Winnipeg Jets: Three Early Conclusions After Game One

2. The Jets have found a fourth line

Last season the Jets struggled to put together a fourth line that coach Paul Maurice trusted even for short minutes. Veteran players such as Nick Shore and Gabriel Bourque did not really provide a consistent level of play required even for the fourth line.

Veteran Mark Letestu had his season cut short by injuries. Younger Jets players struggled with the caliber of NHL even on the fourth line.

This season general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff signed veterans Trevor Lewis and Nate Thompson. Lewis had an impressive camp and brings Stanley Cup winning experience from his time with the Los Angeles Kings. Both players were joined on the fourth line by Jets veteran Mathieu Perreault, who passed through NHL waivers and returned to the club.

Although this trio of players only had approximately 10 minutes of ice time, they demonstrated something important for a fourth line – an identity. They played a fast, hard forechecking, defensively responsible game against a tough Flames team.

The Jets top six forwards will ultimately factor into the teams’ success more than the fourth line. However, as we have seen in recent NHL playoffs, contending teams need to have a fourth line that can play some minutes and not be a liability.