3. The defense cannot rest … they have to continue to get better
The Jets defense was their weakest link area coming into the season but has been better than last season. They still however are a work in progress.
Top defenseman Josh Morrissey has struggled at times and has yet to demonstrate a level of play commensurate with his salary level. Dylan DeMelo has not consistently been the calm presence in his own end that he showed last year when he first arrived from the Ottawa Senators.
On the plus side, in the last few games veteran Derek Forbort is showing signs of what the team hoped for when he was signed – a physical presence, smart in his own end, adept at penalty killing. His defense partner Neal Pionk continues to impress and has been the Jets best overall defenseman this season, even showing a bit of a physical edge.
Gigantic defenseman Logan Stanley looks like he has established himself as a bottom pair presence, which will lead to some decisions for Paul Maurice when Tucker Poolman is able to return from his COVID-related absence. Nathan Beaulieu might be the odd man out. In addition, the Jets have wonderkid Ville Heinola on the taxi squad who looked good as Morrissey’s partner for one game.
There are some positive signs, but if the Jets want to remain in the hunt for the playoffs, the defense must not rest – there must be continual improvement.