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Connor Scores Two More to Get Jets Much Needed Two Points |
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The Set Up
Some great news proceeded the game when it was announced that Laine and Morrissey would be back in. Not only was it great to have them back, it meant Bitteto and Shaw were coming out. Imaging a full lineup right now is oh so enticing, but I find myself mostly awaiting the next injury.
So, the Sabres have fallen out of playoff contention since the last time we saw them. Does anyone know what the hell is wrong with that team? It seems every year they come out early and appear to be for real, only to fade away around mid-season. Then you hear the stories of someone wanting out, a trade eventually ensues, a coach gets fired, and everybody eats some of the tastiest spicy wings ever.
I thought Ralph Kreuger might be the difference this year. He certainly improved that young Oilers team he managed briefly years ago. Ah well, not our problem.
1st Period
Just two minutes into this skirmish, Skinner set up Simmonds directly in the slot. Thankfully Helle was on his game and came out enough to challenge it. He’d have to make another tough save not long after when Montour found enough space to shoot from within the circle.
The Jets top line was flying all game and almost united for a goal on a 3 on 2 in the first. Unfortunately, Scheifele couldn’t quite get around Hutton to stuff the puck in behind him. Appleton almost broke away but making his mark on the game was Montour with the diving takeaway. He’d trip Apple up on the play, but the refs would rule his stick hit the puck first.
Helle would stop a Ristolainen slapper and then kick out Girgensons rebound before the Jets second line would go to work. And even though they wouldn’t score one on the night they would wreak some havoc. Including a shift with Roslovic just missing on a sweet feed from Laine behind the net, followed by the big Finn almost deflecting in an Eakin’s shot.
Eventually one would go their way, when Wheeler chased a puck into the Sabres’ end, and feathered a perfectly timed pass across to Connor crashing the net for the tap-in.
For those keeping score at home, Connor has now scored in four straight games. Couldn’t really ask for more at this time of the season, of course, Connor has been doing this consistently all year.
Shortly after and shorthanded, Connor intercepted a puck at the Jets’ blue line and fired a strike cross-ice to Poolman who was racing towards the net to redirect it. After playing a little catch with Copp of course.
2nd Period
After Ristolainen tripped up Apple, the Jets PP moved the puck around until Scheifele’s shot dropped in the crease for Connor to bang home. And just like that, the home team had a three-goal lead. Pretty sweet.
Ristolainen returned with a quick spin-shot from the left corner which fooled Hellebuyck, going off the inside of his left pad and in. Berr-nerr.
It’s sad to think that goal would be the difference between Hellebuyck recording his league leading, and second consecutive shut out, but ahh shucks.
It was humorous to hear Kevin Sawyer refer to Ristolainen as a mismatch for Ehlers. Hasn’t this guy seen who he’s been engaging lately? Risto’s lucky he doesn’t wear the C.
Ehlers had a chance near the send of the period to do a little more than scrap, when he got a puck right in front of Hutton, but his spin-around shot was kicked aside.
3rd Period
The gift that keeps on giving, Neal Pionk, intercepted a puck on the door step with a great stick maybe saving a goal. He played a team high 25 minutes tonight whereas Morrisey and DeMelo had a more reasonable 20 apiece. It’s just awesome to see Pionk progressing this year. Especially considering my only expectations were that of a bottom pairing defender to start the season. Total score.
Connor would dish to Wheeler in the slot, and I’m sure setting up Mark Scheifele for super cool one-timers is probably a lot of fun, but Wheels has got to shoot that thing from there.
The third period moved rather quickly, with the Jets getting in a collection of counter punches on the Sabres’ strikes. By the end of the third segment, however, nary a twine had been bulged.
The Wrap
That was exactly the kind of result you would have hoped for after the game in Edmonton, but that’s not always how it works. What has worked, is the Jets additions of Dylan DeMelo and Cody Eakin. The DeMelo acquisition is becoming more obvious with each game, as long as you’re watching for cycle disruptions and short passes to open forwards exiting the zone.
Eakin on the other hand may be a bit out of his league as a second line center, however, the same could be said for anyone of the Jets other options. Eakins, at 28, has the extra experience without being so aged as to already be in decline. So, he’s most likely your best option in that slot. I don’t think it hurts he has the incentive of a new contract to negotiate next year as well. I think it will start to come for him and his linemates of Laine and Ehlers soon, but we’ll see.
Another working cog in the wheel was Winnipeg’s first line. The three were tasked with taking on the Eichel line and did an amazing job keeping the Sabres’ captain shot-less. Simmonds finished a minus 2, and had a penalty in his 16 minutes of ice time, while Kahun accrued a couple shots in his 12 minutes. Are these improvements over Sheary and Rodrigues? I honestly have no idea there.
What I do know is that the Jets need to maintain this consistent effort and still get a bit lucky to get into the playoffs. I’m still optimistic, especially with word of the close returns of Lowry and Perreault. Imagine four lines with the ability to score. Pretty neat, eh?
Jets giver’ again this Friday against the Pacific Division leading Vegas Golden Knights.
It’s at 7:OO pm people.
Go Jets Go!
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