Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as Jets Start off Road Trip With a Loss
The Winnipeg Jets started their seven-game road trip by beginning a two-game series with the Edmonton Oilers yesterday in Edmonton.
Both teams were coming into this game after playing the night before. The Jets beat the Canadiens 4-3 in Winnipeg, while the Oilers beat the Flames 7-3 in Calgary.
This game had extra importance as going into last night these teams were in second place in the North Division and the winner would move into a tie for first place.
Unfortunately, the Winnipeg Jets could not find a way to win as they lost to the Edmonton Oilers 2-1
Here are three talking points from yesterday’s Jets 2-1 loss:
3. The Winnipeg Jets Fourth Line Scores with Limited Ice Time
There have been many calls for Paul Maurice to switch up the Jets lineup, especially on the fourth line. May fans would rather the Jets coaching staff give a chance to Jansen Harkins or Kristian Vesalainen and give Nate Thompson and/or Trevor Lewis a night off.
Instead, Winnipeg decided to go with the same lineup as prior games and name the combination of Perreault-Thompson-Lewis at the fourth line.
Although this line had minimal opportunity to make an impact on the game, considering they all had less than nine minutes of time on ice, they did score a crucial goal in the second period to tie the game at 1-1.
This goal was simple: Cause a turnover in the defensive zone, quick transition up the ice, get the puck, and people to the net. Fortunately, Mathieu Perreault was able to get a deflection on Thompson’s shot to even the game.
It will be interesting to see if the Jets decide to keep this line intact for tomorrow’s game. Although they barely played, they did generate the lone goal for Winnipeg along with some other great scoring chances.
2. The Jets Top-Line Go Minus-Two
Now we turn our attention from the fourth line to the Jets’ first line of Stastny-Wheeler-Schiefele. In the battle of the first lines between these sides Edmonton won.
Even though these lines traded chances, Edmonton’s first line was able to score on their opportunities against the Jets’ first combination.
Stastny, Wheeler, and Schiefele were on the ice for both goals against and each tied for a team-low minus-two plus/minus in yesterday’s contest.
Expect this line to regroup after their performance yesterday. Games like this seldom happen to these three players and they usually rebound well after a tough game.
1. The Connor McDavid Show
Every time the Oilers play, all eyes are on Connor McDavid. At the flip of a switch, the twenty-four-year-old can make something out of nothing.
One of the keys to beating Edmonton is to shut down McDavid and Draistail. If you can keep these two off the board, you have a pretty good chance of winning.
Ultimately, McDavid scored both of Edmonton’s goals to power them to victory. Both goals were great plays and McDavid capitalized on his opportunities.
It is apparent that the Jets must shut down the Oilers’ captain in future games between these sides if the Jets want to come away with two points.
The Jets will get another crack to beat the Oilers when these teams face off and finish this series tomorrow night. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. central time.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your initial reactions to how the Jets played yesterday? Leave your comments below!
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