ehlers gaffes. As some players seem to have a degree of hockey IQ, Ehlers is on par with Burmistrov.

I wholeheartedly agree with all your assessments in this.

Even the TV pundits are starting to speak openly of Ehlers gaffes. As some players seem to have a degree of hockey IQ, Ehlers is on par with Burmistrov.
- Old Flopper

Ehlers dominates Connor defensivley and out performs him in points per minute? explain how you would prefer Connor over ehlers? you have no argument.
its not ehlers fault he gets less ice time and power play
he literaly is and has been our best player

I wholeheartedly agree with all your assessments in this.

Even the TV pundits are starting to speak openly of Ehlers gaffes. As some players seem to have a degree of hockey IQ, Ehlers is on par with Burmistrov.
- Old Flopper

Only Pionk was worse than Ehlers last night which really says something about Pinok's play .... because Ehlers was pretty bad.

Scheif took some blame of the first Bruins goal and deservedly so but he played a very aggressive game and if not for really bad luck would have easily potted two goals by going into the difficult punishing places around the net. You'll never find Ehlers going into those same places. He plays around the fringes where there is much less contact.

Ehlers dominates Connor defensivley and out performs him in points per minute? explain how you would prefer Connor over ehlers? you have no argument.
its not ehlers fault he gets less ice time and power play
he literaly is and has been our best player
- Ross77

I'll take another Kyle Connor over Ehlers hands down ...and so would just about every other Jet fan and every other team.

I understand that (because you hear it constantly) Helle has fantastic fancy stats - goals saved above expected and such, which the eye test supports more often than not. But my concern is, his absolute inability to make "timely" saves. I wonder if I'm alone there in thinking this. How often this year have we had decent to very good starts deflated by soft early goals where we've only had 1, 2, 3 shots against. All these thoughts bring me around to wondering out loud if there is any kind of significant overhaul in the offseason, shouldn't his market value be gauged?

I understand that (because you hear it constantly) Helle has fantastic fancy stats - goals saved above expected and such, which the eye test supports more often than not. But my concern is, his absolute inability to make "timely" saves. I wonder if I'm alone there in thinking this. How often this year have we had decent to very good starts deflated by soft early goals where we've only had 1, 2, 3 shots against. All these thoughts bring me around to wondering out loud if there is any kind of significant overhaul in the offseason, shouldn't his market value be gauged?
- Jetlag

"But my concern is, his absolute inability to make "timely" saves" ????

....are you kidding me. Helle makes several timely saves every single game. He had some superb saves against the Bruins as well.

It was hard to fault him on either Bruins goal . Both were very good shots.....the second one by Zacha was actually a perfect laser beam to the top corner bar down. No goalie was stopping that one.

I know some disagree on here but the only common denominator for when the Jets starting losing vs winning is Ehlers vs Perfetti.

Ehlers can put some points on the board but I think he is overall a liability on the ice and gets bumped off the puck easily against the tighter-checking teams. The Bruins really made him look bad last night and that's the type of hockey the Jets would expect to see if they make the playoffs. Ehlers is minus 6.

Perfetti can also put points on the board, but not quite as much as Ehlers....yet. However, Perfetti is very defensively responsible (plus 10 ). Perfetti played best on a line with Sheifele and Wheeler while Ehlers played best when he played with Dubios and Connor who can cover for his constant defensive gaffs. Unfortunately, Perfetti won't be back till the end of the regular season.

The other massive liability is Pionk. Why he gets soooo much ice time is completely beyond me. It's not just his defensive gaffs ( minus 13 ), he also makes very poor decisions with the puck. There must have been a half-dozen times in last night's game where he made poor pass choices in the O-zone and ended good zone time for the Jets. I remember the one in particular where Scheif was wide open on the left side for a one-timer and Pionk didn't even see him and took a weak low-chance shot.. You could see the disappointment on Schief's face. You could run an entire clip of poor decisions by Pionk last night. Message to Bowness.......sit him for a game or two ......please !!!!!

