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

1. The Jets Missed Their Top Player

Mark Scheifele missed the Ducks game as he served the final game of his suspension from the playoff series against Montreal. This allowed the Jets to dress rookie forward Cole Perfetti who performed well in his first regular season game.

The Jets have a deep forward roster however, Scheifele’s absence from the Jets lineup was glaring. As much as the Jets can boast players in their top six who have offensive talent, it is impossible to replace a player who was the fifth-highest scoring center in the NHL last regular season.

When Scheifele is playing the Jets power play is immensely better as he is the most gifted shooter and passer on the team. Scheifele also elevates any combination of linemates he plays within ways that Paul Statsny and Pierre Luc Dubois are not able to at this point in their careers.

Scheifele is a true star in the NHL and demands attention and game planning for opposing coaches and players. I think Jets fans undervalue his contribution to the team and at times fail to see him as an upper echelon center in the NHL.

Based on the Ducks game last night, and what we saw in the playoffs last season against Montreal, if the Jets are to contend for a Stanley Cup, they need their star center in the lineup.

The Winnipeg Jets will travel north in California to San Jose to play the Sharks on Saturday night where they will try for their first win of the season. Stay tuned to our site on Saturday morning for a game preview for the Jets vs. Sharks game.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What did you think about the Winnipeg Jets’ first game of the season? Leave your comments below!