Winnipeg Jets: Laurent Brossoit Makes Paul Maurice Look Good
I was surprised to see that the Winnipeg Jets planned to start the backup against Carolina, who, despite projections, are off to a hot start.
The Winnipeg Jets made the right decision. Well, Laurent Brossoit made them feel like it, at least. I love Connor Hellebuyck as much as the next guy, but Brossoit looked as good as I’ve seen anyone lately.
The had 26 shots on goal, compared to Carolina’s 43. Brossoit stopped 42 and was easily everyone’s first star of the game. It wasn’t just quantity, either.
He made several stops on breakaways and bad turnovers. The glove is lightning quick. And, oh, by the way, give credit to Petr Mrazek. I told you he was better than he got credit for.
Mrazek was great, just, well, his team isn’t as good. And they were on day two of a back-to-back. Brossoit was fantastic and I’m eager to see his next start. I know Carolina has good numbers, but I doubt many people think this team is contending.
More from Analysis
- Winnipeg Jets vs. Blackhawks Round 3: 5 Things We learned
- Winnipeg Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck is the Best Goalie of the Last 5 Years
- A Patrik Laine Trade Redux Prior to Winnipeg Jets vs. Columbus
- Winnipeg Jets Doppelgangers: Look-A-Likes PART II
- Can Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets Actually Win the Norris?
I don’t like the shot deficit the Jets were facing. They were coming off of a loss, playing their second home game of the season against a tired team.
And yet they came out and got outshot 18-6 in the first. Hate hate hate. There has to be a sense of urgency there. I’d like to see that team come out hungry. They look like they’re going through the motions right now.
They’re playing like they expect to get back to the Conference Final, not like they want to get back. I don’t like it. And it’s up to Paul Maurice to change it. He’s a good strategist, we’ve seen. How good of a motivator is he?
In other news, which we’ll get to more of later, Dustin Byfuglien missed the game with an injury. Hopefully it’s just a maintenance day and he’ll be back later in the week.
Bryan Little scored his first goal, the game winner. Patrik Laine got his second, both of which have come with the man advantage. Kyle Connor got an empty netter in there, too, which is nice for my last-place fantasy team.
Next. Winnipeg Jets Meet NFL Stars. dark
Winnipeg has now killed off their last 800 penalties, dating back to last Tuesday. This game was about Brossoit, but the offense needs to step up. Two goals against Carolina’s backup on a back-to-back? Nah. Get it together. I love Mrazek, but still. This offense is better than that
But hey, two points is two points, and that’s whats most important. This team has plenty of time to right the offense, so long as the points keep coming.