Winnipeg Jets Vs. Minnesota Wild Pre-Season Game Report

The Winnipeg Jets have just defeated the Minnesota Wild by a score of 4-1.

Game Analysis:

1st Period

The Jets had a horrible start, only getting five  shots on net in the first period, and left Connor Hellebuyck out to dry too many times. There were no Jets goals scored, and the Jets offensive game was not something to be proud of. They also had way too many turnovers, which cost them opportunities.

2nd Period

After a horrible start to the game, the Jets started picking it up after Perreault got a goal by crashing the net. It was one of those goals that your coach tells you to do, and loves you if you score them. Kyle Connor also put on a wicked display of really nice quick passes that resulted in nothing. With about 7:45 remaining in the 2nd, Marko Dano absolutely creamed Darcy Kuemper who attempted to play the puck behind the net, when Dano came around and created a huge collision. Even after improving their offence in the second period, their defence was ugly. In the defensive zone, Minnesota was making tic-tac-toe passes, but Hellebuyck was always there to make the save that needed to be made. The other Jets goal that was scored was a top shelf snipe by Kyle Connor, off a one timer, passed by a Mark Stuart behind the back, spinarama.

3rd Period

The 3rd period was exciting with Josh Morrisey making some big hits, and plays. After over five minutes, Ehlers broke down the wing with tons of speed, and went around the net, beating the goalie with a beautiful wraparound. A little while later, Stafford sniped a shot off the post, and in, but play continued and after the whistle, the refs talked, but nothing happened. They then showed the replay, and it was quite obvious that it had gone in. The refs stuck with their first decision, which was not given anything close to an approval by Jets fans. They were drowned out by boos, and “Ref You Suck” chants. With less than a few minutes remaining, Defenseman Kevin Czuczman took a shot from the point, and it was deflected into the net by Andrew Copp.

Player Analysis:

Nik Ehlers

Ehlers had a sweet wraparound in the 3rd, but the rest of his game wasn’t quite as nice. Ehlers gave up turnovers like there was no tomorrow on the blue line, and in the defensive zone. He created lots of pass interceptions for the Wild, and didn’t play like he did last year.

Kyle Connor

Connor had an impressive preseason game, scoring a beautiful top shelf one timer. He also created lots of scoring chances, and shut down lots of Wild scoring chances.

Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck played amazing like usual, and when left to fend for himself, he did. He made some robbery saves, but most importantly, he saved the ones he needed to save.

Chase De Leo

De Leo played a very fast game, and made the plays that he needed to make. He also did very well in the faceoffs.