Anthony Travalgia: Jets ready for tough test against division leading Maple Leafs The Jets and Maple Leafs will meet three times this week--a tough task for the Jets.

Go Jets Go !

I have to imagine the Jets will bring their “A” game, but will it be enough? I’m pretty stoked to see if the Jets can/will match up with the division leader in a trio of 4 point games. Go Jets Go.

I think that this is a tough test for the Leafs too. Leafs have had a plethora of injuries in weeks 3-7 but managed to get performances from other players/lines. For the first time that didn’t happen in the two games against Van. Playing 4 games in 6 nights may have played a role but other teams have similar scheduling quirks too so it evens out in the wash imo. I think WPG’s centre depth matches up well against the Leafs as does the D. so the difference will have to come in goal and I think the edge goes to WPG here. Should be a fun game.

The Jets have to for check, be physical and clog up the neutral zone to slow down the Leafs speed. If they play most of the game in their own zone they're doomed. Helly better bring his "A" game.

I think that this is a tough test for the Leafs too. Leafs have had a plethora of injuries in weeks 3-7 but managed to get performances from other players/lines. For the first time that didn’t happen in the two games against Van. Playing 4 games in 6 nights may have played a role but other teams have similar scheduling quirks too so it evens out in the wash imo. I think WPG’s centre depth matches up well against the Leafs as does the D. so the difference will have to come in goal and I think the edge goes to WPG here. Should be a fun game.
- Turnitaround

These are the top two teams in the division (no disrespect to Edmonton, but I think they are a step below). I get the feeling the 3 games in 4 nights these teams play against each other in late April will decide who finishes first.

I wish the games were a little more spread out, but hey, whatta ya gunna do?

Should be a fun week.

I have to imagine the Jets will bring their “A” game, but will it be enough? I’m pretty stoked to see if the Jets can/will match up with the division leader in a trio of 4 point games. Go Jets Go.
- Jetlag

If it isn't enough, they can still make the maple leafs dread a 7 game series. Nobody comes out of the corner without a scratch. Make them hate playing against the Jets. Should be a great game with plenty of goals.

Please no Beaulieu/Jomo pairing!!!!

happy for the W but we can not continue to get out shot and out chanced every game. have to change the way we play team D in a hurry

happy for the W but we can not continue to get out shot and out chanced every game. have to change the way we play team D in a hurry
- Ross77

There has been a lot of games where most of those shots against were from the outside and no so dangerous so I really didn't care that much. This game was much different than most. There were a lot of point-blank in the slot chances by the Leafs. Hellebucyk was large tonight which saved them, but the Jets have to do something to guard the slot a LOT better than tonight.

There has been a lot of games where most of those shots against were from the outside and no so dangerous so I really didn't care that much. This game was much different than most. There were a lot of point-blank in the slot chances by the Leafs. Hellebucyk was large tonight which saved them, but the Jets have to do something to guard the slot a LOT better than tonight.
- jetsnation

Maybe replace Beaulieau with Stanley? Don’t really understand what the big guy did to sit on the taxi squad. In fact, he actually earned more playing time.

Same goes for Appelton, don’t understand what the guy has to do to get a shot at playing with a legit center.

A friend of mine pointed out something interesting tonight. Wheeler and Stastny are both 35 years old and they are the guys that Maurice has chosen to play with our number 1 center. I am baffled at the decision to not have Copp and Appleton play with Scheifele.

There has been a lot of games where most of those shots against were from the outside and no so dangerous so I really didn't care that much. This game was much different than most. There were a lot of point-blank in the slot chances by the Leafs. Hellebucyk was large tonight which saved them, but the Jets have to do something to guard the slot a LOT better than tonight.
- jetsnation

Unfortunately not so, as Toronto had 40 Scoring Chances and 16 High Danger chances. Winnipeg at 16 Scoring Changes and 5 High danger chances.

I hate to say this but I look forward to an injury and hope its not a serious one of course. Dont want to see a player seriously injured but hopefully Beau has a broken finger so Stanley, Heinola, can come in and play.

