A much-needed win will have to wait until April 1 at Madison Square Garden against the New York Rangers as the Winnipeg Jets once again were unable to beat a team behind them in the standings as they fell to the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time this season 3-1. The win by the Canes now puts them four points behind the Jets for first place in the South-East division and the third overall seeding in the Eastern Conference.
Just like the back-to-back losses to the Washington Capitals two weeks ago at the MTS Centre, the Jets lost to an inferior team chasing them in the standings and failed to put more daylight between them. The Hurricanes still have three games at at hand over the Jets.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Consistently Inconsistent
Are the Winnipeg Jets ready for the playoffs? Or, more appropriately, will the Jets make the playoffs? With only six points separating the South-East division-leading Winnipeg Jets and the second-placed Carolina Hurricanes, with 13 games to go for the Jets and 16 for the Canes, one probably should be careful when placing the Jets in the final eight of the Eastern Conference come early May.
Because although all the member teams of the South-East are egregiously under performing this season (with the possible exception of the Florida Panthers) every one of them (again, except Florida) still has a shot at the division lead.
Personally, I think the Jets will claim their first regular-season division title in their re-birth since being transferred to Winnipeg (it would be pretty cool seeing a championship banner hanging in the MTS Centre) but it won't come without a few bumps and scares, especially now that the Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin is back on track and starting to score. The problem for the Capitals is they don't have a legitimate top NHL goaltender. The same can be said about the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes will soon have Cam Ward back between the pipes to alleviate their goaltending problems.
Although the Jets are, well, pretty much the same as the Jets 1.0 in that they can be counted on for one thing; they are consistently inconsistent. That is, they may win one or two here, then lose one or two there. They may even win two or three in a row and the city is all a buzz with how they played a disciplined, smart hockey game. Then they lose two, three or four in a row and the impatient hockey fans in Winnipeg will be calling for the heads of Coach Claude Noel and wanting to sell the farm for rental players at a chance to just enter the playoffs. But they're consistent at it. The one thing the Winnipeg Jets are not this year is predictable.
The CBC's Adam Wazny also thinks Jets fans should start saving their money for something that Winnipeg hasn't seen in 17 years...the NHL playoffs.
Because although all the member teams of the South-East are egregiously under performing this season (with the possible exception of the Florida Panthers) every one of them (again, except Florida) still has a shot at the division lead.
Personally, I think the Jets will claim their first regular-season division title in their re-birth since being transferred to Winnipeg (it would be pretty cool seeing a championship banner hanging in the MTS Centre) but it won't come without a few bumps and scares, especially now that the Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin is back on track and starting to score. The problem for the Capitals is they don't have a legitimate top NHL goaltender. The same can be said about the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hurricanes will soon have Cam Ward back between the pipes to alleviate their goaltending problems.
Although the Jets are, well, pretty much the same as the Jets 1.0 in that they can be counted on for one thing; they are consistently inconsistent. That is, they may win one or two here, then lose one or two there. They may even win two or three in a row and the city is all a buzz with how they played a disciplined, smart hockey game. Then they lose two, three or four in a row and the impatient hockey fans in Winnipeg will be calling for the heads of Coach Claude Noel and wanting to sell the farm for rental players at a chance to just enter the playoffs. But they're consistent at it. The one thing the Winnipeg Jets are not this year is predictable.
The CBC's Adam Wazny also thinks Jets fans should start saving their money for something that Winnipeg hasn't seen in 17 years...the NHL playoffs.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Crosby & Co. Shut Out Jets
The effort was mostly there, but there was was just too much speed and too much talent on the Pittsburgh Penguins (who, just before the game, acquired Jerome Iginla from the Calgary Flames) and the Jets went down for the third time of being on the wrong side of a goose-egg of this season, 4-0.
I actually thought the Jets were going to win, based solely on a hunch that the Penguins were due for a loss. It was the Pens 14th consecutive victory.
Al Montoya and actually played well, as he could hardly be blamed for all but one of the pucks that got by him. Winnipeg's defense was just overwhelmed by the likes of Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.
The Jets weren't bad, the Penguins were just much better.
