Dale Hawerchuck may have received a colossal snub from the National Hockey League when he was left off the list of the 100 Greatest Players In NHL History (youngest player to score 100 points up until Sidney Crosby. Youngest player to win the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year- tied two years later by Buffalo's Tom Barrasso- one of the youngest captains in NHL history and was almost solely responsible for the the biggest turn-around in NHL history; but nah, he isn't worth)
But the Winnipeg Jets recipient of the 1993 Rookie of the Year award, Teemu Selanne, made it all the way to the semi-finals of the NHL's Greatest 100 Moments, losing out to Bobby Orr's iconic diving goal in overtime to help lift the Boston Bruins past the St. Louis Blues to win the Stanley Cup in 1970. I didn't think Selanne's achievement would have made it so far, seeing that it was in the modern era and there were sooooo many other candidates, but it did. It would have been sweet to have a moment in Winnipeg Jets history as the moment in NHL history.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Five Questions With Dale Hawerchuck
Jets Tame Wild
And boy, did they ever. After the Minnesota Wild took a 2-0 lead in the first period, the Winnipeg Jets dominated the rest of the game, including seven unanswered goals to humble the Wild, 7-2.
Why the Wild stayed with goaltender Alex Stalock after the fourth goal is beyond me; considering Devin Dubnyk was on the bench and he had three consecutive shutouts not that long ago. Lucky for the Jets , I guess.
The seven goals by the Jets matches the team-high for the season when they scored seven goals on Pittsburgh back on Oct. 29.
Joel Armia put the Jets on the board with his fourth, then Mark Scheifele got his team-leading 12th goal, on the power-play, to notch it up at two.
And the Jets never looked back.
In the second period, Jacob Trouba scored his second of the year, on nice play with Scheifele and Andrew Copp.
Matheau Perreault continues to produce after his injury, scoring his sixth on a beautiful pass from Armia. The Armia/Perrault/Hendricks line is becoming noticeable. They really seem to be clicking.
In the final frame, Kyle Connor scored his seventh goal of the year, and his first on the power-play, back-handing in a Blake Wheeler rebound, after the captain did his trademark rush off the wing, and cutting to the net with glorious speed.
Bryan Little scored his fourth on a nice slap-pass from Ben Chariot.
And after going 10 games without a goal, Blake Wheeler finally scored his sixth of the season, ending the onslaught, after his attempted pass to Scheifele on a two-on-two went off the left skate of Wild defensemen, Jonas Brodin.
Connor Hellebuyck continues to shine, as he made 17 saves off of the Wild's paltry 19 shots. His record improves to an impressive 13-2-2 and he continues to be one of the better players on a roster many people believe is chalked with great players.
Aaaand that's how you come back after getting shutout the previous game.
The Jets, for the time being, have sole possession of second in the Central, after being tied with Nashville; although the Jets had the ROW (Regulation & Overtime Wins) tie-breaker. After 24 games, the Jets possess a record of 15-6-3. Good enough for 33 points. Two points out of first place.
Good season so far.
Why the Wild stayed with goaltender Alex Stalock after the fourth goal is beyond me; considering Devin Dubnyk was on the bench and he had three consecutive shutouts not that long ago. Lucky for the Jets , I guess.
The seven goals by the Jets matches the team-high for the season when they scored seven goals on Pittsburgh back on Oct. 29.
Joel Armia put the Jets on the board with his fourth, then Mark Scheifele got his team-leading 12th goal, on the power-play, to notch it up at two.
And the Jets never looked back.
In the second period, Jacob Trouba scored his second of the year, on nice play with Scheifele and Andrew Copp.
Matheau Perreault continues to produce after his injury, scoring his sixth on a beautiful pass from Armia. The Armia/Perrault/Hendricks line is becoming noticeable. They really seem to be clicking.
In the final frame, Kyle Connor scored his seventh goal of the year, and his first on the power-play, back-handing in a Blake Wheeler rebound, after the captain did his trademark rush off the wing, and cutting to the net with glorious speed.
Bryan Little scored his fourth on a nice slap-pass from Ben Chariot.
And after going 10 games without a goal, Blake Wheeler finally scored his sixth of the season, ending the onslaught, after his attempted pass to Scheifele on a two-on-two went off the left skate of Wild defensemen, Jonas Brodin.
Connor Hellebuyck continues to shine, as he made 17 saves off of the Wild's paltry 19 shots. His record improves to an impressive 13-2-2 and he continues to be one of the better players on a roster many people believe is chalked with great players.
Aaaand that's how you come back after getting shutout the previous game.
The Jets, for the time being, have sole possession of second in the Central, after being tied with Nashville; although the Jets had the ROW (Regulation & Overtime Wins) tie-breaker. After 24 games, the Jets possess a record of 15-6-3. Good enough for 33 points. Two points out of first place.