Same goes for the front end, we need a couple injuries up front as well otherwise the coach just keeps playing these tired old vets game in and game out. I really dont get it anymore with having young talent available for the front or the back and just simply not use them. And, this talent is going to skate their a$$ trying to prove themselves but nope, let them practice and sit.

Are we trying to win the Calder trophy? The Moose roster is so stacked, and a stacked taxi squad, but lets keep them there and play Thompson and Beau. Makes no sense at all.

The Jets have enough good young players either sitting on taxi squad or on the Moose that they could ice another NHL team if they wanted. I am just completley befuddled with this organizations approach in young talent and lack of usage.

Seriously, the team has to protect Apples. He is just frickin awesome. If he is exposed, he is gonzo immediatley. No questions asked, thankyou very much!

Unfortunately not so, as Toronto had 40 Scoring Chances and 16 High Danger chances. Winnipeg at 16 Scoring Changes and 5 High danger chances.
- bartsch

don't think you read his whole piece. he clearly stated that

Unfortunately not so, as Toronto had 40 Scoring Chances and 16 High Danger chances. Winnipeg at 16 Scoring Changes and 5 High danger chances.
- bartsch

Re-read what you’re responding to, it’s saying we got lucky/you got goalied, not suggest otherwise.

I hate to say this but I look forward to an injury and hope its not a serious one of course. Dont want to see a player seriously injured but hopefully Beau has a broken finger so Stanley, Heinola, can come in and play.

Same goes for the front end, we need a couple injuries up front as well otherwise the coach just keeps playing these tired old vets game in and game out. I really dont get it anymore with having young talent available for the front or the back and just simply not use them. And, this talent is going to skate their a$$ trying to prove themselves but nope, let them practice and sit.

Are we trying to win the Calder trophy? The Moose roster is so stacked, and a stacked taxi squad, but lets keep them there and play Thompson and Beau. Makes no sense at all.

The Jets have enough good young players either sitting on taxi squad or on the Moose that they could ice another NHL team if they wanted. I am just completley befuddled with this organizations approach in young talent and lack of usage.
- Old Flopper

I don’t wanna see guys get hurt, but I thought immediately, here’s a legit stance for a young man to step in. (Beaulieu shot block). Maybe Thompson can get the flu or something to allow Harkins, Ves or Gus a chance 😀

I hate to say this but I look forward to an injury and hope its not a serious one of course. Dont want to see a player seriously injured but hopefully Beau has a broken finger so Stanley, Heinola, can come in and play.

Same goes for the front end, we need a couple injuries up front as well otherwise the coach just keeps playing these tired old vets game in and game out. I really dont get it anymore with having young talent available for the front or the back and just simply not use them. And, this talent is going to skate their a$$ trying to prove themselves but nope, let them practice and sit.

Are we trying to win the Calder trophy? The Moose roster is so stacked, and a stacked taxi squad, but lets keep them there and play Thompson and Beau. Makes no sense at all.

The Jets have enough good young players either sitting on taxi squad or on the Moose that they could ice another NHL team if they wanted. I am just completley befuddled with this organizations approach in young talent and lack of usage.
- Old Flopper

This is a good post!

This division is so crappy that the Jets have literally been outplayed 70% of the time and yet keep winning based on talent alone. Guys like Harkins, Stanley, Heinola and Appleton keep proving that they are NHL worthy talent and are deserving of bigger roles with the clubs, yet Maurice keeps putting in these plugs. Considering how weak this division is, this would be a great season to not only develop players but develop them on a winning team.

It seems that Maurice is incapable of understanding that you can develop players while also winning.

Maybe replace Beaulieau with Stanley? Don’t really understand what the big guy did to sit on the taxi squad. In fact, he actually earned more playing time.

Same goes for Appelton, don’t understand what the guy has to do to get a shot at playing with a legit center.

A friend of mine pointed out something interesting tonight. Wheeler and Stastny are both 35 years old and they are the guys that Maurice has chosen to play with our number 1 center. I am baffled at the decision to not have Copp and Appleton play with Scheifele.
- TheUltimateJet

I agree wholeheartedly.

I would bring Stanley in over Beaulieu for sure.

If Appleton plays center, who plays RW for us ?