It was Tomas Vokoun's second shutout of the season and 50th of his career.
I actually thought the Jets were going to win, based solely on a hunch that the Penguins were due for a loss. It was the Pens 14th consecutive victory.
Al Montoya and actually played well, as he could hardly be blamed for all but one of the pucks that got by him. Winnipeg's defense was just overwhelmed by the likes of Sydney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.
The Jets weren't bad, the Penguins were just much better.
It was Tomas Vokoun's second shutout of the season and 50th of his career.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Jets Rally in Raleigh
Although they allowed the first goal that put them behind early in the first period, the Winnipeg Jets answered with four straight goals, three of which were the result of bounces and deflections going the Jets way. Toby Enstrom once again scored the winner with his second period powerplay goal as the Jets went on to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1.
Evander Kane, Olli Jokinen and Alexander Burmistrov also scored for the Jets.
The Jets are now six points up on the second-placed Hurricanes, as the Jets now lead the South-East division with 36 points and maintain the third overall seed in the Eastern Conference. The three games at hand the Canes now hold are, momentarily, a non-issue as the Jets are now up the six points that separate them and the Hurricanes would need all three victories to tie the Jets for first place if the season were in its final week. The festering wound that was the back-to-back losses to the Washington Capitals at the supposed friendly confines of the MTS Centre last week are now, with the two wins against South-East rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina, just a sore spot that could heal tremendously with a miracle win versus the conference-leading Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Those losses may even be able to be forgotten altogether (although maybe they shouldn't be) when the Hurricanes visit the MTS Centre for a matinee game on March 30.
Evander Kane, Olli Jokinen and Alexander Burmistrov also scored for the Jets.
The Jets are now six points up on the second-placed Hurricanes, as the Jets now lead the South-East division with 36 points and maintain the third overall seed in the Eastern Conference. The three games at hand the Canes now hold are, momentarily, a non-issue as the Jets are now up the six points that separate them and the Hurricanes would need all three victories to tie the Jets for first place if the season were in its final week. The festering wound that was the back-to-back losses to the Washington Capitals at the supposed friendly confines of the MTS Centre last week are now, with the two wins against South-East rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina, just a sore spot that could heal tremendously with a miracle win versus the conference-leading Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Those losses may even be able to be forgotten altogether (although maybe they shouldn't be) when the Hurricanes visit the MTS Centre for a matinee game on March 30.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Jets Snap Two Game Skid with Win Over Lightning
Even with the embarrassing sting of the two losses to the Washington Capitals still fresh, the Winnipeg Jets gained not only a little confidence before they go on a two-game road swing (probably the toughest of the season-and most important) with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, but two much needed points to maintain their hold on the South-East division ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes. The Jets now hit the road against Carolina and Pittsburgh before heading back home for a game against the Hurricanes once again.
Toby Enstrom made his big return after missing 19 games from shoulder injury by scoring the winner and Bryan Little had a three-point game with a goal and two assists.
This was a must-win as the Jets were humiliated over the last two games by the Capitals and needed this to build a little confidence before going on a stretch of playing against South-East division rivals.
Toby Enstrom made his big return after missing 19 games from shoulder injury by scoring the winner and Bryan Little had a three-point game with a goal and two assists.
This was a must-win as the Jets were humiliated over the last two games by the Capitals and needed this to build a little confidence before going on a stretch of playing against South-East division rivals.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Jets Humiliated by Capitals
Not even worth writing about, the Winnipeg Jets were absolutely embarrassed by the Washington Capitals at the MTS Centre for the second consecutive night, this time falling 6-1 in front of the hometown crowd that had finally had enough and proved the 2011-2012 honeymoon is over and demand hard work and competitive results by booing their beloved Jets and evacuating the building early in the third. Many were gone before that.
Not one member of the Jets showed up to play tonight and for the second straight game, Braden Holtby and Alexander Ovechkin ran up one side of the pylon-like Jets and down the other at will.
No member of the Jets is immune to criticism on this night as not one of them did anything to remotely make anyone think they had a chance to make this game even slightly competitive.
Simply embarrassing.
