Winnipeg Jets NHL Playoffs: Nashville Predators Show Up
The Winnipeg Jets were riding high and feeling good, coming into a Game 4 at home leading the series 2-1. Then the real Nashville Predators showed up.
The Winnipeg Jets stole home ice by winning Game One on the road. From there, it looked like the series could be had easier than expected. Yes, they were severely outplayed. A win is a win, however. They all count the same.
Only, they gave home ice right back by losing Game 4. One can hardly blame them, though, as Nashville showed up. Really showed up. The toughest pill to swallow from this game is the fact that Winnipeg can’t just win home games anymore.
There’s a possible three games left, and only one in Manitoba. Hey, the Jets won a game in the Bridgestone Arena once before, and they’ll need to do it again. For my money, there’s three huge reasons the Predators won this game.
First and foremost, P.K. Subban was the best player on the ice. It was not close. He was a vicious attacker on offense, scoring the game winner. He led all players in TOI (25:44) as well.
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P.K. Subban was what Dustin Byfuglien has been for the Jets thus far, times two. And also minus some physicality, but regardless. If Subban keeps playing this way, the Jets are in trouble. The real kind. The tee time kind.
But it’s not like Winnipeg didn’t know they’d have to stop Subban. He’s great, this is no secret. They have a gameplan for him, and they’ll have to enact it quickly.
Paul Maurice’s ability to adjust both between periods and between games has been lauded, and he’ll need it more. Peter Laviolette has been on his game, too.
These are both solid veteran coaches. Maurice adjusted and his team took a series lead, and Laviolette did the same. Beautiful gameplan by Laviolette in Game 4. The Predators defense suffocated the Jets.
Winnipeg still managed to outshoot the Preds, but they weren’t getting the quality chances. Nashville clogged lanes, crowded the blue line, and shut down the Winnipeg Jets, almost entirely.
Look, this is a game where you have to give Nashville most of the credit. The Winnipeg Jets didn’t play poorly. Connor Hellebuyck was good, the defense only allowed two goals. The offense didn’t score, but they got pucks to the net and did what they could. Tip your cap.
It happens. Just adjust, and don’t let it happen two more times in the next three games. Easy. Oh yeah, there was a third reason: Scott Hartnell. Now, I’m the last person who wants to give Scott Hartnell credit.
He’s a grinder, though, and this game was a grind. His first game in this series didn’t elicit much on the scorecard, but he fought tooth and nail to keep the Winnipeg Jets from getting anything going. That can’t be overlooked. Furthermore, I would imagine we’ll see Hartnell keep his lineup spot in Game 5 (I believe he was in for the injured Calle Jarnkrok, whose status is unknown).
Even if Jarnkrok is available, bet on Laviolette and Co. finding a way to get Hartnell back in the lineup. Unfortunately. But on the positive note, the Winnipeg Jets scored on the powerplay. The fighting spirit was in half force, scoring with less than a minute left to cut the deficit to one.
Next: Winnipeg Jets: Looking Forward
The Winnipeg Jets went 1-2 on the man advantage and the goal went to…none other than Patrik Laine. He needed to get involved and, lo and behold, he kinda did. Good for him, hope it opens the floodgates in Games 5 and 6.