The Winnipeg Jets dropped a hard fought 4-3 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night in front of a sold-out crowd at the Canada Life Centre. Earlier in the day, it was announced that reigning Vezina trophy winner and Hart Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck will miss the next 4-6 weeks as he recovers from a minor knee surgery.
Life without Hellebuyck (for a while)
Now entering his 10th season with the Jets, Hellebuyck has long been the back bone and constant for the Jets 2.0 franchise. Despite his multiple Vezina trophies and now Hart trophy, his biggest accolade has been his durability. Make no mistake about it, Hellebuyck is going to the Hall of Fame.
In the last 2 years, when called upon, Eric Comrie has given the Jets quality games on most occasions. Now that he’s playing on a contract year, he should be more than motivated to step up and play a pivotal role for the defending Presidents Trophy and Jennings Trophy winners.
The Jets also called up their red hot AHL goalie Thomas Milic. Through nine games with the Manitoba Moose, he has put up a 5-2-2 record with 0.921 save percentage and one shutout.
Jets welcome back Fly
Friday night marked the first time Nikolaj Ehlers stepped onto the Canada Life Centre ice donning a jersey for the visiting team. In total, Ehlers played 10 seasons with the Jets. He was a fan favourite and deservingly so, received a nice tribute video during the first TV timeout. His skill set was on full display when he set-up Andrei Svechnikov’s game winning goal on the PP.
Jets 3rd pair a problem
Logan Stanley is having a career year this year. Being a free-agent at seasons end, he will get a nice raise by someone and rightfully so. But, when playing against a team that plays a high skill game and not so much a physical game, he and Luke Schenn are often exposed. On Friday, this pair did not see many shifts in the 3 rd period when the Jets were trailing. When they were on the ice, they were often hemmed in their own zone.
In such a game, the pair of Hadyn Fleury and Colin Miller may be a better option for the team to be successful.
Lambert wants out
It was announced a couple of days ago that the Jets administration have given Brad Lambert’s representation permission to seek out a trade for the forward. This action may be a blessing in disguise. Lambert had a mediocre training camp at best. He took a significant step back in his AHL production last season as well. For a team that won the Presidents Trophy last year and aspires to be competitive and make a deep playoff run this year, the Jets coaches are not going to give Lambert top-six minutes for the sake of giving him time to develop.
If the Jets were a rebuilding team, circumstances would be different. But, that is not the case. There may be an opportunity to package Lambert with their first round pick and another prospect or pick to try and obtain a forward that can step right onto the Jets 2nd line or a defenceman that can play alongside Josh Morrissey.
Unless if there is a drastic change in the standings, the Jets first round pick this year is positioned to be once again towards the end of the first round. A spot that they haven’t been able to hit on in a long-time.
Up next for the Jets:
The Jets are back in action Sunday afternoon when they host their rivals, the Minnesota Wild. Winnipeg has won nine consecutive games against the Wild. However, the Wild have won eight of their last 10 games overall. Should be a great division game.
