JGD 19: Jets Start Long Road Trip In Philly

The Winnipeg Jets begin their longest road trip of the season Thursday night in the City of Brotherly Love, as the Philadelphia Flyers and their rowdy fans will greet them with not-so-nice words.

The Jets are coming off a stirring 4-0 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. How stirring was it? Even noted sports blog Deadspin took notice and wrote a glowing tribute to this little hockey team from the Prairies. However, the Jets must remember not to let all this love get to their heads. There is still plenty of work to be done.

Don’t be surprised if Nikolaj Ehlers joins Mark Scheifele and Patrik Laine on the top line. That trio reunited Tuesday night and it produced two goals while having good possession numbers. The second line featuring Marko Dano, Nic Petan and Blake Wheeler also had a solid night with Petan notching his first goal of the season while the trio having dominant possession stats. Head coach Paul Maurice would be wise to not tinker with what’s working.

If anyone doubts Jacob Trouba’s dedication to the Jets cause, they should look no further than Tuesday’s game against Chicago in which he took a Duncan Keith slap shot right off the helmet and came right back without missing a shift. We all know Trouba’s long-term future with the Jets remains unclear but for now, let’s enjoy a young defenceman’s passion for the sport he’s very good at.

Let’s see. Blanking the likes of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the rest of the Chicago Blackhawks will probably get you another start. Let’s come out and say it. Barring injury or some nuclear accident, Connor Hellebuyck will start between the pipes.

Since the 2011 draft, there have been comparisons between Mark Scheifele, the seventh overall selection and Sean Couturier, the eighth overall pick. Currently, Scheifele is leading the league in points and has developed into a bona fide number one centreman. 

But Couturier is pretty good as well. While not as offensively gifted as Scheifele, Couturier is a solid two-way centreman who is adept in a checking role while providing some offence as well. It’s always an interesting matchup when Scheifele and Couturier faceoff. Let the debate continue.

Shayne Gostisbehere is a rising star on the Flyers blueline. The 2012 third round draft pick has quickly moved up the Flyers depth chart and is considered the top defenceman in only his second season. A terrific puck mover with great vision, Gostisbehere has a bright future to go with what he’s accomplished so far. 

Steve Mason will likely get the start, but Philly’s goaltending has been a concern early on. Mason has a subpar .884 save percentage in 12 appearances while Michal Neuvirth has a minuscule .859 save percentage in 9 appearances. Maybe the Flyers try Anthony Stolarz as Neuvirth is on injured reserve but the thinking here is the veteran Mason gets the call in hopes he can turn it around.

Game Predictions: Games between the Jets and Flyers are usually entertaining affairs. Who can forget the 9-8 barnburner the Jets won back in 2011. It won’t be as high-scoring in this one but it will be close. We’re biased so 4-3 Jets win.

Obvious Prediction: Chris Thorburn’s consecutive goal streak ends at one.

Not So Obvious Prediction: Nic Petan will extend his goal streak. Granted he only has a one game streak but we say he pots one to get an actual streak going.