Not one member of the Jets showed up to play tonight and for the second straight game, Braden Holtby and Alexander Ovechkin ran up one side of the pylon-like Jets and down the other at will.
No member of the Jets is immune to criticism on this night as not one of them did anything to remotely make anyone think they had a chance to make this game even slightly competitive.
Simply embarrassing.
Caps Blank Jets Again
For the second time in as many games, Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals shutout the Winnipeg Jets. It was one more for the Caps this time as they shot down the Jets 4-0 tonight at the MTS Centre. It was game one of a back-to-back series at MTS. The Capitals have now shutout the Jets twice in their own building this season. They are the only team this season to blank the Jets this year.
The Jets just weren't prepared since the opening face-off for either Holtby or Alex Ovechkin, who had a three-point night with a goal and two assists. To tell the story of this game, the Jets were only able to muster 20 shots on goal, including a measly eight in the second period.
Andrew Ladd's five-game point streak has ended, as has Blake Wheeler three-game goal-scoring streak.
The good news for the Jets is that the Carolina Hurricanes also lost their contest against the New Jersey Devils, a game where Martin Brodeur has been credited with a goal, on the powerplay. This is the third goal of Brodeur's career. Incredible.
So the Jets still maintain first place in the South-East division, however with Brodeur back in between the pipes, Ovechkin starting to find his game, Ottawa still winning and the Maple Leafs holding strong, if the Jets slip out of first in the South-East and lose the Eastern Conference third seeding, they might just find themselves out of a playoff spot altogether as only six points separate fifth from ninth.
The Jets just weren't prepared since the opening face-off for either Holtby or Alex Ovechkin, who had a three-point night with a goal and two assists. To tell the story of this game, the Jets were only able to muster 20 shots on goal, including a measly eight in the second period.
Andrew Ladd's five-game point streak has ended, as has Blake Wheeler three-game goal-scoring streak.
The good news for the Jets is that the Carolina Hurricanes also lost their contest against the New Jersey Devils, a game where Martin Brodeur has been credited with a goal, on the powerplay. This is the third goal of Brodeur's career. Incredible.
So the Jets still maintain first place in the South-East division, however with Brodeur back in between the pipes, Ovechkin starting to find his game, Ottawa still winning and the Maple Leafs holding strong, if the Jets slip out of first in the South-East and lose the Eastern Conference third seeding, they might just find themselves out of a playoff spot altogether as only six points separate fifth from ninth.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Jets Fight Back to Take Down Bruins
It was, by all accounts, a boring hockey game until Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane scored 57 seconds apart in the third period to come from behind and defeat the streaking Boston Bruins 3-1 last night at the MTS Centre. It was the third straight home win for the Jets and perhaps the dawning of a playoff birth as they may have shown what character will be needed.
The win, their first this season after trailing after two periods, put the Jets back into first place in the South-East as Carolina had slipped back into a tie with Winnipeg on Monday with a shootout loss to the New York Rangers. The Jets now rule the South-East division with 34 points and hang on to the third overall seed in the Eastern Conference.
Evander Kane scored the winner from a rebound off of a lofting Grant Clitsome shot from the blue line and Wheeler ended things with his second goal into an empty net. The Jets have yet to produce a hat-trick this season. Going back to their inaugural season last year, no player has yet registered three goals in one game as a member of the Winnipeg Jets since their re-location from Atlanta.
Ondrej Pavelec was once again almost impenetrable as he near single-handedly stole this game from the Bruins. He is now 5-1-1 in his last seven starts. The Jets showed a little of last year's streak-killer squad with the win as the Bruins had won 11 of their last 15 games coming into last night's contest.
The win, their first this season after trailing after two periods, put the Jets back into first place in the South-East as Carolina had slipped back into a tie with Winnipeg on Monday with a shootout loss to the New York Rangers. The Jets now rule the South-East division with 34 points and hang on to the third overall seed in the Eastern Conference.
Evander Kane scored the winner from a rebound off of a lofting Grant Clitsome shot from the blue line and Wheeler ended things with his second goal into an empty net. The Jets have yet to produce a hat-trick this season. Going back to their inaugural season last year, no player has yet registered three goals in one game as a member of the Winnipeg Jets since their re-location from Atlanta.
