The NHL mandates that each team get a bye week. A seven day break. They have built this into the NHL All-Star weekend, so the teams only miss four “schedule” days.
The Winnipeg Jets get that break in late January, the four days preceding the All-Star Break. But, after this back to back against the Red Wings and Maple Leafs? They get a huge break.
Both in time and in luck. It’s no secret that the Jets haven’t exactly played up to their talent level in the early going. A week off seems like it’s coming at the right time.
The Jets play two games in the twelve days following this back to back. Now, this isn’t exactly a time for rest. Earlier I noted that it was a home and home with Florida, but I don’t feel like tracking down the article.
I was wrong. It’s the NHL Global Series in Finland. So I’m assuming the Jets will be a bit busy leading into that. Those two games will be fun, but they’re preceded by four days off and followed by six.
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Regardless of what happens in the next four games, the Jets will have six days off to reset. I’m sure everyone’s excited to go to Finland (especially the Finnish Patrik Laine). And maybe they’ve just been looking forward to this all month and will be focused after it’s over.
I kid. But if the Winnipeg Jets are looking forward to something, it’s the playoffs. But they’re playing like they’re already in, not fighting to get there. And hey, maybe they would make the playoffs playing like this. Then turn it on, and bam!
But there is no LeBron James on this team. It’s not a recipe for success, anyway. The Jets need to use this break to start over. It’s still early. But I’m tired of talking about how the Jets have to turn this around.
Sooner or later, it’ll be no more “turn it around”. They just are who they are. You are your record, and the Jets are above water but taking it on. This time is a physical break, but they need it to be a mental one, too.
Too many key players haven’t performed so far. The defense as a whole isn’t very sturdy right now. Connor Hellebuyck looks pedestrian in most of his starts.
But hey, that could all be a thing of the past if they regroup and move forward. And the NHL has gifted them that chance.