Happy American Thanksgiving. I’m sorry I missed the Canadian Edition, but there wasn’t much Winnipeg Jets statistics to review. This time, we have more to be thankful for this season.
The Winnipeg Jets got annihilated last night, as Connor Hellebuyck only lasted about 11 minutes into the game. The Flames are quick and they can light you up before you notice.
The Jets are now aware of that, but I’m pretty sure they were before it. They just couldn’t stop it last night. Oh well. There’s still a lot to like, such as the Jets 12-6-2 record.
Yes, it’s tied for third in their division, but they’re comfortably above-average, and they had been playing well of late before yesterday’s tilt.
We’ll do a little list, start with some numbers 1-10 now that we’re about 1/4 through the year.
1 – The number of points scored by top prospect Kristian Vesalainen this season in five games. Hey, a point is a point. It’s good he got the one, in case he doesn’t come back
2 – Games missed by Jets regulars due to injury. Dustin Byfuglien sat out two games. Health is great to see at the quarter mark.
3 – The number of goals by the team’s point leader, Blake Wheeler. Also the number of assists by their goal leader, Patrik Laine.
4 – Number of starts by backup Laurent Brossoit. After watching Hellebuyck not have a great game against Vancouver, he came out and got blasted by Calgary, I’d like to see this number go up. I’m sure it will, too, but I’m thankful for the four starts that he’s been given, since he’s 3-0-1 in those starts (he actually took the L last night in relief), with a .951% save percentage.
5 – The Jets are 6-0 in games that they’ve scored at least five goals. Feel like it should’ve happened more by now, but oh well. They’re 6-6-2 in their other 14 contests.
6 – The number of teams with more points than the Winnipeg Jets. Those teams have all played 22 games, the Jets just 20.
7 – Number of quality starts (starts with a save percentage over the goaltender’s season average, or a save percentage of .885 on nights with fewer than 20 shots on goal) by Connor Hellebuyck. Yes, that’s out of 16 games. And the league average of QS% is ~53, and his mark of 44% isn’t great, but hey, it’s better than it looked. He was at 4 of 5 before the road trip started, too.
8 – The number of goals Laurent Brossoit has allowed in 164 shots faced. As you can tell, I’m very thankful for Laurent Brossoit during the struggles of Helly, and his four quality starts in four games. Laurent Brosshot stopper. Bonus 8? Powerplay goals by your boy Patty Laine.
9 – The number of wins by Connor Hellebuyck. Which, hey, wins are wins. Nine wins in 16 starts for a struggling starter? Not a bad thing. Development is not linear. Be thankful for Helly, even when he’s not at his best. Remember last year?
10 – Number of goals and assists scored by the sophomore Kyle Connor. Connor was slept on due to how deep this Jets roster was, even though he scored 31 goals as a rookie. Now, moved to the second line, he’s on pace for 41 goals and 41 assists. Will he reach those marks? Who knows, but I’m sure thankful he’s around. Never too many Kyles.
So there’s a nice little list. But that’s not all there is, Jets fans. In addition to Connor, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are averaging at least a point per game, which is really great. The Jets are second in PP%, seventh in faceoff percentage, fourth in goals allowed/per game, and first in your hearts. Have a good one, friends and foes alike.