Jets Nation Recap: Heartbreak In Hollywood
By Jeremy Wiebe
7 years agoHollywood. Where dreams come true. However, some dreams can turn into nightmares. For a brief spell, it looked like the Winnipeg Jets would fashion a script that would finally include a happy ending. But in pure cinematic cruelty, the Jets couldn’t get the job done in the end and fell 3-2 in overtime to the Los Angeles Kings at the Staples Centre.
Game Notes:
- Despite the loss, this was a much better effort the Jets produced compared to their last two outings. It wasn’t perfect by any stretch but the Jets took everything the Kings dished out and hung in until the bitter end. Sure, the coaching staff will see mistakes and there are things to work on but at least, there were signs of life from this team and they do leave Tinseltown with a point. Not perfect but baby steps.
- Goaltending has been a contentious issue with the Jets. Even the Hockey Night In Canada panel weighed in on the conundrum in the crease. Michael Hutchison silenced his critics for one night, stopping 35 out of 38 King shots for a .921 save percentage. He was particularly good in the first period when the Kings were carrying the play but only managed one goal on 15 shots. Hutch gave his teammates a chance to find their groove and his solid night should earn him the start Monday in San Jose.
- A rarity for the Jets was the power play was clicking. Both Jet goals were scored with the man advantage as Drew Stafford and Dustin Byfuglien lit the scoreboard. The power play is still a sore spot but maybe tonight’s game can be a turning point for the unit.
- Josh Morrissey had an excellent game on the blueline. His physicality was noticeable (which included a highly questionable penalty on the young defender for making Jeff Carter jump.) Morrissey is quietly having a decent rookie campaign which is vital to the Jets future. The defence prospects are looking grim and are in need of an upgrade. Morrissey’s positive development is vital as management attempts to restock the blueline.
- Despite the positives, this won’t help the Jets playoff prospects for this season. The Jets remain four points out of a wildcard spot and they have to leapfrog four teams to attain that coveted playoff position. Granted, there are three months left in the season but with the amount of three point games in today’s NHL, it is very difficult to gain ground in the standings when you’re chasing.
Hot Taeks:
Charts And Stuff:
All charts courtesy hockeystats.ca
GIF Of The Night:
Cue the heartbreak.
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