Ondrej Pavelec was once again almost impenetrable as he near single-handedly stole this game from the Bruins. He is now 5-1-1 in his last seven starts. The Jets showed a little of last year's streak-killer squad with the win as the Bruins had won 11 of their last 15 games coming into last night's contest.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Return of the Winnipeg Jets
Finally. I finally found the Winnipeg-produced documentary, "White Noise." A film about the loss and return of the Winnipeg Jets. It was a film on Bell TV's "Winnipeg on Demand" feature that MTS Bell television subscribers could access with their account.
Unfortunately, this version seems to be missing about the first 10-15 minutes.
I've watched this film about five times already (the full version) It really got my juices flowing before the return of the NHL to Winnipeg and the Jets 2011-2012 inaugural season. Enjoy.
And as a added bonus, here's "Fueled by Passion." Another return of the Jets production.
Unfortunately, this version seems to be missing about the first 10-15 minutes.
I've watched this film about five times already (the full version) It really got my juices flowing before the return of the NHL to Winnipeg and the Jets 2011-2012 inaugural season. Enjoy.
And as a added bonus, here's "Fueled by Passion." Another return of the Jets production.
Have the Jets Plans Changed in Relation to Trades?
The Winnipeg Jets currently sit a top the NHL's South-East division and consequently hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
This has seemingly changed the strategy of General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who now may be in the position of being a buyer rather than a seller before the National Hockey League's trade deadline expires in just over two weeks.
This has seemingly changed the strategy of General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who now may be in the position of being a buyer rather than a seller before the National Hockey League's trade deadline expires in just over two weeks.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Senators Ground Jets
The play was a little more lackadaisical that in recent games for the Winnipeg Jets, as they looked tired as a result of their third game in four days and they had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Ottawa Senators 4-1 tonight.
Saturday nights hero Zach Bogosian had the only goal for the Jets as Jakob Silfverberg scored twice for the Sens. The injuries to the Senators top stars in Jason Spezza, Norris Trophy-winning Eric Karlsson and number one netminder Craig Anderson still hasn't kept the Sens from staying in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
After this two-game road trip, the Jets go 1-1 and still remain in first place in the South-East division.
Saturday nights hero Zach Bogosian had the only goal for the Jets as Jakob Silfverberg scored twice for the Sens. The injuries to the Senators top stars in Jason Spezza, Norris Trophy-winning Eric Karlsson and number one netminder Craig Anderson still hasn't kept the Sens from staying in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
After this two-game road trip, the Jets go 1-1 and still remain in first place in the South-East division.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Jets Take Down Leafs in Marathon Shootout
In a game the Winnipeg Jets probably shouldn't have won as they blew a 4-1 lead, but managed to hang on and defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4 in a shootout that saw it go 10 rounds that ended after a goal by Zach Bogosian, his first shootout attempt. Bogo even stepped up in the leadership role in a big way when he defended Evander Kane and traded fisticuffs with the Leafs' Korbinian Holzer.
James Wright scored his first of the year to open the scoring for the Jets.
The shootout was a long one. Pavy stood his ground. He still has to work on that high glove hand. Unfortunately, the NHL stops me from posting video of the whole shootout.
With the win, the Jets now for the first time this season, capture sole position of first place of the South-East division and third overall in the Eastern Conference with 32 points after 28 games with a record of 15-11-2.
James Wright scored his first of the year to open the scoring for the Jets.
The shootout was a long one. Pavy stood his ground. He still has to work on that high glove hand. Unfortunately, the NHL stops me from posting video of the whole shootout.
With the win, the Jets now for the first time this season, capture sole position of first place of the South-East division and third overall in the Eastern Conference with 32 points after 28 games with a record of 15-11-2.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Jets Outwork Rangers; Pavelec Shines
Outshot. Outhit. Outplayed. Same blue print against the Toronto Maple Leafs, same result. Hard work and smart defense-oriented hockey paid off again as the Winnipeg Jets moved into sole position for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by defeating the New York Rangers 3-1. The Jets now have 30 points overall and trail the South-East division-leading Carolina Hurricanes by one point for third place overall in the East.
