Jets Nation Recap: Jets Fail To Shine In Big D

Game Notes:

• Let’s start off on a positive note. Joel Armia had an outstanding game tonight, scoring the Jets first goal and being a dominant force all night. Armia has been very good so far and one has to wonder why he was a healthy scratch a week ago in Minnesota. If anything, Armia deserves more ice time, even a spot in the top six forward group.
• The Jets did have plenty of scoring chances, in particular Shawn Matthias. But the former Florida Panther did his best Ray Neufeld impression as his stone hands failed miserably around the net. It was frustrating to watch.
• As I mentioned off the top, iffy goaltending bit the Jets yet again. Michael Hutchinson was caught swimming on the second Dallas goal and gave up a soft one to Tyler Seguin early in the third. A save percentage of .885 won’t win many hockey games in this day and age. When oh when will the Jets find a number one goalie?
• Special teams remain not so special. The power play did strike late in the third, thanks to a Mark Scheifele tally, but failed to capitalize on their other three opportunities. The Jets penalty kill unit conceded a goal but was generally OK as the Stars went 1/6 with the man advantage. Still, with the Jets struggling to score goals right now, the penalty kill needs to be perfect. Sad but true.
• Give some credit to Antti Niemi who was terrific between the pipes for Dallas. The Finnish netminder stopped 31 out of 33 shots, including a spectacular save off Toby Enstrom who broke free thanks to a lovely Armia feed. If the Stars can get consistent goaltending, they’ll be a force in the Central Division.
• Drew Stafford left the game with an upper body injury early in the first period and did not return. With Bryan Little already on IR, head coach Paul Maurice had to do even more line juggling. No word on if Stafford will miss significant time.
• Why was Chris Thorburn in the lineup? It’s time for the Jets to stop playing the loyalty card and ice the best lineup possible. Thorburn needs a permanent seat in the press box.
• A mini line brawl towards the end of the game could set up a fun rematch Thursday night at the MTS Centre. We shall see if hostilities are heightened.

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