Sunday night, at the Canada Life Center, the Winnipeg Jets hosted the New York Rangers. A struggling Jets team, and a very, very good New York Rangers team. Shesterkin makes 45 saves, while Hellebuyck only makes 18.

Just two minutes into the game, former Winnipeg Jet, Jacob Trouba, sent a pretty innocent shot in towards the goal, and Barclay Goodrow is the first to get a stick on it, giving the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Though they let in an early goal, the Jets played a pretty good rest of the period, and it wasn't until Chris Kreider scored his team-leading 37th goal of the season, that the Jets looked like they were behind. They had some penalty issues, and we're a bit slow through the neutral zone, but overall it was a fine period.

The Rangers did a great job moving the puck up the ice, having tons of mobile players who can skate, and have the IQ to make the right play. The Jets defensive structure was made a fool yet again, as even though the Rangers were held to 22 shots, it felt like a lot more. The Jets powerplay yet again seemed dull. One of the biggest issues for me, is that Nikolaj Ehlers doesn't get PP1 time. For that matter, Ehlers doesn't get enough time in general. stationed next to Lowry in the middle is not a place you want to see one of your top offensive threats, while Wheeler and Stastny sit comfortably on the top line.

For the sake of argument, I will acknowledge that Stastny on the top line is (hopefully) more of a showcase opportunity to get a bigger package at the deadline, but still...I don't understand why Ehlers has only the 6th highest TOI/GP for Jets forwards.

Regardless, Ehlers had the lone goal for Winnipeg, and the offensive output, despite 46 shots, needs to be better. With this game, they have the excuse of facing Igor Shesterkin, who is putting up all-time record high's in stats for a season, but it has been an issue longer than last night. The tough part is that they are so inconsistent with it. One game the Jets will win 8-2 and the next 3 are 3-1 losses. With an entirely new coaching staff next season, I would hope this changes. Regardless of what this years deadline looks like.

Sorry to keep this one short, I hope you all have a great day, let me know your thoughts!

Jacob Billington

Join the Discussion: » 43 Comments » Post New Comment

» Jets Announce Lowry as Captain, Chisholm Extension

» Winnipeg Jets Prospect Pyramid: 2023 Edition - Part One

» Rasmus Kupari Could Develop into More Than 4C

» Jets Need to Make Decisions on Defense; Mailbag Incoming

» Jets Sign Morgan Barron, 2x$1.35 million, 3 contracts left