The Jets have accumulated 18 points in this young NHL season so far. That puts them only four points behind the Chicago Blackhawks for first place. They should actually be tied in points (plus or minus the ROW in the standings) but due to losses against the Avalanche and Sabres (again, two teams the Jets should have beaten) those four points are gone. The only reason I state this is because until the Jets move forward in their mission to become an eventual Stanley Cup contender, the next couple of days will probably be the only time the Winnipeg Jets are in the top three of the central.I'm just enjoying it while I can.
I mean, seriously; I usually have to read the sports pages upside-down to see the Jets near the top of the division.
A good win by the Jets today. A couple of defensive breakdowns that led to the Kings tying goal in the third period, but overall the back-checking was solid. Connor Hellebyck, getting his fourth straight start, was again very solid. He covered his angles well and challenged shooters when necessary.
After surviving a Kings power-play resulting from a bogus tripping call against Patrik Laine in overtime, the Jets put their best young snipers on the ice for the shootout. Other than captain Blake Wheeler (who is awesome) the Jets showed the league why they have one of, if not the best, collection of talented prospects and rookies. Patrik Laine and Mark Scheifele came up big in the shootout, scoring once each; including the winner by Scheifele.
Laine's goal after the Kings Dwight King barely got one past Hellebyck, was a beauty as he slowed up on Kings goalie Peter Budaj and slipped one past the five-hole.
I was hoping Nikolai Ehlers would have had the game-winner. Paul Maurice didn't even put him the ice for the shoot-out. I'm sure if it had gone past the first round he would have. It would have been nice for him to completely wash away the embarrassment of the Colorado OT fiasco on Friday night.
Ah, well. I'm sure he's just as happy with the two points.