Antti Miettinen scored his first of the year off of a point shot by Dustin Byfuglien that turned out to be the winner midway through the third period. Nik Antropov, also assisted by Byfuglien, scored the opener for the Jets before Ryan Callahan tied it at one.
Every Jets worked like a horse, especially Byfuglien, but Ondrej Pavelec earned the first star of the game as he worked himself into a one-game shut-out; making 28 saves, the only goal getting past him being a deflection that changed direction.
Andrew Ladd scored his fourteenth of the season on an empty-netter to ice it for the Jets.
This victory marks the tenth time the Jets have won a game when leading after two periods, as they now sit at 10-1-1 in that statistic. The victory also improves the Jets home record, as they are now .500 with a 6-6 record at the MTS Centre. Overall, they now sit 14-11-2.
The Winnipeg fans also unveiled a new crowd chant as they were on Ranger coach John Tortorella.
This is now added to the vault other original Jets fans chants such as "Crosby's better" and "Silver medal."
Antti Miettinen scored his first of the year off of a point shot by Dustin Byfuglien that turned out to be the winner midway through the third period. Nik Antropov, also assisted by Byfuglien, scored the opener for the Jets before Ryan Callahan tied it at one.
Every Jets worked like a horse, especially Byfuglien, but Ondrej Pavelec earned the first star of the game as he worked himself into a one-game shut-out; making 28 saves, the only goal getting past him being a deflection that changed direction.
Andrew Ladd scored his fourteenth of the season on an empty-netter to ice it for the Jets.
This victory marks the tenth time the Jets have won a game when leading after two periods, as they now sit at 10-1-1 in that statistic. The victory also improves the Jets home record, as they are now .500 with a 6-6 record at the MTS Centre. Overall, they now sit 14-11-2.
The Winnipeg fans also unveiled a new crowd chant as they were on Ranger coach John Tortorella.
This is now added to the vault other original Jets fans chants such as "Crosby's better" and "Silver medal."
Slater Injured; Pasquale Re-Called from IceCaps
Defenseman Jim Slater has an upper-body injury, believed to be his hand suffered blocking a shot during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is listed as week-to-week and according to Coach Claude Noel, he will out for "a while." The Jets have called up Patrice Cormier from the American Hockey League as a replacement.
The Jets have also re-called goaltender Eddie Pasquale from the IceCaps for what they are calling a "precautionary measure," as Al Montoya re-aggravated a "previous ailment," said Noel.
The Jets have also re-called goaltender Eddie Pasquale from the IceCaps for what they are calling a "precautionary measure," as Al Montoya re-aggravated a "previous ailment," said Noel.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Jets Burn Leafs
Outshot, outhit, outplayed. The Winnipeg Jets did all of it to the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night as the they finally converted on the powerplay and killed off a 1: 54 five-on-three penalty that drew a standing ovation from the crowd. Evander Kane scored on a breakaway and Blake Wheeler added two beauties; his second coming on back-up goaltender Ben Scrivens after Cory Reimer had been chased from the Leafs net. The Jets brought it all together for a 5-2 win.
This is indeed one of the best games the Jets put forth all year. The Leafs had their moments and had scoring chances in the second period, but Ondrej Pavelec came up big when called upon for the fourth straight game. The Jets still remain two points back of the South-East division-leading Carolina Hurricanes for third in the Eastern Conference. The effort has been there lately, save for the dreadful performance (if you can call it that) against the Florida Panthers. The fans have appreciated that effort and let the team know it with a rounding ovation at the end of the game.
This is indeed one of the best games the Jets put forth all year. The Leafs had their moments and had scoring chances in the second period, but Ondrej Pavelec came up big when called upon for the fourth straight game. The Jets still remain two points back of the South-East division-leading Carolina Hurricanes for third in the Eastern Conference. The effort has been there lately, save for the dreadful performance (if you can call it that) against the Florida Panthers. The fans have appreciated that effort and let the team know it with a rounding ovation at the end of the game.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Jets Salvage A Point in Jersey
With a horrendous start to the game that the Jets had no business even being in after the first period, Mark Stuart and Evander Kane managed to get the Jets back into it with a goal a piece to salvage a point in a loss in an shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils 3-2.
