Jets Nation Recap: Oh Helle Yeah! Jets Blank Predators
By Jeremy Wiebe
7 years agoToo many times this year, the Winnipeg Jets have been victimized by tremendous goaltending from the opposition. Today, it was the Jets turn to foil the opposition with stellar goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck turned in a brilliant performance, making 42 saves as the Jets blanked the Nashville Predators 3-0, snapping their five-game losing streak.
Game Notes:
- Well, let’s start with the obvious. Hellebuyck absolutely stole the show today. He was at his best in the third period as Nashville pressed to equalize. The Predators registered 20 shots on goal but Hellebuyck was equal to the task on all of them. He may describe his style as big and boring but it was brilliant and beautiful today.
- Drew Stafford finally scored his first goal of the season as his wraparound just squeaked past Juuse Saros who was making his first NHL start. Stafford has been subject to criticism by the analytics community (Don’t ask about his Corsi numbers) and has been subject to trade rumours. He desperately needed to get the proverbial gorilla off his back.
- The Jets power play remains shall we say, a work in progress. An 0/4 showing with the extra man won’t do much to curb the concerns about the power play. Work is still required and it may be the biggest challenge Paul Maurice faces going forward with this team.
- Lost in all this was an outstanding game for Jacob Trouba. He recorded his first point of the season, an assist on the Stafford goal plus delivered the biggest hit of the game, an open ice crush job on Mike Ribeiro. Trouba has looked better and better since his return from a contract dispute and he’s playing with a purpose. An argument could be made that Trouba may be the Jets best defenceman so far this season.
- Two empty net goals sealed this game. Mark Scheifele and Adam Lowry provided the markers to put a nice bow on the present. Those goals were needed as Nashville came dangerously close to tying this one. It also may boost the confidence of both Scheifele and Lowry who were both struggling to find the back of the net.
- Can Jets fans please stop booing star players from other teams? P.K. Subban was the recipient of the jeers from the MTS faithful and it came across as petty. Subban is what the NHL needs. He’s personable, does great charity work and is an excellent player. There was no need for the bronx cheers directed towards Subban.
Hot Taeks:
Charts And Stuff:
All charts courtesy hockeystats.ca
GIF Of The Night:
The Jets snap their losing streak. Time to rejoice.
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