I like Appleton and Copp with Lowry. I would go back to Stastny with Ehlers and Connor. Put Dubois back with Wheeler and Scheifele.

I would bring Stanley in over Beaulieu for sure.

If Appleton plays center, who plays RW for us ?

I like Appleton and Copp with Lowry. I would go back to Stastny with Ehlers and Connor. Put Dubois back with Wheeler and Scheifele.
- bennythehat

To point 1, Appleton would continue playing right wing, hopefully with Scheifele.

To point 2, Lowry came back down to Earth after his hot start. When was even the last game he scored in?

To point 3, Dubois is a center. We are not the Penguins or Oilers where we don’t have high quality wingers and are forced to play our number 1 centers on the same line. And, finally Stastny and Wheeler could benefit from less ice time. Both guys look slow out there at times and could do better if they get a maximum of 15 minutes a game. Wheeler at this point in his career is looking more and more like a power play specialist.

Unfortunately not so, as Toronto had 40 Scoring Chances and 16 High Danger chances. Winnipeg at 16 Scoring Changes and 5 High danger chances.
- bartsch

Scoring/high danger stat is an eye roller for me. Yes the Jets were outchanced, mostly in the last 5 minutes of the game and Hellebuyck was the first star but the numbers put down as 'stats' do not reflect the reality.

Perhaps it is a training issue for the stat keeper, maybe a bias for leafs or against Anderson (Freddy's agent should be making some noise) but likely the stat keeper was drinking on the job. 40 chances is more scoring chances than shots on target - usually shots miss the net because the real opportunity was taken away or not present. Who decides what a high danger chance is anyway? Did they count high danger chances for the Jets when they iced the puck with goalie pulled as these were as high danger as any shot Toronto had.

It was a good win for the Jets because they showed enough solid play to earn a win and definitely will identify some things to work on to get better.

Seriously, the team has to protect Apples. He is just frickin awesome. If he is exposed, he is gonzo immediately. No questions asked, thankyou very much!
- Old Flopper

Jets are in good shape going into the expansion draft. If it truly comes down to it, the Jets could probably leave Morrissey exposed. Not ideal, but his Cap hit and term may cause Seattle to pass, and take a low risk option like Niku instead. But I share your sentiment, Appleton should be protected. His production in the AHL has almost matched his NHL production when you compare points-per 60 minutes. He is quitly putting together an excellent season.

Ideally, Demelo waives his M-NMC and allows himself to be offered up in the expansion. Doubt they want him, but it could protect another D that is desperately needed.

Unfortunately not so, as Toronto had 40 Scoring Chances and 16 High Danger chances. Winnipeg at 16 Scoring Changes and 5 High danger chances.
- bartsch

Correct. Jets are a terrible team when attempting to play a trap, or shutdown system. They get heavily out-chanced when trying to kill the clock. It barely worked, but you can't argue with the results. I honestly have more confidence in them continuing to push the offense regardless the score.

I would bring Stanley in over Beaulieu for sure.

If Appleton plays center, who plays RW for us ?

I like Appleton and Copp with Lowry. I would go back to Stastny with Ehlers and Connor. Put Dubois back with Wheeler and Scheifele.
- bennythehat

I would leave the top two lines, put Harkins with Copp and Apples and Lowry between Perreault and Lewis.

Hopefully Stanley comes in for Beaulieu as we need the physicality available in the lineup.

The soft play is remarkable for NHL hockey - was there any real hits last night? It sure aint St Louis, Ducks or Wild we are playing. It shows up in the lack of injuries. Obviously there is a strategy created in response to short, condensed season. There has been almost no turnover/churn in the lineup this year and the injury to Beulieu is the organic, home grown opportunity Stanley (or Niku?) was waiting for.

There has been a lot of games where most of those shots against were from the outside and no so dangerous so I really didn't care that much. This game was much different than most. There were a lot of point-blank in the slot chances by the Leafs. Hellebucyk was large tonight which saved them, but the Jets have to do something to guard the slot a LOT better than tonight.
- jetsnation

Funny part was that the three stars named were: 1- Copp; 2 - Pionk and #3 - Matthews.

No mention of Helle! Seriously!