The Jets managed to steal five out of a possible eight points on this four-game road trip. And for a team that is not even close to playing to their proven potential, five out of eight points, especially after the games last week in Sunrise against the Panthers and last night against the Devils, is very fortunate.
Once again, Ondrej Pavelec had a strong game and couldn't really be blamed for either of the Devils' goals that were the result of deflections in front and a bounce off the end glass.
Coach Claude Noel was none too pleased.
The Jets managed to steal five out of a possible eight points on this four-game road trip. And for a team that is not even close to playing to their proven potential, five out of eight points, especially after the games last week in Sunrise against the Panthers and last night against the Devils, is very fortunate.
Once again, Ondrej Pavelec had a strong game and couldn't really be blamed for either of the Devils' goals that were the result of deflections in front and a bounce off the end glass.
Coach Claude Noel was none too pleased.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Machachek Traded to Columbus for Kubalik
The Winnipeg Jets have acquired forward Tomas Kubalik from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Spencer Machachek.
Machachek spent the last seven games of last season with the Jets and was a near point-a-game player in that stretch until the Jets season ended just four points shy of the eighth and final playoff spot. Machachek was a fan favorite in that time and many were surprised that he didn't make the Jets line-up this season, or why when the Jets were struggling or had a lack of offense and /or confidence, that Machachek wasn't called up from St. John's.
There is word out of the IceCaps camp on the rock that Machachek had become a "problem player" that had developed a bit of a prima-donna attitude.
Machachek spent the last seven games of last season with the Jets and was a near point-a-game player in that stretch until the Jets season ended just four points shy of the eighth and final playoff spot. Machachek was a fan favorite in that time and many were surprised that he didn't make the Jets line-up this season, or why when the Jets were struggling or had a lack of offense and /or confidence, that Machachek wasn't called up from St. John's.
There is word out of the IceCaps camp on the rock that Machachek had become a "problem player" that had developed a bit of a prima-donna attitude.
Winnipeg to Host Heritage Classic?
The city of Winnipeg and the Jets hockey club in association with True North Sports & Entertainment and the National Hockey League is in the running to host the 2016 annual NHL outdoor game.
Jets Report Card
Through not only this condensed National Hockey League season, but since they arrived via Atlanta, the Jets are, through their record of 106 games since October 9, 2011, a mediocre team at best. The Winnipeg Free Press's Ed Tait runs down the Jets on-ice identity since the Manitoba capital got their NHL team back.
Adam Wazny of CBC.ca has his take as well.
Adam Wazny of CBC.ca has his take as well.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Jets Beat Panthers in OT
Dustin Byfuglien scored his first even-strength goal of the season and lifted the Winnipeg Jets over the Florida Panthers 3-2 in overtime. Andrew Ladd scored his 13th and Blake Wheeler potted his eighth to give the Jets a 2-0 lead until Jonathon Huberdeau tied it late in the first for the Panthers.
The credit for the win really goes to goaltender Ondrej Pavelec who kept the game closer than it really deserved to be. Time and time again Pavelec had to come up big, especially in the third after the Panthers tied it up at two.
The win puts the Jets just two points behind the South-East division-leading Carolina Hurricanes for third place in the Eastern Conference.
The credit for the win really goes to goaltender Ondrej Pavelec who kept the game closer than it really deserved to be. Time and time again Pavelec had to come up big, especially in the third after the Panthers tied it up at two.
The win puts the Jets just two points behind the South-East division-leading Carolina Hurricanes for third place in the Eastern Conference.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Jets Beat Lightning with Return to Solid Work Ethic
The Winnipeg Jets were back on the work-horse train last night as they tempered one of the most offensive teams in the NHL to just one goal, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 after a late goal by Bryan Little. Eric Tangradi opened the scoring with his first goal as a Jet.
The Jets went back to the work ethic that had them come away with four wins out of five games on their last road trip through the Eastern Conference. Goaltender Al Montoya got the start after 10 straight starts by Ondrej Pavelec, and was strong in net, almost recording his second shutout of the season. Montoya looked very confident in goal and made some very big saves when called upon. He was patient and poised and his lateral movement was spectacular. He bounced right up after making first shot saves and was solid all night long.
