Jacob Billington: Jets Defeat Stars 5-1, Stars Show Up; Key Game Takeaways

Some thoughts…….

Gustafson at 9% FO? Yikes!! He needs some guidance and help in that regard.

Could use an upgrade on a back up as Big Save won’t be cutting the mustard and we can’t run Helle into the ground with game after game action. Although Helle is a machine, we need a decent backup.

I am not very impressed with Gagne, he seems to give the puck up a lot but I have not checked stats on that.

Will be good to have Ehlers back sometime….

I like what Bones is doing here and the players seem to be drinking the koolaid

Great game! Let’s see if they can stay consistent throughout the season… if they can… good bet to get back into the playoffs

Some thoughts…….

Gustafson at 9% FO? Yikes!! He needs some guidance and help in that regard.

Could use an upgrade on a back up as Big Save won’t be cutting the mustard and we can’t run Helle into the ground with game after game action. Although Helle is a machine, we need a decent backup.

I am not very impressed with Gagne, he seems to give the puck up a lot but I have not checked stats on that.

Will be good to have Ehlers back sometime….

I like what Bones is doing here and the players seem to be drinking the koolaid
- Old Flopper

Gustafsson was at 45.5% before last night, and dropped to 38.8% today. He only has 67 faceoffs taken, which is a small sample size in that regard, but definitely needs to be better.

Some potential options for a backup could be Tarasov from Columbus, Montembeault from Montreal, or even someone like Reimer in San Jose. The easy answer to this, is to have re-signed Comrie, but, they didn't for some reason.

The Jets have some very capable players on the Moose that can be called up. Before trading for players, the team to see if they have players that deserve a chance if they can play on the big club.
I agree that big save Dave may not be the answer as the backup who can play 25 or so games. This also is too early to make a decision on.
I still would like to see them give Heinola a chance to play on the Jets.

I didn't see this thread so I posted on the wrong one. I'll report that here....


You can really see the Bowness system starting to really work last night against the Stars. The Jets played it to near perfection and I'd rate this last game as their most solid performance of the year.

In particular, I really likes Schief's game last night. He made some superb plays and had some really solid defensive efforts. Lots of good things to say about the 4th line and PK as well.

On the Stars side, the only bright light was Jason Robertson. This guy deserves all the praise that is heaped on him. Lightning-quick reflexes, superb anticipation, and awesome defensive skills. You are never safe if Robertson is anywhere near the puck.

If I could nit-pick out one negative on the Jets side it would be Wheeler. He has definitely lost a stride, he turns over the puck a lot, and his usually crisp passing and vision just aren't quite there anymore. I'm just not sure he deserves to be on the second line anymore once Ehlers is back in the lineup. While Ehlers will likely be on the top line I would like to see what Gagne or Fjallby could do in Wheelers spot.

The Jets have some very capable players on the Moose that can be called up. Before trading for players, the team to see if they have players that deserve a chance if they can play on the big club.
I agree that big save Dave may not be the answer as the backup who can play 25 or so games. This also is too early to make a decision on.
I still would like to see them give Heinola a chance to play on the Jets.
- islansjet

Mikey Eyssimont has an unreal Corsi and defensive numbers but can also put up the points. Loved him in training camp and could not understand why he got cut so early. He is definitely a call-up should the need arise.

...and yes...Morrissey, who most of the regulars on here know that I was against trading when pretty much everyone else on here wanted him gone . My favorite Jet ! ( love Connor too) Morrissey is really showcasing his talent this year and is excelling under the new system where the Dmen get to be more involved. Norris is in the convo right now along with Karlsson and Dahlin. Hope it continues. I've never ever doubted that the talent was always there .

BTW.... what's with Lambert. Shone in training camp and then only 4 games with the Moose. Did he get injured or has he been a regular scratch ?

Mikey Eyssimont has an unreal Corsi and defensive numbers but can also put up the points. Loved him in training camp and could not understand why he got cut so early. He is definitely a call-up should the need arise.

BTW.... what's with Lambert. Shone in training camp and then only 4 games with the Moose. Did he get injured or has he been a regular scratch ?
- jetsnation

Been a scratch. Not a terrible thing to see a 19 year old in the AHL scratched. He will get his chances. I am not sure why he is scratched, but it is not the end of the world. Lot of young guys in the AHL playing. I wouldn't be super surprised to see him get some time with Seattle, either.

I didn't see this thread so I posted on the wrong one. I'll report that here....


You can really see the Bowness system starting to really work last night against the Stars. The Jets played it to near perfection and I'd rate this last game as their most solid performance of the year.

In particular, I really likes Schief's game last night. He made some superb plays and had some really solid defensive efforts. Lots of good things to say about the 4th line and PK as well.

On the Stars side, the only bright light was Jason Robertson. This guy deserves all the praise that is heaped on him. Lightning-quick reflexes, superb anticipation, and awesome defensive skills. You are never safe if Robertson is anywhere near the puck.

