It was a reality check week in Jetsland. Coming into the week, the Jets secured 4 out of 6 points on a tough road trip and were looking to keep some momentum going into a three week break. On the ice this week the mood certainly darkened and it wasn’t much better off the ice. Let’s dive into what we learned about the Jets this week.
It's Going To Be A Roller Coaster Finish
In the games against Dallas and Montreal this week, the Jets showed they can compete with the best in the National Hockey League and they can also roll over. Winnipeg earned just one point this week and remain 28th in the league. According to Tankathon, Winnipeg has the 28th hardest strength of schedule remaining. Despite 3 games against the league leading Colorado Avalanche, the Jets have 8 total matchups against the teams around them in the standings - the Blues, Blackhawks, Rangers, and Canucks. For those on team tank, the final stretch of the season may prove frustrating if the Jets heat up against weaker competition.
Scott Arniel Makes Headlines With Fan Comments
After the lopsided loss to Montreal, head coach Scott Arniel expressed his frustration in seeing so much red at the Canada Life Centre. He claimed it was “probably the worst [he’s] seen it in [his] four years back” in Winnipeg. There was a lot of back and forth on social media about whether or not he should have made those comments or pitched it differently. Two things can be true with this one. The original six teams travel very well, especially the Leafs and Habs. The Jets just also aren’t very good this year and it’s an easy decision for people to sell their seats to eager Montreal fans and pay for part of their season tickets. Ultimately the headlines blew over but if Arniel doesn’t want away fans filling up the rink, he (and the front office) should get the team out of the basement.
Focus Shifts To Milan
Perhaps the highlight of the week was Nino Niederreiter earning the honour to carry the Swiss flag at the Opening Ceremony in Milan. Nino is a well respected player and has represented his country on many occasions, so it was great to see him get the opportunity to lead the line for team Switzerland. Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor, and Connor Hellebuyck arrived shortly after as the men’s teams get ready to begin practice. The Canada women opened the tournament with a win 4-0 win over Switzerland, and the men’s tournament is set to start Wednesday. Canada, Switzerland, and the US all open Olympic play Thursday.
We’ll have you covered on your Olympic Jets all through the tournament at Jets White Out.