Winnipeg Jets: Three Talking Points as the Jets Lose to The Ducks

2. The Special Teams Were Not Special

Based on the results last night, it’s hard to believe that last regular season the Anaheim Ducks were last in the NHL in power play and penalty killing percentage.

The Jets were zero for five on the power play last night, directing 12 shots at goaltender John Gibson. The Jets also gave up two powerplay goals to the Ducks and looked disorganized in their own end when playing shorthanded.

On a positive note, both Jets’ powerplay units moved the puck well in the Ducks zone, but could not convert that into a goal. Neal Pionk looked comfortable in an expanded role on the power play, as did newcomer Nate Schmidt.

Jets coach Paul Maurice used a variety of combinations on the penalty killing unit, and the results were disappointing. The pairing of new Jet Riley Nash with Paul Stastny did not look comfortable together, and penalty killing veterans Adam Lowry and Andrew Copp had difficulties clearing the puck from their own zone.

On defense physical defensemen Brenden Dillon and Logan Stanley failed to keep Ducks forwards from disrupting Hellebuyck from in front of the crease. The Jets have too much talent to have such a dismal night on special teams, so hopefully, we see a vast improvement against the San Jose Sharks next game.