Coming into the playoffs, the Winnipeg Jets were on a terrible run of performances and completely lost their “identity” which made them so successful through most of the regular season.
With a month left in the season, Winnipeg was challenging for first place in the North Division, but with only three wins in their final twelve games they dropped down to third place.
This meant the Jets would have a first round matchup against the high flying Edmonton Oilers, who completely dominated the season series against the Jets.
But in the first game of this best-of-seven series, on Wednesday night, the Jets looked strong and solid as every player contributed in their 4-1 victory over the Oilers.
The Winnipeg Jets will look for more of the same tonight in game two as they look to take a 2-0 series lead
Winnipeg played extremely physical on Wednesday and did not pass up a chance to put the body on the Oilers. In total, the Jets had 68 hits in 60 minutes in game one.
This game plan worked well for the Jets. Their physical play helped stopped the Oilers’ top guns of Connor McDavid and Leon Draistial. One of the keys to victory when playing Edmonton is to shut down these two players.
The Jets limited McDavid, who averaged just under two points per game in the regular season, to just two shots in game one. Winnipeg did not give McDavid or any of the Oilers time to control the puck and dictate the game.
As Dan St. Joseph said in his recap of game one:
"“If you had to summarize a strategy against the Oilers, that would be it – physical yet disciplined. Physical enough to slow down their break out passes to their two superstars, yet disciplined enough to avoid giving opportunities for the Oilers to roll out their NHL best power play.” (Jets White Out)"
If the Jets try to replicate their game one game plan of being physical, but not reckless, they will give themselves a great opportunity to leave Edmonton with back-to-back victories.
Game two between the Jets and Oilers is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. central time tonight. You can get ready for tonight’s game by reading out sites’ game preview which includes odds, TV information, and projected lineups by clicking the link here or the “Must Read” link below!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What is your key to victory for the Winnipeg Jets to win tonight? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*