|
Winnipeg Jets @ San Jose Sharks: Game #2 Preview |
|
|
|
|
|
Winnipeg Jets @ San Jose Sharks: Game #2 Preview
The response from Jets fans has been fantastic following my opening article, so for that, I thank you! I am looking forward to providing articles for such a passionate group of readers!
Headed into tonight’s game against the San Jose Sharks, the Jets will look to claim their first win in the Sharks season opener. I will be very interested in seeing the bounce back after the 4-1 loss to the Ducks, as I believe this team has a lot more to give than we saw.
October 16th/Game #2 Projected Lineup: - Not Confirmed
Connor - Scheifele - Wheeler
Copp - Dubois - Ehlers
Stasney - Lowry - Perfetti
Vesalainen - Nash - Harkins/Svechnikov
Morrissey - Schmidt
Dillon - Pionk
Stanley - DeMelo
Hellebuyck
With Mark Scheifele back in the lineup, I would expect him to come out of the gates strong. Stasney back down to the 3rd line will be a more comfortable feeling headed into tonight as well. Overall, there are lots of positives to take away from this forward group. Dubois looked comfortable in his first game of the season, as did the two star wingers in Ehlers and Connor. Andrew Copp on the 2nd line raises some questions for many, and I have to wonder if rookie Cole Perfetti will get a look in the next few games. Some thought that a Top-6 winger may have been on the Jets checklist for offseason moves, but the team seems comfortable in their Top-9, not adding any big pieces.
The top powerplay unit with Dubois, Scheifele, Connor, Wheeler and Pionk, on the point, has a lot of potential to be dominant with the right setup. As mentioned by a few in the comment section of my last piece, the Jets need to have a player battling hard out front. Blake Wheeler has been this kind of player for a very long time, and hasn’t been very effective in doing this. I think it is time to rework or reposition some of these guys. One of Wheeler or Dubois are strong enough to make their presence known at the top of the crease. For what it is worth, Game #1 showed the Jets exactly what that can do, as the Ducks kept Hellebuyck crowded quite often.
On defence, I still really like the lineup, and it will all come down to deployment. These are three very capable pairings, and in the right positions, they are all able to succeed night-in and night-out. The Morrissey-Schmidt pairing may have a few question marks as they both had down seasons, but at about 24 minutes of playing time each, I would like to see that come down and spread out a bit more. Since being acquired from Ottawa, Dylan DeMelo has been a very good shut-down defenseman. At only 11:45 Even Strength Time on Ice, I would hope that he gets some more ice time, as well as Pionk who only had 11:10 at even strength. Again, overall I am comfortable with this blue line, and think this team has what it takes to dominate every night.
In the net, I would expect Connor Hellebuyck to get the start again, but that is not confirmed yet. As long as the Jets can do a better job keeping the crease clear, Hellebuyck is a top two goaltender in this league, and will be more than capable of stealing a few games. I look at him for a big bounce back night, after a some-what shaky start to the season.
I am encouraged by this team, and if Cole Perfetti can play like he did in his NHL debut, the Jets may have a very special player to develop. The question with him is, if he isn’t going to be a part of the Top-6, would it be more valuable to see him in a NHL middle-6 role, or be a star (again)in the AHL? Let me know what your thoughts are headed into tonights game, and what you think the best course is for Cole Perfetti!
By Jacob Billington
Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»