Good season so far.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Mason Out With Concussion; Comrie Re-Called From Moose
Friday, November 24, 2017
Jets Beat Ducks
Although discipline was once again a problem for the Winnipeg Jets, and it could have easily haunted them, but their defensive core took all the Anaheim Ducks could throw at them and kept the damage to a minimum, as the Jets beat the Ducks 4-1 to remain on a seemingly season-long roll.
Nikolaj Ehlers was the star tonight, as he scored twice to give the Jets and early 1-0 lead before potting his second in just over four minutes later. An earlier goal that was called back eight seconds in, may have been a foreshadowing of things to come, as the Jets were buzzing around Ducks goalie John Gibson.
Ehlers added an assist and collected three points, as did Bryan Little with a goal and two assists.
Connor Hellebuyck mad 30 saves to move his record to 12-2-2.
Nikolaj Ehlers was the star tonight, as he scored twice to give the Jets and early 1-0 lead before potting his second in just over four minutes later. An earlier goal that was called back eight seconds in, may have been a foreshadowing of things to come, as the Jets were buzzing around Ducks goalie John Gibson.
Ehlers added an assist and collected three points, as did Bryan Little with a goal and two assists.
Connor Hellebuyck mad 30 saves to move his record to 12-2-2.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Jets Down Kings In Tinseltown
Apparently, the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 victory last night, a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, was the first time the Jets/Thrashers franchise had defeated the Kings in L.A. in regulation. Who knew?
Goaltending was the story of this one. Both the Jets' Steve, Mason and the Kings' Jonathon Quick made huge saves, but although both goalies stood on their heads, none save was more important than Mason's late save on Tanner Pearson with 45 seconds left in regulation, earning him only his second win of the season. He robbed Anzi Kopitar at last three times in the crease, as well as stifling Doug Brown and Drew Doughty on multiple occasions. As has happened on a couple of occasions this season to Connor Hellebuyck, Mason deserved a shut-out for this one.
If he continues to play like this, he'll definitely get more games in, as thus far Hellebuyck has been caring a heavy majority of the workload, as he as earned the starts to to his solid play.
Mason made 38 saves and improved his record to 2-3-1.
The Jets have reached the American Thanksgiving; the 1/4 mark of the season, and a measuring stick in the NHL for team analysis, with a 13-5-3 record. Good enough to remain in second place in the Central division with 29 points, one point ahead of the Nashville Predators and four points behind the St. Louis Blues for first, with a game at hand. Dare to dream?
The Jets continue this three-game West-Coast road-trip tomorrow night against the Anaheim Ducks. A team the Jets have not had success with the last few seasons.
Goaltending was the story of this one. Both the Jets' Steve, Mason and the Kings' Jonathon Quick made huge saves, but although both goalies stood on their heads, none save was more important than Mason's late save on Tanner Pearson with 45 seconds left in regulation, earning him only his second win of the season. He robbed Anzi Kopitar at last three times in the crease, as well as stifling Doug Brown and Drew Doughty on multiple occasions. As has happened on a couple of occasions this season to Connor Hellebuyck, Mason deserved a shut-out for this one.
If he continues to play like this, he'll definitely get more games in, as thus far Hellebuyck has been caring a heavy majority of the workload, as he as earned the starts to to his solid play.
Mason made 38 saves and improved his record to 2-3-1.
The Jets have reached the American Thanksgiving; the 1/4 mark of the season, and a measuring stick in the NHL for team analysis, with a 13-5-3 record. Good enough to remain in second place in the Central division with 29 points, one point ahead of the Nashville Predators and four points behind the St. Louis Blues for first, with a game at hand. Dare to dream?
The Jets continue this three-game West-Coast road-trip tomorrow night against the Anaheim Ducks. A team the Jets have not had success with the last few seasons.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Are The Jets Finally Getting Some Respect?
With the Winnipeg Jets apparently making waves this season, and holding on to second place in the NHL's Central division in this 2017-2018 season thus far, just one point ahead of the Nashville Predators; it seems the rest of the league and indeed the media have taken notice with their improved play.
This is the best spot the Jets have been in after 20 games since the move back to Winnipeg from Atlanta in 2011. The best they had done before this point after the quarter-season mark was in the 2013-2014 campaign when they had accumulated a record of 9-8-3 at the 20-game mark.
As Coach Paul Maurice has said, "Twenty games is the start for me. We've been fortunate to have good goaltending, so we're on the right side of the ledger."
And that's the key point. After 20 games, you can probably deduce where your team is heading for the season, barring any injuries or any other offsetting contingencies.
Not only have the Jets seen production and maturity from all four lines, but Connor Hellebuyck has stepped and taken back the number one goaltender role that was expected to be filled by Steve Mason, who unfortunately thus far, hasn't lived up to expectations.
