Jets Nation Recap: Jets Have A Devil Of A Time Against New Jersey

Game Notes:

• After a scoreless first period, the Jets scored twice in the second as Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler notched goals 2:01 apart. Both goals were off rebounds and what both players did smartly was follow the play, go to the net and finish. Hockey, at its core is a simple game. Go to the net, follow the play and more often than not, a scoring chance happens. The Jets are guilty of being too fancy at times. Simplify the game a bit and success will happen.
• Patrik Laine scored his first goal in seven games as his laser of a wrist shot cleanly beat Corey Schneider in the third period. The goal was hugely important. Firstly, it came 1:55 after the Devils made it 2-1 on Miles Wood’s first NHL goal, which gave the Devils some life. Secondly, Laine’s goal turned out to be the winner as Nick Lappin made it 3-2, just three minutes after Laine’s laser beam. It sure is nice to have that one player who just has that knack to score at any time.
• Speaking of Miles Wood, he had a chance to score his first NHL goal midway through the second period as he was awarded a penalty shot. The call was somewhat dubious as Josh Morrissey did tap him on the wrist but it looked like Wood lost an edge more than anything. Fortunately for the Jets, Wood completely blew the chance as he mishandled the puck as he tried to deke around Connor Hellebuyck and never got the shot off. Still, give Wood credit for playing well in only his fourth NHL game.
• Solid outing for Conner Hellebuyck. While he wasn’t as busy tonight compared to Sunday, Hellebuyck still made 23 saves out of 25 shots for a .920 save percentage. Hellebuyck made some critical saves in the third and looked poised when the Devils were pressing. Progression is slow but steady.
• Not everything tonight was gumdrop houses on Lollipop Lane. (Simpsons reference.) The Jets power play went 0/5 including failing to capitalize on a 5-on-3 opportunity that lasted 1:41 in the second period. We beat this drum last year, and the year before, and the year before that, and the year before that, etc. The Jets need to fix this power play. If you have suggestions, please forward them to Paul Maurice.
• Bryan Little returned after missing 23 games with a lower body injury. His presence was a welcome sight as he brings depth up the middle thus taking some pressure off Scheifele. Sadly Nic Petan was put on IR today and Marko Dano went down after taking a high stick near the eye area. Dano didn’t return and is listed as day-to-day.

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