...and of course, we all miss PLD, especially against teams like the Bruins.
- jetsnation

I didn't like Ehlers game last night either but come on, Perfetti has twice missed significant time from two not heavy hits, Perfetti gets bumped off the puck very easily.
Ehlers is actually pretty good defensively, Connor really isn't.

Pionk hasn't been the same since Spezza dropped his knee on Pionks head, remember it took Morrissey years to recover from his concussion in 2019.

Yeah they miss PLD but he's been an empty jersey for the last 10 or so games before he got injured, he's looked checked out for quite awhile already.

In the end this team just isn't very good and not well built, just not enough legit talent in the right spots at forward and way too many 3rd pair dmen.

"But my concern is, his absolute inability to make "timely" saves" ????

....are you kidding me. Helle makes several timely saves every single game. He had some superb saves against the Bruins as well.

It was hard to fault him on either Bruins goal . Both were very good shots.....the second one by Zacha was actually a perfect laser beam to the top corner bar down. No goalie was stopping that one.
- jetsnation

From my vantage point is most often early deflating goals. Not trying to nitpick but I also have next to no confidence on breakaways either. He's a slow starter generally and in games and when the offense is sputtering it's a death blow.

From my vantage point is most often early deflating goals. Not trying to nitpick but I also have next to no confidence on breakaways either. He's a slow starter generally and in games and when the offense is sputtering it's a death blow.
- Jetlag

Not sure how you can slag on Helle! He has absolutely been our MVP for what, 7-8 years? Without Helle we might very well be in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. If he played behind, say, the Bruin defence corps, how many shouts would he have? If we don't want him, I can guarantee you 31 other teams would.

Connor vs Ehlers? Both are dynamic players in their own right - and I want both on my team. Fans pay good money to see players like these two. I thought Connor played one of his best defensive games last night. Not many fans look away when Ehlers dangles with the puck. Both are keepers!

Not sure how you can slag on Helle! He has absolutely been our MVP for what, 7-8 years? Without Helle we might very well be in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. If he played behind, say, the Bruin defence corps, how many shouts would he have? If we don't want him, I can guarantee you 31 other teams would.

Connor vs Ehlers? Both are dynamic players in their own right - and I want both on my team. Fans pay good money to see players like these two. I thought Connor played one of his best defensive games last night. Not many fans look away when Ehlers dangles with the puck. Both are keepers!
- grahamzky

Not trying to rag on Helle, I actually like him. But if we're going to be critical of our other major players, he should be subject to critique as well. Also, if we're doing some type of partial or full rebuild, maybe he's going to cultivate some of the better assets. I'm not a fan of the mushy middle over a long period, I'm probably at a point where I'd prefer to watch my team on the incline again (regardless if a couple/few years of pain occur) vs. treading water.

My take on Ehlers is that he never really learned to play a "team" style of game.
In Denmark and with Halifax, he was THE SHOW.

In the NHL, that doesn't work. You have to be able to use your linemates, and his linemates need to be able to work with him.

I'll take another Kyle Connor over Ehlers hands down ...and so would just about every other Jet fan and every other team.
- jetsnation

i like Connor a lot, but all your point proves is how little fans understand overall impact of offense and defense to team success.

My take on Ehlers is that he never really learned to play a "team" style of game.
In Denmark and with Halifax, he was THE SHOW.

In the NHL, that doesn't work. You have to be able to use your linemates, and his linemates need to be able to work with him.
- bennythehat

Shiefele has always played his best overall 200' hockey when with Ehlers. ehlers is carrying Wheeler around the ice on his back, its not easy

My take on Ehlers is that he never really learned to play a "team" style of game.
In Denmark and with Halifax, he was THE SHOW.

In the NHL, that doesn't work. You have to be able to use your linemates, and his linemates need to be able to work with him.
- bennythehat

Stastny was a 50 point player last season and a lot of that was from playing with Ehlers, now he's playing 4th line and getting scratched.

He isn't playing his best but this narrative about him is just ridiculous.

I get we all need a villain but the reality is this team just isn't good enough! It isn't one guy, compare the lineups of the two teams last night and factor in the guys missing for both teams, Boston is just WAY better built and it isn't close.

Stastny was a 50 point player last season and a lot of that was from playing with Ehlers, now he's playing 4th line and getting scratched.

