The Winnipeg Jets have had a tumultuous start to the NHL season. They looked awful, but they were able to eke out some wins. But at some point, things have to change.
The Winnipeg Jets have had very few chances to play against strong teams. Of teams that made the playoffs last season, Winnipeg has faced three. The LA Kings, the Nashville Predators and now, the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Tavares in tow.
They did manage to eke out a win against the Kings, but it was without Jonathan Quick. I know, Jack Campbell played his heart out, and the Kings were thoroughly outplayed. But I don’t see them as the class of the West or anything.
The Jets looked hapless against the Predators last week. It happens. Nashville has the blue line to shut anyone down. But last night, against Toronto, they looked like they expected to win. Not like they wanted to.
They kept it close in the first. Then failed to score again in the second while giving up two more. They were able to pull it to within one with over thirteen minutes to go. But the only goal scored the rest of the way was John Tavares’ seventh of the year.
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Nikolaj Ehlers scored his first goal of this season, and broke a streak of 26 games without one (15 of those being playoff contests).
Mark Scheifele added one on the powerplay, but it wasn’t enough. The offense hasn’t been enough and the defense has been really mediocre. It’s not enough. They have to play better.
The talent is there, the coaching is there. They just need to get out there and do it. It’s been a month. They did finish 4-1-1 on the season-high six game homestand. But there are issues.
Yes, the Jets get a little respite against the Red Wings, who are 1-6-2. If the Jets lose there, or even look bad, it’s a genuine problem. Things don’t really get easier.
They do have a day off today, but tomorrow is a game in Detroit, and then the next night they play the Leafs again. Hopefully the loss gives them some motivation to go out and prove something.
The Jets did outshoot Toronto, outhit them and won more faceoffs. But the effort level wasn’t there. And what’s worse, Connor Hellebuyck threw up another clunker. A save percentage that starts with an 8 isn’t worth discussing.
Thankfully he’s sitting on a .907 (groan) and a 2.99 GAA. Not great. Look for him to sit out the Red Wings game and get another crack at Toronto the next night. I think it’s too early to pull him from the starter assignments. If he throws up another clunker, you never know.
He’ll still get the bulk of the playing time, but the Jets will use Laurent Brossoit against a little better competition to see what he can do.
Another game, another uninspired performance from the Jets. Oh well. There’s still time, but it’s always getting closer.