Jets Nation Recap: Laine Reigns Supreme

Game Notes:

• All the hype surrounded the battle between the top two picks of the 2016 NHL Draft, Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. Well, Laine made a resounding case for himself tonight! He showcased his laser-like release that had scouts drooling leading up to the draft. This kid is special. He’s going to be a good one for many years. He also won’t have to buy a drink at The Pint for the next while.
• Despite the win, there were some troubling signs. Dustin Byfuglien hasn’t looked himself in the early part of the season. While it might be a slow start for Big Buff, he will need to step up his game soon for the Jets to progress.
• The early part of the game saw more turnovers than a bakery. (Yes, it’s a bad joke. I’m stoked about the comeback yet my brain is mush right now.) The Jets struggled mightily in their own end with many errors and questionable decisions. This needs to be fixed pronto!
• The goalie battle remains up in the air but kudos to Michael Hutchinson for keeping the game alive especially in overtime. His best save was a breakaway stop on Matthews which led to Laine’s overtime winner. Hutch’s save percentage was only .900 tonight but he made some critical stops at important times.
• Paul Maurice juggled his lines in the third period as Nikolaj Ehlers, Mathieu Perrault  and Blake Wheeler were a trio while Laine joined forces with Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. Whether Maurice sticks with these lines going forward remains to be seen but he does have some options.
• Tonight marked the biggest comeback in the history of the Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise. 

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