In the Jets second game against the Predators this season, things were more wide open than the first go-round, a style favouring the Jets. Yet, the Jets still lost. At fault may be some questionable decisions by coach Claude Noel.

 

 

The Jets got off to an excellent start against Nashville. In fact, nine and a half minutes into the game the scoring chances were 4-0 Jets. A couple power plays allowed Nashville to get their feet under them, and the period ended at a scoring chance count of 5-5.

For reasons I am unable to explain, Claude Noel saw this as unsatisfactory, and decided to shuffle his lines early in the second period. This resulted in the Jets not managing an even strength chance until the 10:38 mark of the third period, being out chanced 6-0 at even strength in that time. It’s hard not to look at Noel’s choice to shake things up as a large factor in the Jets’ lull in the middle of the game.

Toby Enstrom has Bogosian playing better at even strength lately. This is not only further proof of how good he really is, but a little bit more evidence that Bogosian needs a solid partner to be effective. His play has been drastically different depending on the partner he plays with this season.

As much as I like seeing Bogosian playing better, Byfuglien and Clitsome together is just too much of a defensive liability. Admittedly, I loved Buff’s aggressive play and he did have a couple bad bounces, but he was a -8 at even strength. I’d much rather like to see him back with Enstrom, and have Noel try to find someone to play with Bogo until Trouba gets back. I also wouldn’t hate seeing Trouba try a stint with Buff either.

I guess this is what a game looks like when your fourth line is the only one able to sustain much offense. I like Peluso, but when he is arguably your most dangerous offensive player on the night (and still finished a -2), you have a bit of a problem.

Again, the Jets had a player who was not on the ice for any chances at all. Matt Halischuk was quite familiar with the bench on the night, as it seems Claude always has one player he simply does not want to touch the ice very often.

The power play was actually able to make a few things happen in Nashville. They had a lot of sustained time in the Preds end, and generated a total of three chances on four opportunities. Still not great, but it’s an improvement.

Once again the Jets penalty kill was pretty leaky. Allowing four chances and a goal on two attempts isn’t exactly what you aim for.

Heading into the first game of a back-to-back tonight, it looks like Pavelec will be getting the start against the Stars. Despite some questionable play of his own, Pav made comments after the game against the Preds questioning the play in front of him. I had my rant in response in my Pav evaluation, so all I will say is this: The Jets almost need to win this game tonight simply so we aren’t forced into watching Pav play on back-to-back nights. Again.