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Jets visit Pens looking for first ever win in River City

January 4, 2019, 10:39 AM ET [65 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Jets have had a few days off since their Monday night game vs the Oilers. In that time we have learned that Scheifele and Wheeler have been named to the All-Star game to take place in San Jose and the Mason Appleton has been named to the AHL All-Star team.

Aside from that it's business as usual for the team and the only real question is whether Wheeler and Malkin continue their courtesies from past games.

The Penguins are a curious team that seemed to struggle in for a bit but are now 9-1-0 in their past 10 games just one point behind the Metro leading Capitals. The Jets ups and downs are well known and they come in 7-3-0 in their last ten games.

Sean Tierney who is the brains behind Charting Hockey released a very cool graphic today on goalies and you can see it below.





As you can see with the Jets' Connor Hellebuyck falls into the "bad but for reasons" category. If you are one who believes in moments then perhaps the save in the late minutes of the Oilers game on Draisaitl is that turning point for Hellebuyck. Most Jets fans are likely hoping that's the case and it would be hard to fault them for doing so, but hope is never a plan.

I asked Sean to explain what 'bad but for reasons' was to describe and he was gracious enough to reply.




Sean's response supports a theory I have been proposing is the the Jets defense coverage, particularly in front of the net has been atrocious, yes that's strong, and Hellebuyck is paying the price. (This will not become an Enstrom praise piece)

In this case what we see is that Hellebuyck may have not been up to par as he played last season but neither is the team in front of him and he's facing tougher shots. That would support the challenges with defensive play and how he has mainly paid the price.

Now as for the game tonight- good luck Jets as Pittsburgh has been far from a friendly place since you moved from Atlanta.
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