The Winnipeg Jets Can’t Win Back to Back Games
The Winnipeg Jets have had trouble winning two games in a row within a series, and that’s what we call bad. But hey, if you win game one, it just works.
The Winnipeg Jets are obviously on an unsustainable path. Losing every other game isn’t a recipe for winning the Stanley Cup. Only, it is if you keep winning Game One.
The Winnipeg Jets won Game One against Minnesota, to start. They also won Game 2, Game 4 and Game 5. The Wild didn’t put up much of a fight.
Game One in Nashville also went to the Winnipeg Jets, which was important, because, uh, they didn’t win consecutive games in that series. Paul Maurice apparently makes a hell of a game plan, doesn’t know how to follow up, but then throws a hell of a counterpunch.
Maybe it isn’t that simple. I’ve noted the Jets’ fighting spirit, so it seems odd to me that the team would have a letdown after every win. During the Nashville series, it seemed just coincidence.
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That’s a ridiculously good team and they were never going to be easy to beat in consecutive games. The Jets didn’t, but they won the series anyway. It works. The Winnipeg Jets will win the Western Conference Finals if they continue to alternate games.
If you won’t win two in a row, it’s nice to not lose two in a row either. Now, they do seem to reset every series. The mojo comes back when a new opponent surfaces. Winning Game One is always a great strategy for the Winnipeg Jets.
I’ve done as we’ve all done, and underestimated the Vegas Golden Knights. They bounced back and showed the Winnipeg Jets what they’re capable of in Game Two.
The Western Conference Finals are not easy to reach. The ‘cupcake’ schedule that Vegas had still included two playoff teams. Solid squads. You don’t make the Conference Finals by sheer luck or accident.
Connor Hellebuyck seems to alternate a good start with a mediocre one. They let Tomas Tatar score a goal. Maybe the defense lets up. I wish I had an answer, a real one. But they are making it work so far.
Home ice hasn’t mattered much to Winnipeg, although it should. Winnipeg is a tough place to play, but they’re welcoming teams within the recent series.
Next: Patrik Laine Needs to Step Up
But hey, win every other game, you win the series. The Jets set themselves up for that success. But they can’t give in. They can’t lose Game Three and expect to continue onto the Finals. But win every other game, and you’re okay. Then they can worry about winning the next Game One.