Jets Nation Recap: Jets Lose On Andrew Ladd Farewell Night

When someone from work is having a going away bash, usually there’s some tears, some laughs and a few too many beverages of the alcoholic variety consumed. On Andrew Ladd’s farewell bash, the Jets played like they imbibed too much early on, recovered but as per usual too late in a 5-3 loss to the Dallas Stars that left the paid customers at the MTS Centre in tears.

To put it bluntly, the first period was so boring, only the 1994-95 New Jersey Devils would have appreciated it. The Stars got the lone goal of the period on Jason Spezza’s power play marker. The rest of the period either had the fans falling asleep, or texting their loved ones about what to do tomorrow.

The second period saw some life enter the game. Alexander Burmistrov scored his first goal in 8 games to even the score early in the middle frame.

The Stars answered five minutes later as Valeri Nichushkin’s slap shot eluded Ondrej Pavelec who wasn’t very sharp tonight. 

The Jets did tie it late in the second on a shorthanded goal by Ladd. Hey it’s his party, he gets to have some fun as well. The crowd reacted by giving the captain a standing ovation. It was a nice touch.

Both teams had chances early in the third but the goalpost wanted to make its presence felt. Both teams struck iron even though they were looking for gold.

The Stars took the lead with 7:31 left in the third as Colton Sceviour’s shot hit the net cam and bounced out. Play continued for about a minute until the league office in Toronto blew the horn and reviewed it. It didn’t take long to determine that the puck clearly crossed the line. 

After an offensive zone penalty from Blake Wheeler, the Stars quickly capitalized as Jamie Benn banged home a loose puck while Pavelec was out of position. 

The Jets made it an interesting finish when Mark Scheifele knocked home a rebound with 2:06 left while the goalie was pulled for the extra attacker. 

But the Stars sealed the deal as Benn scored his second of the night into the empty net to make sure this farewell bash had a sad ending.

Yucky Special Teams: The Jets are awful when it comes to special teams. The power play went 0/4 while the penalty kill surrendered two goals. No matter how much they practice both units, nothing seems to work. This coming offseason, it would be prudent for the Jets to perhaps relieve both Pascal Vincent and Charlie Huddy and let Paul Maurice hire his own assistant coaches. Just a thought.

Poor Pavelec: If the Jets are tanking to get a higher draft pick, they should keep Pavelec between the pipes. Another game with a save percentage below .900 (.846) and flopping around like a fish out of water, Pavelec is simply not good enough to be an NHL goalie. Please Connor Hellebuyck, save us next year.

So Long Ladd: Barring a miracle of unforeseen circumstances, this will be Andrew Ladd’s final home game as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. Say what you want about the captain but there is no denying he gave his heart and soul to the franchise going back to its Atlanta days. If this is it, we here at Jets Nation wish Ladd nothing but success in his new home.

All charts courtesy War-On-Ice.com

This could be Andrew Ladd’s reaction if he gets traded to a Stanley Cup contender.