What we learned tonight at the Jets game is that uncertainty rules. Take a look at the game and then ask yourself would Ondrej Pavelec be the game changer? That is what has happened thus far for the Jets goalie as he made at least 5 game changing saves in the second period alone.
Just like Vancouver does for Luongo with the “Luoooooooo” chants the MTS Centre tonight had opportunity, a rare one, to chant their goalie’s name. They even got on their feet twice to give him an ovation. Unfortunately that does not happen enough but neither does the play Pavelec delivered Thursday night.
During a period of approximately five minutes in the second period Pavelec made what must be considered the turning point saves. With the fragile resiliency of the Jets still in recent memory, had those saves not been made what would have changed in the game?
Pavelec was rather humble after the game clearly stating that it was the two points that mattered.
Before anyone could get a question in with Pavelec about some of those saves the rarest of rare appearances happened in the Jets locker room when game-winning goal scorer Dustin Byfuglien came out. I had made this tweet before heading down right after Buff scored.
WOW!! talk about eruption. Maybe we get to see Buff post game?#yeahright
It’s such a rare thing that to my knowledge in the two seasons the Jets have been in Winnipeg he has never come out post game. I heard one media member exclaim “no way,” when he saw Buff.
This is what the big guy had to say.
He’s not the easiest interview but he is accommodating even if he is uncomfortable and that was obvious. While the cameras were on him and the microphones in his face Byfuglien’s hands were down below fidgeting unbeknownst to many. He had taken the drawstring from his shorts and was twisting it around his finger almost so tight that you could see it getting darker. His other hand was playing with the fabric of his shorts as he answered questions.
What became clear was that although Byfuglien is a man of few words, and not comfortable in the middle of the media throngs he is aware. He knew he had blown the Semin coverage on the late game tying goal but he also knew that despite the win “there were little things we can work on,” as the team goes forward.
Right now it’s the little things that are going to be the most important for the Jets and the last two games have shown that there are still some to be figured out. In the past two games the Jets have held 3-1 leads in the third period and failed to come out with the win before deciding it in OT or a shoot out.
The wins over Philly, Florida and Buffalo showed no signs of mistakes in the third but against Tampa and Carolina the little things have mattered. Claude Noel was asked about this post game and it seemed to change his mood from content to suspicious. He answered the question about what was going on in the third with a snarky response. “What do you want me to do, get some crayons and draw you a little picture? I’ll keep that to myself. I know what’s wrong.”
After than he seemed to be a little less forthcoming and was not showing any joy despite having a five game win streak. It probably didn’t help that the Jets got almost no help from the OOTS other than Ottawa beating Washington. However, looking at the bigger picture the coach has to have concerns and I think it’s safe to say those were on display, about the late game issues.
This is not the cream of the Eastern conference the Jets are beating in this 5 game streak. It’s the middle and below. The coach must know that these are the very teams that the Jets cannot allow back in the game. During the 5 game losing streak, the Hurricanes, Islanders and Rangers were teams below the Jets in points.
The Jets lost to all of them. In fact the Jets had a five point lead over 9th place NYI and a 3-point lead over the Rangers. When you couldn’t beat the teams right below you in the standings when they were a threat, beating the ones way below you is not much to hold your hat on. Five game win streaks are great but when they aren’t against the team you need to beat there are still some concerns.
The rubber hits the road on Saturday though when the Jets get their last crack at the Islanders and a chance to shake up the top eight should everything finally go their way.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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