If I could nit-pick out one negative on the Jets side it would be Wheeler. He has definitely lost a stride, he turns over the puck a lot, and his usually crisp passing and vision just aren't quite there anymore. I'm just not sure he deserves to be on the second line anymore once Ehlers is back in the lineup. While Ehlers will likely be on the top line I would like to see what Gagne or Fjallby could do in Wheelers spot.
- jetsnation

I agree with almost all of what you said, though I would say Hintz looked good too. A lot of young talent coming up in Dallas.

Wheeler is definitely slowing down, but still producing well, so hard to demote him more. I would like to see the Jets get a fresh face in that top six too, like Eyssimont, or Limoges, who are both playing great in the AHL. Someone like Nikkanen or even give Lambert a shot. I know things are working well with what they have, but injecting someone like I listed even for a few games could be great, too.

I agree with almost all of what you said, though I would say Hintz looked good too. A lot of young talent coming up in Dallas.

Wheeler is definitely slowing down, but still producing well, so hard to demote him more. I would like to see the Jets get a fresh face in that top six too, like Eyssimont, or Limoges, who are both playing great in the AHL. Someone like Nikkanen or even give Lambert a shot. I know things are working well with what they have, but injecting someone like I listed even for a few games could be great, too.
- Jacob Billington

I do think that the Jets should look to making a BIG move to send a message that they are intending on going all-in. Looking at the Central this year, it is a weak division and as such do think that it is up for the taking. I am not convinced that any of the teams in the Pacific are for real either.

This could be the year to make an "all-in" type of run. I am thinking that the Jets should be seriously considering going after players like Patrick Kane, Ryan O'Reily, or Bo Horvat. I also think if a big name on defense (ie. Erik Karlsson) comes up that they look at going for that player as well.

I would even be willing to trade Logan Stanley (which would sadden me a great deal) as part of any package that could make us an instantaneous contender.

Gustafsson was at 45.5% before last night, and dropped to 38.8% today. He only has 67 faceoffs taken, which is a small sample size in that regard, but definitely needs to be better.

Some potential options for a backup could be Tarasov from Columbus, Montembeault from Montreal, or even someone like Reimer in San Jose. The easy answer to this, is to have re-signed Comrie, but, they didn't for some reason.
- Jacob Billington

Correct me if I am wrong but,

I believe if comrie would have played 2 more games last season he would have been an RFA and jets could have resigned him.

Unless the jets thought the cap hit would have been too much and this would contradict the draft and develop philosophy

Correct me if I am wrong but,

I believe if comrie would have played 2 more games last season he would have been an RFA and jets could have resigned him.

Unless the jets thought the cap hit would have been too much and this would contradict the draft and develop philosophy
- Jetter

Yes you're correct, two more games played by Comrie and he would've remained an RFA.

How would what contradict the draft&develop philosophy?

Yes you're correct, two more games played by Comrie and he would've remained an RFA.

How would what contradict the draft&develop philosophy?
- JetFuel

The jets drafted comrie and he came up nicely through the system (minus the waiver wire fiasco). Not having him play two more games to retain him as a rfa may be a result of the Jets not interested in signing him, or poor asset management.

Maybe management felt he was going to be too expensive. Still think we could have retained him for less than he signed and been better off.

Anyway water under the bridge now.

Hope the team manages Helley’s minutes well.

has an unreal Corsi and defensive numbers but can also put up the points. Loved him in training camp and could not understand why he got cut so early. He is definitely a call-up should the need arise.

...and yes...Morrissey, who most of the regulars on here know that I was against trading when pretty much everyone else on here wanted him gone . My favorite Jet ! ( love Connor too) Morrissey is really showcasing his talent this year and is excelling under the new system where the Dmen get to be more involved. Norris is in the convo right now along with Karlsson and Dahlin. Hope it continues. I've never ever doubted that the talent was always there .

BTW.... what's with Lambert. Shone in training camp and then only 4 games with the Moose. Did he get injured or has he been a regular scratch ?
- jetsnation

Mikey Eyssimont called up from Moose. Hopefully, he gets to play and my wish is granted. Lots to like about his forechecking tenacity and defensive prowess plus that he has demonstrated that he can put the puck in the net.

I do think that the Jets should look to making a BIG move to send a message that they are intending on going all-in. Looking at the Central this year, it is a weak division and as such do think that it is up for the taking. I am not convinced that any of the teams in the Pacific are for real either.

This could be the year to make an "all-in" type of run. I am thinking that the Jets should be seriously considering going after players like Patrick Kane, Ryan O'Reily, or Bo Horvat. I also think if a big name on defense (ie. Erik Karlsson) comes up that they look at going for that player as well.

