Winnipeg Jets: 3 Talking Points as the Jets Win Their 2021 Home Opener
The Winnipeg Jets opened the Canada Life Centre with a 5-1 win against the Ducks. Here are three talking points from the game.
The Winnipeg Jets were on home ice for the first time this season after completing a three-game road trip where they only picked up one of a possible six points available.
The Jets were also looking to avenge their season opening loss to the Ducks and pick up their first win of the season in their home opener.
Winnipeg played well last night as they scored five unanswered goals en route to a 5-1 win and picked up their first win of the 2021-2022 season.
Here are three talking points from the Jets 5-1 win versus the Ducks:
3. No Wheeler, No Schiefele, No Problem
The Jets had to face a lot of adversity before this game even began. Before their game on Wednesday night, the Jets announced that their captain, Blake Wheeler tested positive for COVID-19, and yesterday morning they announced that star player, Mark Schiefele had entered into the NHL COVID protocol.
The Jets had to adjust without two of their “top players” and leaders on this team. Paul Maurice decided to dress eleven forwards and seven defensemen for this game and moved his lines around.
Evgeny Svechnikov and Pierre-Luc Dubois were moved to the first line with Kyle Connor, and the Jets’ second line stayed intact. The third line consisted of Jasen Harkins, Adam Lowry, and Kristian Vesalainen, while the Jets’ had a two-man fourth line of Riley Nash and Dominic Toninato.
It took the Jets some time to adjust to these new lines and they gave up an early goal just under three minutes into the game, but they finally found their groove later in the period.
The newly formed line of Connor, Dubois, and Svechnikov scored a fantastic goal to tie the game at one in the first period. Each player touched the puck on this quick passing transition goal and it was fantastic to watch.
As of now, we know that Wheeler will be out for the next couple of games and there is still no update on how much time Schiefele will miss. In their absence, last night, every line for the Jets stepped up and played well.
2. Nate Schmidt Shows His Offensive Prowess
There was a good amount of excitement when the Jets traded for veteran defenseman, Nate Schmidt this offseason as he is known for being a terrific offensive defenseman.
Schmidt’s passing skills were on full display in Winnipeg’s win last night as he provided two assists in the win.
The thirty-year-old’s first assist was a thing of beauty. Schmidt was on the point in the offensive zone and received a diagonal pass from Paul Stastny who was in the corner to the right of Gibson’s goal.
Instead of catching the pass and taking his time with the puck, Schmidt fired a one-touch pass to the back door where Andrew Copp was wide open and tipped the puck into the back of the net to give the Jets a 2-1 lead.
Schmidt knew exactly where he passing the puck before he even received the initial pass from Stastny and Gibson had no chance of stopping this great play.
Schmidt’s second assist was a much simpler play than his first. The Jets were on the powerplay and Schmidt was positioned in the middle of the Jets’ umbrella.
Schmidt worked the puck to Pierre-Luc Dubois who was on his left. Dubois then passed the puck back to Schmidt fired a kick pass to Josh Morrissey who was on the top of the circle (to Schmidt’s right) and was wide open.
Morrissey was geared up for a one-timer and released a terrific shot at the net that fired past Gibson to extend Winnipeg’s lead to 3-1.
Schmidt showed his value to the Jets in yesterday’s game. He offers the Jets a great offensive look from the defensive corps including being a great asset to Winnipeg’s powerplay.
1. Connor Hellebuyck was Back to His Old Form
Hellebuyck was coming into this game not having the best run of performances. In his first three starts of this season, Hellebuyck allowed four or more goals in each game including allowing six on Wednesday in Minnesota.
As I mentioned on the first slide, the Jets gave up an early first period goal to Anaheim and it did not look so well for Hellebuyck and the Jets, but Hellebuyck picked his team up.
The Ducks outshot the Jets 10-4 in the first period, but Hellebuyck stood tall after allowing the first goal and did not let the Ducks capitalize on their other chances.
In total, Anaheim finished the game with 39 shots and Hellebuyck finished the game with 38 saves. He played extremely well and showed why he is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.
Hellebuyck controlled his rebounds well and was deservedly named the first star of Winnipeg’s first win this year.
As we have seen in years past, the Jets’ success hinges on Hellebuyck’s performances and when Hellebuyck is on his game, the Jets are an extremely tough team to beat.
The Jets will be back in action on Saturday night as they conclude this short two-game homestand with a matchup against the Nashville Predators. Stay tuned to our site tomorrow for a game preview of the Jets vs. Predators game.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: What did you think of the Jets’ 5-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks? Leave your comments below!
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