Here are the Jets league-wide statistics thus far:
This is the best spot the Jets have been in after 20 games since the move back to Winnipeg from Atlanta in 2011. The best they had done before this point after the quarter-season mark was in the 2013-2014 campaign when they had accumulated a record of 9-8-3 at the 20-game mark.
As Coach Paul Maurice has said, "Twenty games is the start for me. We've been fortunate to have good goaltending, so we're on the right side of the ledger."
And that's the key point. After 20 games, you can probably deduce where your team is heading for the season, barring any injuries or any other offsetting contingencies.
Not only have the Jets seen production and maturity from all four lines, but Connor Hellebuyck has stepped and taken back the number one goaltender role that was expected to be filled by Steve Mason, who unfortunately thus far, hasn't lived up to expectations.
Here are the Jets league-wide statistics thus far:
| Team | AvAge | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | PTS% | GF | GA | SRS | SOS | TG/G | PP | PPO | PP% | PPA | PPOA | PK% | SH | SHA | S | S% | SA | SV% | PDO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg Jets | 26.4 | 20 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 27 | .675 | 66 | 56 | 0.39 | -0.16 | 6.15 | 15 | 66 | 22.73 | 16 | 74 | 78.38 | 4 | 1 | 567 | 11.6 | 671 | .917 | 102.8 |
| League Average | 27.6 | 21 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 23 | .556 | 62 | 62 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6.05 | 14 | 71 | 19.50 | 14 | 71 | 80.50 | 2 | 2 | 654 | 9.4 | 651 | .911 |
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Jets Fall To Predators
In the race to maintain second place, the Winnipeg Jets stumbled a tad, as they fell last night to the Nashville Predators, 5-3. The Preds remain one point behind Winnipeg for second in the Central division.
The Jets looked good for about the first 10 minutes, evening up the score at 1-1 after the Predators went ahead at 3:31 of the first period. The Jets were grinding and hitting and trying to use their speed for the early advantage, but the Predators kept up with them and forced the Jets to take what TSN analyst Jamie Mcllenan called "lazy penalties."
It's those needless penalties, especially in the offensive zone, that have been the bane of the Jets for years now; which is ironic, at least at this point in season, due to the Preds being the most penalized team up to this point.
Mathieu Perreault did his part to lead the Jets to victory, as he notched two goals, his 4th and 5th of the season and his fourth goal since his return from injury. Tyler Myers scored his 3rd, to wrap up the scoring for the Jets.
The Jets looked good for about the first 10 minutes, evening up the score at 1-1 after the Predators went ahead at 3:31 of the first period. The Jets were grinding and hitting and trying to use their speed for the early advantage, but the Predators kept up with them and forced the Jets to take what TSN analyst Jamie Mcllenan called "lazy penalties."
It's those needless penalties, especially in the offensive zone, that have been the bane of the Jets for years now; which is ironic, at least at this point in season, due to the Preds being the most penalized team up to this point.
Mathieu Perreault did his part to lead the Jets to victory, as he notched two goals, his 4th and 5th of the season and his fourth goal since his return from injury. Tyler Myers scored his 3rd, to wrap up the scoring for the Jets.
Monday, November 20, 2017
Laine On Selanne's Record
Winnipeg Jets' Patrik Laine spoke with NHL.com's Tim Campbell about Hall of Famer and former Winnipeg Jets great Teemu Selanne's NHL rookie record for most goals in a season. A record Laine says, will never be surpassed.
Jets Goalie Prospect Scores Into Empty Net
Sunday, November 19, 2017
What If The Jets Had Acquired Gretzky?
I thought of posting on this before. I don't know why I haven't. But then this just came along. We know what would have had happened, The Jets would have probably won a Stanley Cup or two. Mind you, it takes more than just one guy to be the champs; but we're talking about the guy.
The problem with this article is that Gretzky also had a supporting cast of fellow Hall-Of-Famers such as Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe and Grant Fuhr among others. Even if the Jets were allowed to keep the core of their team that won the 1978-79 Avco Cup, it really only included the likes of Willy Lidstrom (before he was traded to the Oilers in 1982 for Laurie Boschman), Morris Lukowich and maybe Markus Mattson (a decent goalie from Sweden that could've had better numbers in the NHL, if he had a better defense in front of him) Barry Long was due for retirement, Bobby Hull had been traded to the Hartford Whalers (and was also about ready to retire) and Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson had already signed with the New York Rangers as free agents. What chance in the world did the Jets have to ice an even half-competent team?
