Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Turnovers Push the Jets to the Brink
By KB
5 years agoThe Golden Knights came away with the victory during a back and forth affair in game four of the conference finals.
The Knights got off to a hot start once again as they scored just 2:25 into the game after an early penalty by Myers. Laine scored in the second period to tie the game at one, but the elation was short-lived as Vegas responded 43 seconds later with a goal of their own. The third period was similar to the second as the Jets carried the play and scored an early goal. Unfortunately the tie didn’t last long again as Vegas scored the go ahead goal for the third time in the game with only seven minutes remaining. The Jets couldn’t muster a third goal in the dying seconds and now trail the series 3-1. Here are the thumbs up and thumbs down for game four.
Thumbs up to the power play. Although the Jets only scored one goal in four attempts, they looked dangerous all game. The puck was being moved quickly and efficiently and they were entering the zone with control rather than dumping it in. The Golden Knights are taking away Scheifele’s one timer in the middle so the Jets are beginning to work it around to other players. Both Laine and Byfuglien have the quick strike ability, meaning they don’t need many opportunities to find the back of the net. Laine showed that in game four by scoring a nice one-timer from the circle on a pass from Byfuglien.
Thumbs down to the start. The first period plagued the Jets in games two and three and game four was no different. Myers took a bad penalty in the first two minutes and Vegas scored on the ensuing power play. Although the penalty may have been a weak call, there is no need for Myers to push off the Vegas player in that situation. Had Myers got in the way without extending his arms, he probably wouldn’t have got the penalty. Unfortunately the Jets lost a faceoff on the penalty kill and Byfuglien pinched to try and get the puck out. The mistakes quickly compounded and the puck was in the back of the net in no time. Thumbs down to making so many mistakes and giving Vegas all of the early momentum for a third straight game.
Thumbs up to the offensive zone time. The Jets controlled the time of possession as well as shot attempts during game four. They had the puck in the cycle game throughout the second and third periods and they created a lot of offence from behind the net. Although the Jets had very few odd man rushes, they were generating scoring chances from their strong play in the offensive end.
Thumbs down to shifts after a goal. This was the third game in a row that Vegas responded very quickly to a Jets goal. For some reason the Jets give up a great chance every time they score. This time they allowed the fourth line for the Knights to regain the one goal lead. In a series where every goal for Winnipeg is so tough to score, it’s completely demoralizing to give up a quick one right after. A major thumbs down is given to the Jets for repeatedly getting scored on after scoring a goal of their own.
Thumbs up to the young guys on the roster. It’s been the veterans that have carried the Jets through two rounds of the playoffs so far, but it was the young players carrying the load in game four. Laine scored the first goal to give the Jets some life in the second period. Beyond that, Ehlers looked really strong and was back to utilizing his speed through the neutral zone. He made a great move just inside the blue line to turn the Golden Knight defensemen inside-out and draw a penalty as well. Jack Roslovic played a strong game too and had some great plays off the rush to generate some chances. The Jets need to put it all together Sunday afternoon and get everyone, not just the youngsters, performing at their highest level.
Thumbs down to turnovers. The Jets had trouble keeping the puck on their stick all game as their passes didn’t settle down and their reads were slightly off. The game winning goal was scored directly off a turnover by Byfuglien at the blue line that gave Smith a partial break away. Chiarot also gave James Neal a great chance in front of Hellebuyck when he lost control of the puck on a breakout. Everyone keeps talking about how well Vegas capitalizes on turnovers and scores on the counter attack. Meanwhile, the Jets continually allow Vegas to showcase their quick strike offence by repeatedly giving the puck away. It’s a bad combination that has hurt the Jets in the last three games. It’s been said all series, if the Jets are going to win, they need to clean up their breakouts and turnovers. They didn’t do that in game four and it certainly cost them again.
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