He isn't playing his best but this narrative about him is just ridiculous.

I get we all need a villain but the reality is this team just isn't good enough! It isn't one guy, compare the lineups of the two teams last night and factor in the guys missing for both teams, Boston is just WAY better built and it isn't close.
- JetFuel

To be clear, I am an Ehlers fan. Very exciting player, but not enough happens when he is on the ice. Perhaps my expectations are too high.

1)Anyone who thinks that Chipman doesn't care about winning is dead wrong.

2)Sure the team has made mistakes at the upper management level. What team hasn't ?
3) Boston has a great team. They have a few players that are close to the end of the line, and no prospects to speak of on the way. They had better win now.

1)Anyone who thinks that Chipman doesn't care about winning is dead wrong.

2)Sure the team has made mistakes at the upper management level. What team hasn't ?
3) Boston has a great team. They have a few players that are close to the end of the line, and no prospects to speak of on the way. They had better win now.
- bennythehat

I’ve never said nor I have read anyone in here suggesting Chipman doesn’t care about winning.
I’m suggesting he doesn’t know how. And my evidence is over ten years long now

It was correctly pointed out on twitter,
Ehlers is one the very best in the entire league at zone entries. So obviously if you attempt 15 zone entries a game and turn it over three times it’s more noticeable than a player attempting 3 zone entries and only turning it over once. But if you think the player only turning it over once is better or more valuable to your team you have completely missed the boat.

It amazes me how many people can only see Connor score and never realize he is one of the worst 200’ forwards in the nhl. I like Connor and I want him on my team for his 40 goals a year but he needs to play with more responsible players to cover up his complete lack of any defensive awareness.

Anyone suggesting he is a smarter player than Ehlers, I’m sorry. But you have no evidence or statistics to back that up. Connor has no clue what to do or where to go in our end, never has and for some strange reason has never been coached to.

I’ve never said nor I have read anyone in here suggesting Chipman doesn’t care about winning.
I’m suggesting he doesn’t know how. And my evidence is over ten years long now
- Ross77

and the Leafs ?
and our own Bombers who couldn't win a Grey Cup for like 29 years in a 8 or 9 team league ?

I’ve never said nor I have read anyone in here suggesting Chipman doesn’t care about winning.
I’m suggesting he doesn’t know how. And my evidence is over ten years long now
- Ross77

So how about the other owners whose teams haven't won The Cup or gone deep in the playoffs the last 10 years?

Do they "don't know how?" Or is it just poor old Mark?

It was correctly pointed out on twitter,
Ehlers is one the very best in the entire league at zone entries. So obviously if you attempt 15 zone entries a game and turn it over three times it’s more noticeable than a player attempting 3 zone entries and only turning it over once. But if you think the player only turning it over once is better or more valuable to your team you have completely missed the boat.

It amazes me how many people can only see Connor score and never realize he is one of the worst 200’ forwards in the nhl. I like Connor and I want him on my team for his 40 goals a year but he needs to play with more responsible players to cover up his complete lack of any defensive awareness.

Anyone suggesting he is a smarter player than Ehlers, I’m sorry. But you have no evidence or statistics to back that up. Connor has no clue what to do or where to go in our end, never has and for some strange reason has never been coached to.
- Ross77

Isn't Ehlers father the head coach of a team in his country? Or am I thinking of someone else? But, if so, I would imagine is hockey IQ is at least equal to most.

Connor's defensive side is improving in my opinion. Maybe never a Selke winner, but a lot of snipers are like that. What concerns me here is lack of Grade A scoring opportunities recently. Not sure why.

I’ve never said nor I have read anyone in here suggesting Chipman doesn’t care about winning.
I’m suggesting he doesn’t know how. And my evidence is over ten years long now
- Ross77

#firechevy

and the Leafs ?
and our own Bombers who couldn't win a Grey Cup for like 29 years in a 8 or 9 team league ?
- bennythehat

Would it be safe to say that if we don't win today, we're in "next year country?" Maybe already are?

Certainly the biggest game of the year thus far. Is PLD still "missing in action?" Or missing, not in action?