There is a famous, if not erroneous back story that goes something like this: Jets owner Barry Shenkarow was on a plane with Oilers owner Peter Pocklington. Pocklington who had just recently acquired the contract of a young, skinny kid named Wayne Gretzky offered a wager to Shenkarow that if he beat Pocklington at a game of backgammon, Shenkarow could have the services of Gretzky. However, if Pocklington won, he would recieve the whole Winnipeg Jets franchise. Shenkarow of course balked at the offer, not wanting to risk his whole newly acquired franchise for one, unproven 18-year-old player. If only Shenkarow had taken the chance. But, to be honest, I wouldn't have made that bet either. Would you? Honestly? Sure, it was Wayne Gretzky. But he wasn't Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player to lace up a pair of skates then. Who could have possibly known? It appears not even Pocklington, or why would he have made such a bet? If it even happened at all.
The problem with this article is that Gretzky also had a supporting cast of fellow Hall-Of-Famers such as Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Glenn Anderson, Kevin Lowe and Grant Fuhr among others. Even if the Jets were allowed to keep the core of their team that won the 1978-79 Avco Cup, it really only included the likes of Willy Lidstrom (before he was traded to the Oilers in 1982 for Laurie Boschman), Morris Lukowich and maybe Markus Mattson (a decent goalie from Sweden that could've had better numbers in the NHL, if he had a better defense in front of him) Barry Long was due for retirement, Bobby Hull had been traded to the Hartford Whalers (and was also about ready to retire) and Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson had already signed with the New York Rangers as free agents. What chance in the world did the Jets have to ice an even half-competent team?
There is a famous, if not erroneous back story that goes something like this: Jets owner Barry Shenkarow was on a plane with Oilers owner Peter Pocklington. Pocklington who had just recently acquired the contract of a young, skinny kid named Wayne Gretzky offered a wager to Shenkarow that if he beat Pocklington at a game of backgammon, Shenkarow could have the services of Gretzky. However, if Pocklington won, he would recieve the whole Winnipeg Jets franchise. Shenkarow of course balked at the offer, not wanting to risk his whole newly acquired franchise for one, unproven 18-year-old player. If only Shenkarow had taken the chance. But, to be honest, I wouldn't have made that bet either. Would you? Honestly? Sure, it was Wayne Gretzky. But he wasn't Wayne Gretzky, the greatest player to lace up a pair of skates then. Who could have possibly known? It appears not even Pocklington, or why would he have made such a bet? If it even happened at all.
Enstrom Out For Up To Eight Weeks With Lower Body Injury
As the Winnipeg Jets begin a four-game road trip, they will do it without the services of veteran defenseman, Toby Enstrom, as he is out for up to eight weeks with a lower-body injury suffered in the game against the New Jersey Devils.
Tucker Poolman has been recalled from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.
Tucker Poolman has been recalled from the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Jets On A Roll As They Explode On Devils
The Winnipeg Jets exploded for four goals in the second period with four goals as they downed the New jersey Devils 5-2 tonight at BellMTS Place in Winnipeg. It was the Jets fourth consecutive win and they now sit behind the St. Louis Blues by just two points for first place in the Central division.
The Jets pretty much owned this one from start to finish, keeping Devils stars Taylor Hall and 2017 first overall pick, Nico Hischier, out of the game. Dustin Bufyglien bumped the Devils around at will and the Jets stayed out of the penalty box for the most part, and had quick, concise passes out of the defensive zone and into the offensive one. The Jets second period output almost tied a franchise record, just set a few weeks ago against the Pittsburgh Penguins, when they scored five time in the first period Oct. 29.
Patrik Laine kept his point-scoring streak going, as he scored his 10th goal of the season, giving him points in nine consecutive games.
Connor Hllebuyck continues to shine as he picked up his 11th victory and remains undefeated in regulation time on BellMTS Centre ice with a record of 7-0-1. He made 34 saves for the win.
Matt Hendricks and Mathieu Perreault hooked up twice as each assisted on each other's goal. They scored their second and third goals respectively.
Jacob Trouba scored his first of the season on a wicked wrist shot that fooled Devils goalie, Cory Schneider.
The Jets went three for three on this home-stand and now head out on the road for four games, starting on Monday the 20th in Nashville.
The Jets pretty much owned this one from start to finish, keeping Devils stars Taylor Hall and 2017 first overall pick, Nico Hischier, out of the game. Dustin Bufyglien bumped the Devils around at will and the Jets stayed out of the penalty box for the most part, and had quick, concise passes out of the defensive zone and into the offensive one. The Jets second period output almost tied a franchise record, just set a few weeks ago against the Pittsburgh Penguins, when they scored five time in the first period Oct. 29.
Patrik Laine kept his point-scoring streak going, as he scored his 10th goal of the season, giving him points in nine consecutive games.
Connor Hllebuyck continues to shine as he picked up his 11th victory and remains undefeated in regulation time on BellMTS Centre ice with a record of 7-0-1. He made 34 saves for the win.
Matt Hendricks and Mathieu Perreault hooked up twice as each assisted on each other's goal. They scored their second and third goals respectively.
Jacob Trouba scored his first of the season on a wicked wrist shot that fooled Devils goalie, Cory Schneider.
