The Winnipeg Jets return home after their season long six-game road trip. They defeated the Calgary Flames 4-3 via shootout on Saturday night at the Saddledome. It was their first shootout of the young season. However, the Jets lost four of the six games on this road trip. Although the return of both Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg was a welcomed sight, this Jets team thus far appears to be a shell of last year’s Presidents Trophy winning team.
Jets top line filling the net
The Jets’ top line has started this season in the same manner in which they finished last regular season when they were the highest scoring line in the league. One glaring difference this year is their attention to detail in their own end. Despite generating a fair share of offence, the line of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele and Gabe Vilardi is bleeding quality chances against which also seem to be finding the back of the Jets net in higher frequency this year in comparison to last year.
Jets need an upgrade on the 2nd line
Despite the return of Cole Perfetti, the Jets’ second forward line has not been the same without Nikolaj Ehlers. Although Jonathon Toews hometown return has been a great story, his game nowhere near what it was when he was hoisting Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks. In 18 games, Toews has put up 8 points (3G, 5A) and a -8 rating. His underlying on-ice possession numbers have also been atrocious.
For the Jets to be a playoff contender, Toews may be better off centering the fourth line. He is still elite in the face-off circle (62%) even if the rest of his game has eroded. With Brad Lambert not really asserting himself in the Jets’ top six, it may be time for Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to go big game hunting for a big second line centre. Here’s the problem, though. Such players are rarely available. When they are, the price tag is exorbitant. Top two centers and top three defensemen carry very heavy price tags normally.
Josh “Norris”sey
Josh Morrissey is off to another great start this season. He has 19 points (3G,16A) through 18 games and boasts a +7 rating despite playing against opposing team’s top lines on a nightly basis. He will once again be in the running for the Norris trophy that always seems to be Cale Makar’s to lose.
Jets on the defensive too much at 5-on-5
Through 18 games of the regular season, the Jets 5 on 5 possession stats are among the bottom 5 teams in the league. Hopefully, with the majority the injured players now back in the lineup, these numbers will improve. However, as mentioned previously, this may be the season in which we need another Chevy blockbuster trade to give the line-up a boost. The Jets are back in action Tuesday night when they host the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Canada Life Centre.
