Hey look everyone! I’m back! That’s totally why the Jets won this game. Seriously. It has nothing to do with Evander Kane being back in the lineup. Or, at least that’s how the Jets broadcasters would like to see it. Because why would we want to give the guy any credit at all?

Despite the scoring chances being relatively close throughout the duration of the night at even strength, the Jets did a pretty solid job of controlling this game. It stayed close in scoring chances partly because the Jets seem quite reluctant to do anything outside of their useless dump and chase style of play. The power play clicked again (and has been generally more effective lately), and the Jets were able to hold off an opponent that they should have.

Evander Kane was an absolute stud in this game. He was flying all over the ice (to the point where it was actually a little concerning), dishing the puck well (but I thought he was a selfish player?!?), and his goal was an absolutely gorgeous shot. The line of Scheifele, Frolik and Kane was by far the Jets best on the night.

Credit where credit is due, it was the right move for Noel to not put Kane back with Olli Jokinen. I’m sure it was because he didn’t want to break up that “power house” line he has with Thorburn, but I got the result I have been preaching for and it worked out well. I’ll take it.

That being said, I honestly feel bad for Jokinen and Setoguchi. I thought the two of them deserved a better result throughout the night. They seemed to be creating small opportunities and openings here and there, but without a competent third forward playing with them any finish is hard to get. In fact, some of their best work came during 4 on 4 situations with Thorburn in the box. If only there was a guy the Jets could call up who actually has some offensive qualities…

And today the Jets called up Eric O’Dell! Hooray!

Another day, another solid outing by Jacob Trouba. As scary as the Byfuglien-Clitsome pairing is, watching Enstrom and Trouba together was quite the treat. Following the Dallas game I was quite terrified that the Stuart-Trouba pairing was going to become a thing again, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that not happening. Both of the kids have impressed me lately, and now that Scheifele is going to be playing in a more offensive role I’m a bit more accepting of his NHL presence. Assuming this lasts that is.

Based on this game alone, Adam Pardy is a hero. He and Mark Stuart actually looked like a competent third pairing! It may have been because they were playing the Blue Jackets, but anything positive is a good thing when Stuart is on the ice.

It’s never a bad thing when you can re-introduce a player of Evander Kane’s caliber to your team. Now that he isn’t playing with a guy he historically plays terribly with, I would hope to see some improved play sustained long term. Nothing is guaranteed, but my hopes are high that a Kane-Scheifele duo will be an effective one moving forward.