The Jets went three for three on this home-stand and now head out on the road for four games, starting on Monday the 20th in Nashville.
Friday, November 17, 2017
Jets Come Back Against Flyers, Win in Shoot Out For Third Consecutive Victory
In a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, where they probably shouldn't have won, the Winnipeg Jets came from behind, hi-lighted by Mark Scheifele's late heroics, scoring on a nice pass from behind the net by Blake Wheeler with the Jets net empty with 48 seconds left to tie the game at two. The Jets won the game 3-2 in a shoot-out. It was Scheifele's 11th of the season.
The Flyers had a 2-0 lead going into the second, before Mathieu Perreault scored his second goal of the season in his first game back from injury on a two-on-one break with Joel Armia. Perreault had missed 12 games and hadn't played since opening night.
It took the Jets until the last minute of the third to rally for the tying goal due to missed opportunities because of sloppy plays, missed passes and give-a-ways. But what ultimately almost sealed their fate was once again their inability to stay out of the penalty box. The Flyers first goal in three games (they had been shutout in back-to-back games by the Minnesota Wild) came on a Dustin Byfuglien tripping call.
Ben Bishop was strong in net, continuing hi fine play within the confines of the BellMTS Centre. But as good as he was, Connor Hellebuyck was just a little better, as he outlasted Bishop in the shoot-out to lift the Jets to victory. Helle made 30 saves in the game.
In the first period, Mathieu Perreault was almost put back on the shelf due to a vicious slash to the back of his neck by Flyers defenseman, Radko Gudas. Gudas received a five minute major and a game misconduct. He's sure to face suspension by the league.
After Scheifele had tied it up late in the third, overtime solved nothing, but it was very tense and the Jets had a glorious chance in the dying seconds when Wheeler and Scheifele had a two-on-one, only to have Wheeler misfire on a on-timer.
Brandon Tanev was spectacular in the game, blocking at least two howitzers from the blue-line from Flyers defensemen in the third period, when again, the Jets were down a man. He deserved the Jets player of the game and to wear the pilots helmet in my opinion.
In the shoot-out, almost everyone scored and it looked like it would go more than the eventual two rounds, until Hellebuyck stopped Travis Konecny for the last save and the come from behind win.
2017 Number two overall draft pick Nolan Patrick was in the line-up, back from injury, but he was held pointless. In fact, I don't even remember hearing his name the whole game.
Patrik Laine's point-scoring streak was extended to sevn games, as he got an assist on the Scheiefle goal.
The Jets next face the New Jersey Devils Saturday at BellMTS Place.
The Flyers had a 2-0 lead going into the second, before Mathieu Perreault scored his second goal of the season in his first game back from injury on a two-on-one break with Joel Armia. Perreault had missed 12 games and hadn't played since opening night.
It took the Jets until the last minute of the third to rally for the tying goal due to missed opportunities because of sloppy plays, missed passes and give-a-ways. But what ultimately almost sealed their fate was once again their inability to stay out of the penalty box. The Flyers first goal in three games (they had been shutout in back-to-back games by the Minnesota Wild) came on a Dustin Byfuglien tripping call.
Ben Bishop was strong in net, continuing hi fine play within the confines of the BellMTS Centre. But as good as he was, Connor Hellebuyck was just a little better, as he outlasted Bishop in the shoot-out to lift the Jets to victory. Helle made 30 saves in the game.
In the first period, Mathieu Perreault was almost put back on the shelf due to a vicious slash to the back of his neck by Flyers defenseman, Radko Gudas. Gudas received a five minute major and a game misconduct. He's sure to face suspension by the league.
After Scheifele had tied it up late in the third, overtime solved nothing, but it was very tense and the Jets had a glorious chance in the dying seconds when Wheeler and Scheifele had a two-on-one, only to have Wheeler misfire on a on-timer.
Brandon Tanev was spectacular in the game, blocking at least two howitzers from the blue-line from Flyers defensemen in the third period, when again, the Jets were down a man. He deserved the Jets player of the game and to wear the pilots helmet in my opinion.
In the shoot-out, almost everyone scored and it looked like it would go more than the eventual two rounds, until Hellebuyck stopped Travis Konecny for the last save and the come from behind win.
2017 Number two overall draft pick Nolan Patrick was in the line-up, back from injury, but he was held pointless. In fact, I don't even remember hearing his name the whole game.
Patrik Laine's point-scoring streak was extended to sevn games, as he got an assist on the Scheiefle goal.
The Jets next face the New Jersey Devils Saturday at BellMTS Place.
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Jets Defeat Coyotes, Honour Hawerchuck
Last night, the Winnipeg Jets defeated the Arizona Coyotes 4-1 in the second half of their home and home series that started Nov. 11 in Glendale, Arizona by the same score.
