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3 Games in and there's no liftoff for Jets |
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Let's be frank, the Jets have allowed 14 goals in 3 games and have played like a hot mess.
Period Dot The End
There is no cohesion between the defense and the offense and due to roster limitations the Jets are icing a defense with two capable players in the top 4. Connor and Laine have had looks but are out of sync due to missing training camp that will come but it can't come soon enough. The defense is where the real issues lie and oh are there so many of them.
The problems are two-fold in that they are a product of the roster and injuries/absences. Sami Niku needing time for conditioning and Beaulieu injured presented a challenge for Maurice right from game one. Let's not even get into the Byfuglien issue but needless to say the uncertainty of his situation is almost keeping Kevin Cheveldayoff held at ransom. The problem is that Bitetto, Kulikov, Dahlstrom, and Pionk are not capable of carrying a fair load or picking up the slack. This was apparent last night in far too many situations. This team needs Buff or it needs a resolution to his situation post haste so that the GM can make move, one way or another.
The offense, once considered a 3 or 4 line threat is a shell of its former self. Again injuries play a role too as Bryan Little, whether or not he's the right 2nd line centre, is needed. The other issue is Bourque and Latestu- what do they bring that a more skilled and creative player sitting in the press box in David Gustafsson doesn't?
What adds to the problems is Paul Maurice stating that due to the schedule the Jets would not be able to practice while on this season-opening road trip. Here there is a team out of sync, playing with a roster that is less than optimal, and needs structure.
The forwards and defense are not aligned for the transition game and the opposition coaches are figuring this out. Consider that the Jets are rolling out 2 and a half quality lines and questions arise. Last season Maurice would simply hold his 4th line back in minutes but this season he's tried to make two palatable bottom lines instead of a better 3rd line and limiting what's left over.
What has to be done to fix this is look at the little details that are easily fixed and worry about the bigger picture later. This requires some sacrifice from the players in the short term so that they can find success in the long term. Forwards have to stop jumping the zone fast and recognize that the pass out needs a better target for the defense and the coaches have to enforce this. Pace of play is another issue and last night the Islanders eventually just started skating past and around the Jets, is that because of conditioning or roster, or both?
The fact is the Jets might come back from this trip 1-3-0 (SO Win) if they do not make some short term adjustments to work with the roster they have. Dumb it down, keep it simple, and make some reads so you stay out of trouble. It's a tall order but desperate times require desperate measures.
That's where this team is 3 games in to the 2019-20 season. It's not pretty and there's a lot of engine trouble and Paul Maurice is the mechanic, right now he seems to not have the tools.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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