Winnipeg Jets Playoffs: Notable Performers from the First Round
The Winnipeg Jets swept the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here are some notable performers from the Jets.
It was just on Monday night that the Winnipeg Jets did the improbable in their first round series against the Edmonton Oilers.
That was, the Jets completed the sweep against a team who absolutely dominated them during the regular season.
From an outsider’s perspective, it may look like the Jets dominated this series, but it was quite the contrary. These sides battled hard throughout these four games and needed overtime to decide three of the four games including triple overtime in game four.
Fortunately for Winnipeg, they were able to win all these tight games and complete their first sweep in franchise history.
Here are three notable performers from the Winnipeg Jets in their series against Edmonton:
3. Stanley and Poolman
At third on our list is a defensive pairing. Both Logan Stanley and Tucker Poolman deserve to be on this list together.
Originally before the playoffs started, there was a question of who would lineup for the Winnipeg Jets as their third defensive pairing. Paul Maurice gave chances to Poolman, Stanley, Ville Heinola, and Jordie Benn down the stretch.
During the last month of the season, the Jets struggled and it was a toss-up on which two of these four defensemen would get the start on the third pair for game one.
Ultimately, Maurice and the Jets coaching staff decided to dress the pairing of Poolman and Stanley for game one and it turned out to be a fantastic decision.
It was going to be a significant test for Stanley and Poolman going up against Connor McDavid and Leon Dristial and they passed the test with flying colors.
Tucker Poolman even led the Winnipeg Jets in plus/minus in the series going +4, while Stanley was +3.
Poolman also was the unlikely goalscorer in game one when he was able to level the game at 1-1 in the second period when he slotted home a rebound. This goal was even more of a surprise considering Poolman did not score once during the regular season.
In total Poolman and Stanley contributed one goal and two assists collectively during the sweep of the Oilers. This pair played fantastic in the defensive zone and they deserve the credit for their performance during the first round.
2. Blake Wheeler
When looking at the Winnipeg Jets’ regular season stats, there is one stat, in particular, that is an eye-opener. That stat is Blake Wheeler’s plus/minus.
In Wheeler’s 50 regular season games played, he amassed a -17 plus/minus. The closest player to Wheeler was Nathan Beaulieu, who was -5. This stat was a bit worrisome considering the Jets were playing the top two point scorers in the NHL.
During this series, we watched Blake Wheeler turn his game around. Wheeler was tied for second on the team with a +3 plus/minus. In fact, Wheeler was not on the ice for a goal against the whole series.
Wheeler had points in three of the four games throughout the series. The Jets captain had two goals and two assists including two in game four.
Wheeler was a factor on both sides of the ice for the Winnipeg Jets. He struggled during the regular season, but those struggles quickly faded away throughout this first round series.
When Blake Wheeler is on top of his game he is fun to watch and Winnipeg feeds off of his energy and leadership.
1. Connor Hellebuyck
What more can be said about the 2020 Vezina Trophy Winner during this series? Hellebuyck was absolutely outstanding for the Winnipeg Jets and even that statement could be an understatement.
Look at the stats: In four games, Hellebuyck had a 4-0 record with a 1.60 goals against average and a .950 save percentage. The Jets’ number one netminder only let in eight goals on 159 shots faced.
Hellebuyck was outstanding in all four games of this series, but the argument can be made that game two was his best. In game two, Hellebuyck picked up a shutout in overtime stopping all 38 shots faced.
Hellebuyck was without a doubt the first star of this series and when he brings his “A-Game” the Jets are an extremely tough team to beat.
The Winnipeg Jets still have yet to learn who they will be facing off against in the second round of the playoffs. They will face the winner of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens. Check back to our site for more Winnipeg Jets playoffs coverage!
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Who was your star performer for the Winnipeg Jets against the Oilers? Leave your comments below!
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