Before I get to the game itself, what made this victory even sweeter was that the Jets finally honoured the greatest captain (if not the greatest player) in Winnipeg Jets history, Dale Hawerchuck in a pre-game ceremony.
His name and number was raised to the rafters of the BellMTS Place and now hangs among other Winnipeg Jet greats and Hall of Fame members, Bobby Hull, Ulf Nillson and Anders Hedberg.
Dale Hawerchuck was an instant success the moment he stepped on the ice for the Jets in his first NHL game and he helped the Jets establish the greatest single-season turn-around in NHL season at that time. The Jets had one of the worst seasons in NHL history in the 1980-81 season, the year before his draft, finishing with a disastrous 9-57-14 record, finishing last overall and falling short of the modern NHL record for least overall points (in 80 games played) by just 11. That (dis) honor was established by the 1974-75 Washington Capitals with a 8-67-5 record culminating for a paltry 21 points.
Hawerchuck turned the Jets around the very next season, helping the them earn a record of 33-33-18. A .500 record, but good enough for 80 points, a difference of 32 points, that led the Jets to second place in the Norris division, 14 points behind the Minnesota North Stars. Hawerchuck's performance for that season earned him the Calder trophy for the 1982 NHL Rookie of the Year.
Hawerchuck is well worth the hype. I remember in my younger years, coming in after playing hockey after school in the frigid -30 to -40 Winnipeg winters and settling in to watch Hawerchuck and teammates Paul Maclean, Thomas Steen, Doug Smail, Scott Arneil, Morris Lukowich among many others. This was a joyful and rewarding experience for me, and Hawerchuck was a main cause of it. My first hockey jersey was adorned with the number ten and I was proud to show it off.
Ducky (his nickname throughout his tenure with the Jets; originating from his name sounding like the cartoon character, Howard the Duck) has finally taken his place among the Winnipeg Jets history of elites that have always been overlooked or downright ignored by the league and hockey purists over the years. Playing most of your career in a small-market will tend to have that happen. It was a little better playing in on the east coast with the Buffalo Sabres after Hawerchuck was traded in 1990, but he still never really received the credit he deserved playing in the same genre as Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
But, Dale Hawerchuck is now enshrined in the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame and that is a very good thing and was long overdo.
And now to the game itself.
The Jets looked good in the first few minutes, countering a early push by the Coyotes, but took three early penalties in the first period that they probably would have paid for if they were facing a team with a more potent offense. Fortunately for the Jets, the Coyotes power-play percentage currently sits at 14.8 percent.
Andrew Copp opened the scoring for the Jets in the latter stages of the first period on a feed from Dmitry Kulikov and Adam Lowry. It was Copp's third of the campaign.
A minute and 43 seconds into the second period, Joel Armia scored his third on assists from Nikolaj Ehlers and Josh Morrissey to make it 2-0 Winnipeg.
Just under four and a half minutes later, Bryan Little made it 3-0 with his third of the season on a unassisted break-a-away.
The Jets made it 3-0 when Tyler Myers stole the puck behind the net and Adam Lowry put a nice shot top shelf over the glove hand of Antti Raanta, when he found the rebound of Patrik Laine. It was Lowry's second goal of the season after his absence from the line-up, due to an injury.
The spoiler moment came at 5:21 of the third period, when Alex Goligoski beat Connor Hellebuyck to ruin his shut-out bid, who once again deserved the donut due to his competent play in the crease.
Patrik Laine's goal-scoring streak ended at five games, however, his point streak continued to six games with his assist on Lowry's goal.
The Jets remain in second place in the Central division, four points behind the St. Louis Blues, with a record of 10-4-3; one point ahead of the Nashville Predators with 23 points.
Before I get to the game itself, what made this victory even sweeter was that the Jets finally honoured the greatest captain (if not the greatest player) in Winnipeg Jets history, Dale Hawerchuck in a pre-game ceremony.
His name and number was raised to the rafters of the BellMTS Place and now hangs among other Winnipeg Jet greats and Hall of Fame members, Bobby Hull, Ulf Nillson and Anders Hedberg.
Hawerchuck turned the Jets around the very next season, helping the them earn a record of 33-33-18. A .500 record, but good enough for 80 points, a difference of 32 points, that led the Jets to second place in the Norris division, 14 points behind the Minnesota North Stars. Hawerchuck's performance for that season earned him the Calder trophy for the 1982 NHL Rookie of the Year.
Hawerchuck is well worth the hype. I remember in my younger years, coming in after playing hockey after school in the frigid -30 to -40 Winnipeg winters and settling in to watch Hawerchuck and teammates Paul Maclean, Thomas Steen, Doug Smail, Scott Arneil, Morris Lukowich among many others. This was a joyful and rewarding experience for me, and Hawerchuck was a main cause of it. My first hockey jersey was adorned with the number ten and I was proud to show it off.
