The Winnipeg Jets have shown up when needed most this playoffs, you can surely say that. They lead the Western Conference Semifinals three games to two and need one more win to advance.
The Winnipeg Jets went into Nashville and won a huge Game 5 on the road. Paul Maurice needed to adjust, the players needed to simplify, and they did. Pure and simple. Kyle Connor was bumped up to the first line again, and became a hero.
Dustin Byfuglien scored. Patrik Laine took the big shot that ricocheted off of Paul Statsny for the opening goal. A scoreless first period turned into a 4-2 score entering the third. Beautiful stuff, really.
One big thing that surprised me about the Predators: Scott Hartnell was not in the lineup. I know he’s not exactly Wayne Simmonds out there, but he’s a big, grind-you-down kind of forward. Also, with his help, the Predators shut down the Jets in Game 4.
Maybe, just maybe, Peter Laviolette thought the Winnipeg Jets would have a gameplan that included facing Hartnell, and he zigged when they thought he would zag. Gave ’em the old razzle dazzle.
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Only, who gameplans against Scott Hartnell? Laviolette was probably overthinking things. Or maybe I am. Intrigue! Will he be out there in Game 6? I wouldn’t bet on it, but hey, who knows.
It probably won’t be the biggest Game 6 storyline. But maybe Laviolette will want him to draw the ire of the home crowd to pump up his boys. Not that it matters, Game 6 has already been decided.
The omniscient P.K. Subban has foretold the Nashville Predators victory. I’m sorry, Winnipeg Jets fans. Maybe Game 7 will be better for you. Mark Messier is back and he’s a defenseman now.
But in all seriousness, expect Nashville to come out and bang after getting their lunch money stolen at home. For now, however, you can revel in the fact that Winnipeg just needs to win one of two to see themselves in the Western Conference Finals.
Oh, also, Game 6 being at home is a big deal. I know home ice hasn’t mattered much in this series, but it’s better than winning two on the road. Also, losing at home and having to come back to the Bridgestone Arena in Game 7 would not be fun. Don’t give Nashville the chance.
But I digress. It won’t be easy from here on out. Kyle Connor set a franchise record for rookies with three points (2G, 1A) in the game. Byfuglien wasn’t worn down, even though some idiot was worried about it.
Patrik Laine didn’t technically score a goal, but I sure thought he did and almost broke my arm patting myself on the back when the ricochet went in. It was a fun game. A game to remind you why you love hockey. Unless you’re in Nashville.
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Paul Maurice pushed all the right buttons, as he’s been prone to, and we need him to do it again. Just one more time for the city of Winnipeg, Paul.