JNGD.S8.G43 Recap: Minnesota Isn’t So Nice
5 years ago
Yikes.
Any good feelings you had about the Jets after their win against the Avalanche likely got wiped out tonight as they slept-walked (slept-skated?) their way through the first 40 minutes of play while the Wild treated this game much like the first two, a chance for redemption based on last season’s playoff exit.
The Wild beat Winnipeg for a third time this season, 3-2.
FIRST PERIOD
Sluggish start for the Jets as they only managed one shot in the first thirteen minutes of the game. The Wild display some playoff-like intensity to their game with tight checking and simply being a faster club than the Jets were in the first 20 minutes of play. Shots ended up being 10-6 in favor of the Wild but high danger scoring chances are even at 1-1 as the Jets defense at the very least did well to keep the Wild shooters more to the outside of the zone. It’s a scary re-hash of how the Jets were not too long ago when they struggled offensively. Missing passes and just a step slower than their opponents. The Jets even squander a power play opportunity without getting a single shot with the man advantage.
SECOND PERIOD
Not much better than the first period as Jets sluggish play plays into the hands of a Wild team that isn’t exactly playing overly inspired hockey either, but at least look more interested in winning. Special teams play continues to be a thorn in the side for Winnipeg as a short handed chance on the Jets first penalty of the game sees an Adam Lowry shot ring off the post on one end, and then second later end up behind Hellebuyck off a nice tip play in front of him. Jason Zucker’s second goal six minutes later came directly after a Jets power play that at least managed to get shots, but also got careless at the end of the penalty.
The Jets third line of Brandon Tanev, Adam Lowry and Mathieu Perreault look steady through the first part of the game and are rewarded for strong work with a late goal to give the Jets a faint bit of hope into the second intermission.
Jets are out shot 12-9 in the period and again are even in high danger chances with two on each side.
THIRD PERIOD
The good news is that the Jets dominated the shot clock in the third period, out-shooting the Wild 14-0.
That would be pretty good, right? Only thing is while there was quantity for the Jets, the Wild defended quite well and really didn’t allow Winnipeg to generate anything worthwhile quality wise as high danger chances again are kept low and even on both sides, 1-1 in the final period.
The Jets do manage to get within one after having pulled Hellebuyck for an extra attacker, but a final flurry of action doesn’t derail Minnesota as they stake away with their third win of the season against the Jets.
THE GOOD…
- The Jets third line of Perreault, Lowry and Tanev continue to impress.
- Scheifele goals are always good.
- That Laine rush and dangle at the end of the game. Ok fine, the shot went wide, but for a brief moment that looked like a return to form and proper speed for Patrik. We’ll take little victories from him right now.
THE BAD…
- Tyler Myers left midway through the third favoring his left arm and did not return to the game. Last thing the Jets need right now is a another injury to the blue line, especially to a player who’s been much improved over the last month.
- Did it not seem like the Jets were trying to skate and pass through mud for the first 40 minutes? Where was the speed? Where was the focus?
- Hellebuyck’s .864 save percentage. Give him a pass on that Wild second goal, but the first and third? Those would have been tough saves to make, but they were indeed make-able.
THE UGLY…
- Two of the Jets four power plays resulted in zero shots on goal. A third power play expired with no one paying attention to Jason Zucker getting out of the box and finding a puck on his stick for a breakaway.
- The penalty kill wasn’t much better.
- Look, I get that Wild games in the past have put people to sleep, but it’s not a good thing for the Jets to already be sleeping when the game starts.
THE BOXSCORE
PLAYERS OF THE GAME
For Winnipeg: Josh Morrissey – He wasn’t bad and at least tried to generate some offense which is more than we can say for a handful of Jets forwards tonight.
For Minnesota: Jason Zucker – A pair of goals and was part of a group of Wild players who played a good physical game.
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