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The Winnipeg Jets dropped a devastating 4-3 (1-0) shootout decision to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday at the Canada Life Centre. Connor Hellebuyck took the loss for the Jets. It was a St. Patrick’s Day theme in downtown Winnipeg last night.
Inconsistent Hellebuyck
One factor that has really contributed to the Jets fall from their Presidents Trophy pedestal in the standings last year to where they are now, on the outside of the playoff picture, has been the erratic play of Hellebuyck. He supports a 2.76 GAA and an even 0.900 SV%. Both numbers are well below the normal standard for the former Vezina Trophy and Hart Trophy winner. Although he was lights out in the Olympic tournament and was the sole reason The United States won the gold medal game, his play since the break has been inconsistent at best.
Hellebuyck is signed for five more seasons. On July 1st 2027, his full no movement clause changes to a 10-team approved trade list. You have to wonder, if the Jets continue to get mixed results from his play going forward when games matter most, will Jets management consider potential trade offers from teams that are on his approved list? His memorable performance in that gold medal game will be on rival GM’s minds for at least the foreseeable future.
Mixed results from kids
Since the trade deadline, forwards Isak Rosen and Brad Lambert have been in the Jets line-up for all 6 games. Thus far, they have combined for 1G and 1A. If either of them wants to move up in the line-up and play more minutes, they have to start producing with the playing time they are getting. On the other end of the spectrum, young defenceman Elias Salomonsson seems to have established himself in the Jets top-4 defenceman. In the last 4 games, he has played over 20 minutes in each game and is consistently on the ice for big moments.
Big picture
Picking up a single point in the standings last night, the Jets now sit 4 points out of the last wildcard spot in the Western Conference with 15 games remaining. However, there are 4 teams the Jets must leapfrog in order to claim that last playoff spot.
Impossible? No. Improbable? Yes.
The Jets now hit the road for three games as they begin the road trip Thursday night in Boston.
