JGD 47: Jets look to end road trip on positive note

Jets

• The Jets goaltending is still, well, the Jets goaltending. Unless a trade is made or we see a vast improvement across the board, things are unlikely to change with this current duo. One would hope for the sake of Connor Hellebuyck’s confidence that he can put up a decent performance tonight and wont need Michael Hutchinson to step in and attempt to stop the bleeding, once again. 
• With Patrik Laine out, the Jets have been line juggling to find the perfect combinations that can enhance their scoring. In the event Paul Maurice wants to use the line blender again, theres a few things that should be done. First, insert Nic Petan in to a top-six role. Being a fourth line centre isn’t maximizing the crafty forwards abilities. While the long term goal could be to develop Petan down the middle, giving him a chance on the wing alongside Mark Scheifele and another skilled winger, could do wonders for his game and his confidence. Secondly, shift Andrew Copp back in to the fourth line centre role. Copp is most effective in his fourth line centre role and he plays his best hockey there. You’d rather have Andrew Copp playing a handful of minutes on the fourth line as opposed to having Nic Petan play 6-8 minutes a night, wouldn’t you?
• The unfortunate reality is, Patrik Laine is irreplaceable. No line juggling is going to fill the hole that Laine’s injury has left. 
• Josh Morrissey deserves more credit. The role he’s taken up alongside Dustin Byfuglien has really helped him develop in his rookie season. The defensively-minded ‘D’ compliments Byfuglien with his conservative play and safe decision making. As we’ve seen through Byfuglien’s tenure as a Jet, he needs a player like that and it’s an important role. It speaks volumes that Paul Maurice is comfortable with Morrissey, 21, serving that role. 

Sharks

• The Jets, sans Laine, may be in for some trouble against the San Jose Sharks, one of the best defensive teams in the entire league. 
• Central time zoned fans may not be too familiar with Brent Burns and the season he’s having down in the west coast. Burns is currently the clear cut Norris Trophy favourite and his dominant season is something to take note of. Currently leading all NHL players in shots and being a dominant force in his own zone, Burns is a matchup nightmare.
• The Jets will need to be in high gear offensively. Facing a goaltender like Martin Jones calls for plenty of shots and traffic around the net, otherwise, it won’t be much of a game.