Winnipeg Jets: Three Things Dave Lowry Should Do To Make the Playoffs

1. Get the Defense More Involved in the Offense

The Winnipeg Jets are currently ranked 21st in goals for in the NHL. The highest scoring defenseman on the Jets in terms of points is Nate Schmidt who sits at 44th in the NHL for defensemen.

Call me an optimist, but I think the Jets defense is capable of contributing more offensively, and that we have the skill to do so. While none of Neal Pionk, Josh Morrissey, and Nate Schmidt are at a Cale Makar level in terms of offensive talent, they all have offensive skills.

Ville Heninola has demonstrated some offensive talent, particularly at the AHL level, and even Logan Stanley has shown a willingness to shoot the puck on net. With the playoffs on the line coming out of the all-star break the Jets cannot afford to play conservatively.

Lowry needs to get the defense involved more offensively. I’m not suggesting end-to-end rushes, but I am suggesting pinching more in the offensive zone and trying to get more shots on net. That can be a risky approach, such as when a miscommunication on a Heinola pinch at the end of the Philadelphia game cost them the game winning goal to the Flyers.

However, with the season on the line, and the overall offense struggling, it is time for the Jets to play more aggressively, putting more pressure on opposing teams from their blue line. If the Jets continue to play conservative, passively with their defense in the opposition’s zone, I fear that the season could be over for them by the end of February.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What do you think Dave Lowry should do to get the Jets into the playoffs?  Leave your comments below!