Ducky (his nickname throughout his tenure with the Jets; originating from his name sounding like the cartoon character, Howard the Duck) has finally taken his place among the Winnipeg Jets history of elites that have always been overlooked or downright ignored by the league and hockey purists over the years. Playing most of your career in a small-market will tend to have that happen. It was a little better playing in on the east coast with the Buffalo Sabres after Hawerchuck was traded in 1990, but he still never really received the credit he deserved playing in the same genre as Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.But, Dale Hawerchuck is now enshrined in the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame and that is a very good thing and was long overdo.And now to the game itself.
The Jets looked good in the first few minutes, countering a early push by the Coyotes, but took three early penalties in the first period that they probably would have paid for if they were facing a team with a more potent offense. Fortunately for the Jets, the Coyotes power-play percentage currently sits at 14.8 percent.
Andrew Copp opened the scoring for the Jets in the latter stages of the first period on a feed from Dmitry Kulikov and Adam Lowry. It was Copp's third of the campaign.
A minute and 43 seconds into the second period, Joel Armia scored his third on assists from Nikolaj Ehlers and Josh Morrissey to make it 2-0 Winnipeg.
Just under four and a half minutes later, Bryan Little made it 3-0 with his third of the season on a unassisted break-a-away.
The Jets made it 3-0 when Tyler Myers stole the puck behind the net and Adam Lowry put a nice shot top shelf over the glove hand of Antti Raanta, when he found the rebound of Patrik Laine. It was Lowry's second goal of the season after his absence from the line-up, due to an injury.
The spoiler moment came at 5:21 of the third period, when Alex Goligoski beat Connor Hellebuyck to ruin his shut-out bid, who once again deserved the donut due to his competent play in the crease.
Patrik Laine's goal-scoring streak ended at five games, however, his point streak continued to six games with his assist on Lowry's goal.
The Jets remain in second place in the Central division, four points behind the St. Louis Blues, with a record of 10-4-3; one point ahead of the Nashville Predators with 23 points.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Hawerchuck Discusses His Entry Into The Jets Hall Of Fame
NHL Hall of Famer and Winnipeg Jet great, Dale Hawerchuck reminisces about his career and how he feels about being entered into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame along side Bobby Hull, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Jets Get Back On Track With Win Over Coyotes
As predicted, the Jets took advantage of a struggling Arizona Coyotes squad and with Steve Mason in net, the good guys secured the $4 million back-up's first win of the season, 4-1. Mason made 21 saves for the w.
After the Coyotes put on some pressure early, Zac Rinaldo opened the scoring for the desert dogs. Matt Hendricks scored his first as a Jet, to tie it up at 14:04 of the second period.
Mark Scheifele put the Jets up by one with his tenth of the season and 100th of his career, two and a half minutes into the second period on the power-play, on an assist by Blake Wheeler.
Five and a half minutes later, Kyle Connor scored his fourth on assists from Scheifele and Wheeler. With that helper, it puts Wheeler only 13 behind all-time franchise leader, Ilya Kovalchuck. The assist by Scheifele ties him with Marion Hossa on the franchises all-time point leaders with 248.
And to finish the Coyotes off with 17 seconds left, after the Coyotes had pulled Antti Raanta, Patrik Laine lobbed a backhand into the air near the boards at the center ice line to score his ninth into the empty net. The goal marks his fifth in the last five games.
The Jets next play on Tuesday at BellMTS Place in Winnipeg against the Coyotes in the second half of this home and home series.
After the Coyotes put on some pressure early, Zac Rinaldo opened the scoring for the desert dogs. Matt Hendricks scored his first as a Jet, to tie it up at 14:04 of the second period.
Mark Scheifele put the Jets up by one with his tenth of the season and 100th of his career, two and a half minutes into the second period on the power-play, on an assist by Blake Wheeler.
Five and a half minutes later, Kyle Connor scored his fourth on assists from Scheifele and Wheeler. With that helper, it puts Wheeler only 13 behind all-time franchise leader, Ilya Kovalchuck. The assist by Scheifele ties him with Marion Hossa on the franchises all-time point leaders with 248.
And to finish the Coyotes off with 17 seconds left, after the Coyotes had pulled Antti Raanta, Patrik Laine lobbed a backhand into the air near the boards at the center ice line to score his ninth into the empty net. The goal marks his fifth in the last five games.
The Jets next play on Tuesday at BellMTS Place in Winnipeg against the Coyotes in the second half of this home and home series.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Golden Knights Keep Rolling At Expense Of Jets
This was one I really wanted to win. I did not want to lose to an expansion team, no matter how good they supposedly are.
Connor Hellebuyck lost his first game in regulation and looked kind of shaky on the first two Knights goals, as the Vegas Golden Knights won 5-2. Steve Mason started the third period for the Jets and stopped all five shots that went his way.
