Jets Nation Recap: Tank Nation Rolls On

Things just keep getting worse for the Winnipeg Jets. 

Or better, if you are an advocate of Tank Nation. 

After losing two straight games to division rivals and losing even more ground in the playoff race, the Jets aimed to stop the bleeding a bit as they hosted the New Jersey Devils in their second to last game before the All-Star break. 

Here’s how it all unfolded. 

The Jets had reason for optimism heading into this game. They were playing a team in the Devils that, not unlike themselves, have also struggled for offense this season. They beat the Devils earlier in the season, and they were welcoming back Drew Stafford and Alex Burmistrov to the lineup tonight. 

Then, they lose Matthieu Perreault early in the game after he collided with Devils forward Tuomo Ruutu. 

It’s fine, not like the Jets are already thin at the center position already. No big deal. 

Not too long after, the Devils score their first goal in probably the worst possible scenario for the Jets. Toby Enstrom blows a tire and takes out Blake Wheeler in the process, leaving Michael Cammalleri all alone to feed former Jet Lee Stempniak for an easy tap in goal. 

During all this, Tyler Myers is nowhere to be found. 

While the Devils dominated most of the first period, it was the Jets that controlled most of the second. Still, even with all the Jets possession, they weren’t able to generate too many quality offensive chances. 

The Devils added to their lead after Drew Stafford was flagged for tripping Travis Zajac at 14:41. Devils’ Jacob Josefson ripped a one-timer past Hellebuyck on the power play to make it 2-0 Devils. 

It was the Devils first shot of the period. So, that’s something. 

The Devils went back to the power play 4:24 into the third after Enstrom was sent off for high-sticking Zajac. This time, the Jets were able to kill it off. 

It was a tough night for Enstrom, obviously. 

It did give the Devils momentum though, and they capitalized on it when Devils defenseman Eric Gelinas took a shot on net that was deflected in by none other than Lee Stempniak for his second of the game. 

Of course it was Stempniak, because reasons. 

The Jets didn’t have much life after that until Gelinas was called for delay of game and the Jets went on the power play. 

Awesome, a chance for the Jets to try out Big Buff in front of the net on the power play. 

What happens? Buff chips in a garbage goal in front of the net for a power play goal. Que the ‘Paul Maurice is a genius’ and ‘Byfuglien needs to be in front of the net on the power play from now on’ arguments. 

Maybe he should. I don’t know. Whatever works at this point. I’m pretty much at a loss with this team. 

That goal sparked a bit of a push back for the Jets, but it just wasn’t enough. The Jets fall to the New Jersey Devils 3-1. 

The Winnipeg Jets will be back in action Tuesday night against the Arizona Coyotes in their last game before the NHL All-Star break. 

……Auston Matthews?

Tank Nation strong. 

Let’s just quick settle this right now. Would Stempniak be useful for the Jets still? Yes. Would he be a top-6 forward for the Jets? Absolutely not. Possibly right now with all the injuries, but ultimately he would be a depth forward for the Jets this year. Which means, he would not be getting as much ice time as he is in New Jersey and would not be putting up the kind of numbers he’s putting up for the Devils if he was on the Jets. 

Also, let’s be honest, Stempniak is just having one heck of a season. He’s already surpassed his point totals from each of the last four seasons and he’s on pace to having his best season EVER. Keep the faith Jets Nation, it was the right move by Chevy to move on. 

I can start another rant about Mark Stuart right now but I don’t have the time or strength to keep doing this. 

He needs to be thrown into the sun. Twice.