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The Winnipeg Jets swept their mini two-game road trip. The club defeated the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday afternoon and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday evening. Winnipeg prevailed with identical 3-2 scores.
Stuart Skinner got the win in Detroit while newcomer Clay “Mud” Stevenson got the victory in Pittsburgh.
Jets special teams: potent so far
Winnipeg’s power play is scorching hot so far : 4-for-8. Meanwhile, the penalty kill is 8-for-9. These are unsustainable, of course. However, for the Jets to compete for a playoff spot this season, special teams must continue to be a strength of this team.
So far so good.
Between the pipes: Jets goaltending holding up
No Connor Hellebuyck? No problem. At least not yet. Of course, it has been a very small sample size, but goalie play has not been a weakness so far.
Through three games, the Skinner and Stevenson combo has posted a 0.918 save percentage and a 2.65 goals against average. At minimum, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff need not feel rushed. For now, he can wait for an optimal trade package for his Vezina/Hart Trophy winning goaltender. Meanwhile, Hellebuyck remains suspended without pay.
The Jets are not in a position of strength in terms of trade leverage. However, they can afford to be patient right now until a trade
comes to fruition.
Measuring stick games ahead
Thus far, the Jets have collected five out of a possible six points. The next two games will be a litmus test.
First, the Jets will host the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. Two nights later, the Anaheim Ducks come to town. Both opponents made the playoffs last year and each won a playoff series.
On paper, the Avalanche may be the best team in the league. Meanwhile, both the Avs and Ducks have yet to lose a game during the young season to date.
Farm report: strong start for Moose
The Manitoba Moose played their first 2 games of the AHL season over the weekend. They defeated the Chicago Wolves on back to back nights by a combined score of 11-3. Among their top prospects, Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and Kevin He all led the way with 3 points each over the weekend.
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