Despite the Jets continuing to fill the penalty box tonight, they managed to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 at the Roger's Arena, exacting a bit of revenge for the loss to the Canucks two nights ago by the same score.
The second period finally wasn't the period from hell tonight. It wasn't great, but at least they came out of it tied thanks to Patrik Laine's 19th goal of the season. He continues to lead all rookies in goals.
Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice, including the game winner, to give him nine on the year and Bryan Little continues to produce after returning from injury that had him out of the line-up for the first 24 games of the season.
Micheal Hutchinson was strong and came up big in the second period. He garnered his fourth win tonight, making 22 saves.
But the down side is, once again, the Jets allowed a team under them in the standings to be competitive. The Jet aren't doing great this season, but the Canucks are supposed to be worse. At least that's the impression I get every time I see the NHL Western Conference standings.
So with this, the Jets now go into the Christmas break one game under .500. They now sit tied for fourth with the Nashville Predators with 35 points in the Central division, one point out of the second wild card spot behind the Calgary Flames.
The good news is, with this mostly disappointing season thus far, the Jets are still in the playoff hunt.
Again, they are only a three or four wins in a row away from a division spot in the standings. The problem with that is, the Jets are yet to put three or more consecutive victories together this season.
Their next opponent is the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at the United Center. The Jets are 2-0 against the Hawks and they always seem to give them a fight.
Mark Scheifele is in a bit of a goal drought. He hasn't scored since since Dec. 8 against the New York Rangers, although he did get an assist on Laine's goal.
