The Winnipeg Jets scored the second-most goals in the NHL last season, falling well short of the first place Lightning. But they’re going to need help to reach those highs again.
The Winnipeg Jets scored 277 goals last season, or 3.38 a game. That’s the third highest total since 09-10, if you can believe that. I barely could. The Capitals reached 318 in that season, the last time a team hit 300.
The Oilers have the record with 446 in 83-84. That is unreal. I need to express how amazing that is. Wayne Gretzky had 205 points! 205! And 87 goals. They had three 50 goal guys, and another 40 goal guy.
Mark Messier had 101 points and was fourth (!!) on the team. People forget how good they really were. I know it was a different era, but that was a different level of team. Can the Jets match it? Absolutely not.
Can they top 300 goals? Maybe. It’s not an easy sell, but it can be done. Tampa fell just four goals short. It’s going to take a few things going right. But what are they?
Mark Scheifele stays healthy
I have no concerns about Mark Scheifele‘s ability. He will be fantastic as long as he’s on the ice. NHL.com ranked him seventh. While I generally loathe NHL’s ranking ability (see that absurd top 100 all time list), this one feels right.
I would put Scheifele ahead of Kopitar, but Anze Kopitar had a really good season last year. And he’s just 31, so I get it. But Scheifele is the Jets most important offensive piece. Make no mistake, the Jets offense is really good even without him.
But elite? No, he’s too important. He’s a point per game player (60 in 60 last year). Then he exploded for fourteen goals and 20 points in 17 playoff games. A real coming out party for him outside of Winnipeg.
So he knows how to pass and stay within himself, but he knows he can blow people away and score at an alarming rate if he has to. I know he put up 82 points in 79 games the year prior, but I want to see a full season from him with this roster.
Can he hit triple digits? Let’s find out.
Dustin Byfuglien Keeps Buffin’
Big Buff is my favorite Jet. Easy call. I have his shirsey, he’s fun, his name is completely made up, he’s fearsome. There’s no reason to hate him.
Byfuglien was a solid player in Chicago, but he really hit the highs after his trade. He’s hovered around 45-55 points, which is very good for a defenseman.
Buff was sixth in the team in points last season, even after missing 13 games. He’s very important to the team, both on offense and defense. And especially in special teams. His big shot and passing ability are solid on the powerplay.
And while he’s not an elite shutdown guy, he’s a solid enough defenseman to be a true top-pairing guy. Buff gets underrated on the blueline from time to time. But his fear, his hockey IQ and his leadership qualities really push the team. He’s the straw that stirs the drink. But his age is a concern.
In his age 33 season, we’ll see if number 33 can keep it up. I see no reason why not, but we know the clock comes for all. Just hold it off so you can hoist the Cup.
Little Comes Up Big
I know, I know, Bryan Little. I know what you’re going to tell me. Kyle, you rip on Bryan Little too much, he’s a good dude. He doesn’t deserve this. And you’re right. And I’m not here to rip on Bryan Little.
I believe in Little. Look, he’s not a great player. But he’s steady. And the Jets don’t really need him to be great. They need him to be better, though. And he can be. Last year was one of the worst of his career.
And while I’ve never figured out why, it seems more and more like an aberration. If I had to settle on a reason, I’d call it an injury he played though. But a half a point a game won’t cut it if he retakes his position among the second line center.
Yes, he can play defense. And yes, there’s a team around him that can hide him. But show me something, Bryan. I know it’s in there. He’s been around since the Thrasher days, even before Buff. Show you’ve earned this.
I know Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor and Blake Wheeler are all super important to the offense as well. I don’t have concerns about Laine and Wheeler. Can Connor keep it going? Probably. But this team is going to score. Top 5 in the NHL, easy. But let’s see 300 like I’m a huge Gerard Butler fan.