Jets Nation Recap: Jets Exorcise The Devils

Photo credit:Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

7 years ago

It won’t mean much in the standings but a win is a win. Right Jets fans? RIGHT? OK, this won’t ease the pain of no playoffs. And yes, there are many issues this organization must deal with in the offseason. And yes, Chris Thorburn dressed and played tonight. Why? I have no idea. But the Jets did win tonight. A 4-3 decision over the New Jersey Devils in a shootout.

Game Notes:

The Jets got off to a quick start as Nikolaj Ehlers notched his 23rd of the season just 58 seconds in. It looked like it would be a cakewalk for the Jets. But the Jets really like to make it difficult on themselves for some reason. Beau Bennett tied it on a goal Connor Hellebuyck would like to have back. Then Taylor Hall broke in all alone and made a pretty move past Hellebuyck before tucking it home. Note to the Jets: You may want to keep an eye on Taylor Hall. He’s pretty good.
The Jets controlled play in the second but when Stefan Noesen made it 3-1 New Jersey, it looked gloomy for the Jets. However, Blake Wheeler tipped home Julian Melchiori’s point shot to close the gap and give the Jets hope. It was Melchiori’s first career NHL point as well.
The Jets began the third with some penalty troubles but Joel Armia fixed that, scoring an absolute beauty as he went through the entire Devils team, then beating Corey Schneider high glove side to tie the game. Armia can show flashes of brilliance at times. I wish he could do it more often but he does showcase high end skill at times.
Three-on-three overtime is fun and should happen more often. Despite the fact neither team scored in the extra frame, the chances generated and the action on the ice was first-rate.
In the shootout, Patrik Laine did his thing. The magnificent rookie scored the only goal in the skills competition by using his trademark move, going forehand, backhand, forehand. It is smoother than chocolate mousse. Connor Hellebuyck stood tall in the shootout, thwarting all three Devil attempts to preserve the win. It wasn’t Hellebuyck’s best night but he came through in the end.
The Jets dominated the puck possession stats. Only three players (Mathieu Perreault, Bryan Little and Josh Morrissey were below 50% CF% for the evening.) The Jets controlled play from the second period onward and were deserving of the spoils.
I still have no idea Chris Thorburn played tonight. He’s going to be a UFA on July 1 and there are younger, better players waiting to take his spot. Time for the coaching staff and management to call it a day on Thorburn’s tenure as a Jet.