2. Limit Shots Faced
The Winnipeg Jets currently have the best goaltender in the NHL. At the end of last year, Connor Hellebuyck was rewarded for his efforts and was given the Vezina Trophy as the best goalie in the league.
Even though the Jets do have Hellebuyck between the pipes, they need to limit the number of shots Hellebuyck and the rest of the Jets’ netminders see per game.
In 2019-2020 the Jets averaged 32.7 shots faced per game while averaging 31.3 shots per game. The Jets finished in the bottom half of the league in shot differential per game with a -1.3.
Two stats that go hand in hand are shots and offensive zone time. Obviously, if you are shooting the puck you are spending time in the opposition team’s zone.
The Jets need to focus on this. The Jets need to start controlling the games in their offensive zone rather than have teams bring the game to them.
If the Jets can impose their gameplan on their north division opponents in 2021, they will have success and finish in playoff position.