The Jets went back to the work ethic that had them come away with four wins out of five games on their last road trip through the Eastern Conference. Goaltender Al Montoya got the start after 10 straight starts by Ondrej Pavelec, and was strong in net, almost recording his second shutout of the season. Montoya looked very confident in goal and made some very big saves when called upon. He was patient and poised and his lateral movement was spectacular. He bounced right up after making first shot saves and was solid all night long.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Jets Lose to AHL Team
With all the injuries to the Florida Panthers; nine in all including Ed Jovanovski, Kris Versteeg, Jose Theodore and with Stephen Weiss out for the season, the deflated roster of the Cats, including eight of them called up from the American Hockey League, defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 tonight in Sunrise, Florida.
This was perhaps the worst performance of the season by the Jets. Although there are no "easy wins" in the NHL, this was a game they should have won. As Coach Claude Noel said after the game, "nobody wanted to pay the price to win." It seems the Jets only want to pay the price when they want. It seems apparent that they are like the Jets of days gone by, by playing up or down to the level of their opponent. They are pumped for the elite teams like Pittsburgh, Boston and the NY Rangers and look lost and lazy against teams like Florida, Washington and Toronto, save for the last road trip that saw them go 4-1. But even against the elite teams, the Jets seem to only be ready for them at the MTS Centre. Except for this year, where the magic and intensity has been AWOL all season long.
You can get away with saying "wait and see" after the first 10 games of season, but now that we're just about at the halfway point of this shortened season, it's time for something drastic to be done.
I personally understand their plan of building this team through the draft, which will take about another four or five years, but ticket buyers deserve wins. They at the very least deserve a blue-collar effort every game.
This was perhaps the worst performance of the season by the Jets. Although there are no "easy wins" in the NHL, this was a game they should have won. As Coach Claude Noel said after the game, "nobody wanted to pay the price to win." It seems the Jets only want to pay the price when they want. It seems apparent that they are like the Jets of days gone by, by playing up or down to the level of their opponent. They are pumped for the elite teams like Pittsburgh, Boston and the NY Rangers and look lost and lazy against teams like Florida, Washington and Toronto, save for the last road trip that saw them go 4-1. But even against the elite teams, the Jets seem to only be ready for them at the MTS Centre. Except for this year, where the magic and intensity has been AWOL all season long.
You can get away with saying "wait and see" after the first 10 games of season, but now that we're just about at the halfway point of this shortened season, it's time for something drastic to be done.
I personally understand their plan of building this team through the draft, which will take about another four or five years, but ticket buyers deserve wins. They at the very least deserve a blue-collar effort every game.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Put Up Or Shut Up
Kind of a harsh way to put it, but the Winnipeg Jets upcoming 4-game road trip is the make-or-break point of the season. You might say "but it's only the halfway point of the season." That's true. But, for the Jets, a team who are under .500 at home and have a tendency to be inconsistent at best, these next four games realistically could determine their worth for the rest of the season and be a valid precursor to their playoff chances. If you can get to the playoffs, anything can happen; as we all saw last years with the surprising success and domination of the Los Angeles Kings. But you have to get there.
So if the Jets can muster a successful record on this trip like they did on their last romp through the Eastern Conference that saw them come home 4-1, they could have a chance at stringing together a decent run of points. Lets hope they continue to surprise us with their road game work ethic and not worry about playing to entertain, but continue playing to win.
So if the Jets can muster a successful record on this trip like they did on their last romp through the Eastern Conference that saw them come home 4-1, they could have a chance at stringing together a decent run of points. Lets hope they continue to surprise us with their road game work ethic and not worry about playing to entertain, but continue playing to win.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Caps Blank Jets
It looks like home isn't so sweet anymore for the Winnipeg Jets and the answer to the question is the magic of the MTS Centre gone, is yes. The Jets are now ?-? at home and visiting teams are no longer intimated by the boisterous MTS crowd.