Patrik Laine scored his eighth goal. This one coming on the power-play. He had a chance at a goal earlier in the first, as he was left all alone in front of Golden Knights goalie, Maxime Lagace. But the Knights goaltender came up big with a nice glove save.
Adam Lowry scored the only other goal for the Jets. It was his first of the season.
The Jets are in Arizona tonight to take on the 2-13-3 Coyotes in the first game of a home and home series. Tonight's game is a perfect time to get immediately back in the win column. They need to keep 19 year-old rookie sensation Clayton Keller in check. He can do some damage.
Connor Hellebuyck lost his first game in regulation and looked kind of shaky on the first two Knights goals, as the Vegas Golden Knights won 5-2. Steve Mason started the third period for the Jets and stopped all five shots that went his way.
Patrik Laine scored his eighth goal. This one coming on the power-play. He had a chance at a goal earlier in the first, as he was left all alone in front of Golden Knights goalie, Maxime Lagace. But the Knights goaltender came up big with a nice glove save.
Adam Lowry scored the only other goal for the Jets. It was his first of the season.
The Jets are in Arizona tonight to take on the 2-13-3 Coyotes in the first game of a home and home series. Tonight's game is a perfect time to get immediately back in the win column. They need to keep 19 year-old rookie sensation Clayton Keller in check. He can do some damage.
Friday, November 10, 2017
Laine Still All The Rage In His Native Finland
So, it appears the Winnipeg Jets phenom, Patrik Laine is still a media sensation in his native Finland. In fact, according to ESPN.com, he is "nearing Teemu Selanne levels of fame" in his homeland. And that takes some kind of doing for a 19-year-old sophomore, given that Selanne is a Stanley Cup champion, world champion and Hall of Famer.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Jets Continue To Have Stars Number
Lazy post day. But going back to last season, the Jets continue to have the Stars number.
New Book On NHL First One Hundred Years Regales Selanne's Rookie Season
In a new book detailing some of the greatest moments in the NHL, entitled, 100 Years 100 Moments: A Centennial of NHL Hockey, one of the stories relives Teemu Selanne's rookie season in Winnipeg in which he decimated Mike Bossy's rookie goal-scoring record and Peter Stasny's rookie point tally in 1993 as member of the Jets.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Jets Hang On To Beat Wild
The Winnipeg Jets are 2-0 against Central division and geographical rival, Minnesota Wild after hanging on against a relentless Wild team that really put the scare into yours truly in the last five or six minutes for a 2-1 final. As TSN play-by-play man, Dennis Bayak points out whenever these two teams meet, it was yet another one-goal game.
Tyler Myers appeared to score in the first 47 seconds of the game when he fired a Joel Armia rebound past Alex Stalock, only to have it immediately waved off due to a hand pass. If it was, it was a pass to himself, as the puck bounced off his glove and Myers knocked it out of the air past the Minnesota goaltender.
Mark Scheifele was a fore-checking pest all night long, and clearly frustrated the Wild in their own end, as well as the neutral zone. His tenacity almost paid off, as he was a goalpost away on a short-handed break-a-way in the second period.
In the opening minute of the third, Nikolaj Ehlers notched his team-leading seventh of the season with a deke on Stalock, after a Wild turn-over at the Wild blue-line.
Connor Hellebuyck continues his surprising early season play, as he stifled the Wild all evening long. It appears his off-season regiments with new trainer Adam Francilia is paying off. Helle made 28 saves for his 6th win. Hellebuyck is undefeated in regulation time in the young season with a record of 6-0-1.
Kyle Connor scored his second of the year on a rebound of a errant deflection by Scheifele after a Myers wrist shot from the blue-line.
Minnesota went 0-5 on the power-play.
The Jets have garnered seven points out their last eight games.
Tyler Myers appeared to score in the first 47 seconds of the game when he fired a Joel Armia rebound past Alex Stalock, only to have it immediately waved off due to a hand pass. If it was, it was a pass to himself, as the puck bounced off his glove and Myers knocked it out of the air past the Minnesota goaltender.
Mark Scheifele was a fore-checking pest all night long, and clearly frustrated the Wild in their own end, as well as the neutral zone. His tenacity almost paid off, as he was a goalpost away on a short-handed break-a-way in the second period.
In the opening minute of the third, Nikolaj Ehlers notched his team-leading seventh of the season with a deke on Stalock, after a Wild turn-over at the Wild blue-line.
Connor Hellebuyck continues his surprising early season play, as he stifled the Wild all evening long. It appears his off-season regiments with new trainer Adam Francilia is paying off. Helle made 28 saves for his 6th win. Hellebuyck is undefeated in regulation time in the young season with a record of 6-0-1.
Kyle Connor scored his second of the year on a rebound of a errant deflection by Scheifele after a Myers wrist shot from the blue-line.
Minnesota went 0-5 on the power-play.
The Jets have garnered seven points out their last eight games.
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