I would even be willing to trade Logan Stanley (which would sadden me a great deal) as part of any package that could make us an instantaneous contender.
- TheUltimateJet

This

The division at this time looks a bit weak but recall St. Louis was once at the bottom of the league and went all the way, so making improvements along the way should be considered.

I am not planning the parade quite yet but I like the idea of upgrades and I would be willing to part with some assets like Stanley for example, if we can upgrade a position.

It might well end up being be a wise move to have "not moved" either Dillon or Schmidt as if Bones can these guys playing the way he wants, the league will only tightened up as the season goes on and we know there will lots of tough slugging in the future and there are always injuries.

Mikey Eyssimont called up from Moose. Hopefully, he gets to play and my wish is granted. Lots to like about his forechecking tenacity and defensive prowess plus that he has demonstrated that he can put the puck in the net.


- jetsnation

Do we know why he's been called up? Is someone else injured?

Been a scratch. Not a terrible thing to see a 19 year old in the AHL scratched. He will get his chances. I am not sure why he is scratched, but it is not the end of the world. Lot of young guys in the AHL playing. I wouldn't be super surprised to see him get some time with Seattle, either.
- Jacob Billington

Apparently, Lambert was out because of an illness as opposed to being a healthy scratch. Good news actually.

Mikey E was brought up just as a safeguard for other injuries on the road trip. Maybe we might see him as fresh legs on one of the back-to-back games ( Calgary / Seattle)

This

The division at this time looks a bit weak but recall St. Louis was once at the bottom of the league and went all the way, so making improvements along the way should be considered.

I am not planning the parade quite yet but I like the idea of upgrades and I would be willing to part with some assets like Stanley for example, if we can upgrade a position.

It might well end up being be a wise move to have "not moved" either Dillon or Schmidt as if Bones can these guys playing the way he wants, the league will only tightened up as the season goes on and we know there will lots of tough slugging in the future and there are always injuries.
- Old Flopper

Werenski now out for season. Demand for serviceable D around the league continues to grow. Chevy is in a good spot here. What the Jets really need to go anywhere in the playoffs is a great faceoff guy. The Jets don't have one center in the top 25 of the league. A guy that might be available at the right price is Jonathan Toews who ranks 4th. He is also a great leader on and off the ice and Bowness loves him. Guys like Bo Horvat and ROR will be much more expensive.

A team that moves from winning 50% of their faceoffs to winning 60% of
them gains just over 12 goals per season which is equivalent to two additional wins. Those 4 points can make a big difference in the standings and in the tighter playoff games can be a difference.

https://www.statmuse.com/...at%2061.9%20percent%20won.

Werenski now out for season. Demand for serviceable D around the league continues to grow. Chevy is in a good spot here. What the Jets really need to go anywhere in the playoffs is a great faceoff guy. The Jets don't have one center in the top 25 of the league. A guy that might be available at the right price is Jonathan Toews who ranks 4th. He is also a great leader on and off the ice and Bowness loves him. Guys like Bo Horvat and ROR will be much more expensive.

A team that moves from winning 50% of their faceoffs to winning 60% of
them gains just over 12 goals per season which is equivalent to two additional wins. Those 4 points can make a big difference in the standings and in the tighter playoff games can be a difference.

https://www.statmuse.com/...at%2061.9%20percent%20won.
- jetsnation

How would those guys be more expensive? Toews is having a way better season than those 2 and both of them like Toews are UFA’s at seasons end.

I do remember the last time the Jets traded for a great face off guy. It cost v1.0 Stu Barnes to get Randy Gilhen. Needless to say that was a horrible trade for version 1.0.

Exciting game to watch......Wheeler was going last nite so hopefully he can keep it going the right direction.

Typically he has been a slow starter so I am predicting his game starts to pickup as he is starting to show some life. Bear in mind as well, new coach, new system, new linemates, no more being the captain........etc

But once Wheeler scored, I figured the Jets would steal it in OT!

Exciting game to watch......Wheeler was going last nite so hopefully he can keep it going the right direction.

Typically he has been a slow starter so I am predicting his game starts to pickup as he is starting to show some life. Bear in mind as well, new coach, new system, new linemates, no more being the captain........etc

But once Wheeler scored, I figured the Jets would steal it in OT!
- Old Flopper

Blake Wheeler is awesome!

Laine injured again....Roslovic a healthy scratch....
If we can re-sign PLD, the trade looks better each day.

Laine injured again....Roslovic a healthy scratch....
If we can re-sign PLD, the trade looks better each day.
- bennythehat

....and Danil Zhilkin is more than a point-a-game for Guelph Storm. Furthermore, even if Dubois doesn't sign he is an RFA which means some reasonable return for Jets if some other team chooses to sign him.

Appleton out for 2-3 months!

He's been great so far this season. He will be missed.

Appleton out for 2-3 months!

He's been great so far this season. He will be missed.
- TheUltimateJet

Mikey E is going to be a positive surprise.