Although the Jets dominated the Washington Capitals in the first period, there was no score after the first period. The score was 1-0 Capitals after two periods on a goal from Matt Hendricks.
The outcome could have been much worse as Ondrej Pavelec had to make multiple headstand saves to keep his team in it. But Pavelec couldn't stop them all, especially when his defense left him high and dry and the Caps put in two quick ones by Troy Brouwer and Mike Ribeiro 1:32 apart to beat the Jets 3-0. It was the first time the Jets were shutout this season and the first time in nine games the Jets failed to score first. But despite that, the Jets spent most of their time in the Capitals zone and had their chances. Overall they were the better team this afternoon. Coach Claude Noel said he was not disappointed in the loss (at least no more than the players are) as he liked the effort and said it's "just one of those things" and "that's the way games go sometimes."
The Jets were able to stifle the number three powerplay in the NHL as the Caps went 0-for-3 with the man-advantage.
Anthony Peluso left the game with a hand injury after hammering the Caps Aaron Volpatti and has been diagnosed with an "upper-body injury." It seems to be his right hand after the melee with Volpatti. Blake Wheeler also injured himself in the third, trying to come back immediately in his next shift, but was visibly shaken and took himself out of the game. His injury was not disclosed as of this writing
The Jets will now hope to continue their luck on the road as they play the next four away from the MTS Centre.
Although the Jets dominated the Washington Capitals in the first period, there was no score after the first period. The score was 1-0 Capitals after two periods on a goal from Matt Hendricks.
The outcome could have been much worse as Ondrej Pavelec had to make multiple headstand saves to keep his team in it. But Pavelec couldn't stop them all, especially when his defense left him high and dry and the Caps put in two quick ones by Troy Brouwer and Mike Ribeiro 1:32 apart to beat the Jets 3-0. It was the first time the Jets were shutout this season and the first time in nine games the Jets failed to score first. But despite that, the Jets spent most of their time in the Capitals zone and had their chances. Overall they were the better team this afternoon. Coach Claude Noel said he was not disappointed in the loss (at least no more than the players are) as he liked the effort and said it's "just one of those things" and "that's the way games go sometimes."
The Jets were able to stifle the number three powerplay in the NHL as the Caps went 0-for-3 with the man-advantage.
Anthony Peluso left the game with a hand injury after hammering the Caps Aaron Volpatti and has been diagnosed with an "upper-body injury." It seems to be his right hand after the melee with Volpatti. Blake Wheeler also injured himself in the third, trying to come back immediately in his next shift, but was visibly shaken and took himself out of the game. His injury was not disclosed as of this writing
The Jets will now hope to continue their luck on the road as they play the next four away from the MTS Centre.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Ladd Showing Why He's Captain
Besides being the Jets leading goal-scorer, Winnipeg captain Andrew Ladd is showing not only his teammates and Truth North brass why he is the right choice to wear the "C" on his sweater, but the whole NHL is talking about Ladd's commitment and hard work that is undoubtedly driving the Jets this season.
Jets Return Home with A Win Against Devils
After a very successful road trip that saw the Winnipeg Jets go 4-1, the boys came home to the friendly confines of the MTS Centre and delighted the crowd with a goal eight seconds in from Andrew Ladd, who continues to lead all NHL captains in goals. He now sits third in the NHL for goals scored. His second of the game, that ended up being the game-winner after a independent rush down the right wing by Dustin Byfuglien gives Ladd 12 goals on the year. The Jets won 3-1 and slip into the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Evander Kane's 8-game point-streak came to an end as he was held off the scoreboard although he was once again one of the hardest-working Jets on the ice with his efforts on the penalty-kill not going unnoticed; helping the Jets keep the Devils power-play at 0-for-two.
Ondrej Pavelec was brilliant again robbing Travis Zajac, Bobby Butler and Adam Henrique multiple times.
Evander Kane's 8-game point-streak came to an end as he was held off the scoreboard although he was once again one of the hardest-working Jets on the ice with his efforts on the penalty-kill not going unnoticed; helping the Jets keep the Devils power-play at 0-for-two.
Ondrej Pavelec was brilliant again robbing Travis Zajac, Bobby Butler and Adam Henrique multiple times.
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