The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are starting to look further and further away for the Winnipeg Jets. In a crucial divisional game, the Jets failed to come out on top, losing chase on divisional rival, Dallas Stars.

In yet another one-goal game, the Jets are not able to win these close games. Recording their 9th overtime loss in just 51 games, the extra frame is clearly where the Jets are struggling most. Mark Scheifele and Neal Pionk both registered two points, with Blake Wheeler picking up a goal and Kyle Connor picking up an assist. To Connor Hellebuyck's credit, 36 saves were made, including quite a few high danger chances for Dallas.

Blake Wheelers goal came off of a great set-up after a Stars turnover. Brendan Dillon was able to get the puck up the ice to find Mark Scheifele at the Stars blue line, who does a great job finding Neal Pionk, who also does a fantastic job making room to drop the pass to Blake Wheeler who beats Jake Ottinger cleanly.

Mark Scheifele parks himself on the left circle and is the recipient of a great passing play between him, Neal Pionk and Kyle Connor, resulting in a great one-timer opportunity on the powerplay, resulting in a goal. This play was set up so well on the powerplay, but was given and even better chance with Jamie Benn staggered on the ice. None-the-less, it was a beautiful play by the Jets.

With the Jets falling further behind in the playoff race, it is time to start identifying the team as sellers for either a rebuild or a re-tool. It gets tough because players like Mark Scheifele, who many have penciled down as an asset to trade, are playing great all of the sudden. I think the biggest thing for Winnipeg will be to shed some cap. Selling some of the defenseman making lots of money, who still have value, as well as some of the UFA's.

Some names to look for ahead of the deadline are Andrew Copp, Nate Schmidt, Brendan Billon, Kristian Vesalainen, Jansen Harkins, and Evgeny Svechnikov may attract some teams. I do think that the Jets are clear sellers at the March 21st deadline, but I can't see a way that any of the core of this team gets moved. Just the surrounding pieces. Andrew Copp is the only exception, as he is a valued UFA, who could pull quite the return, should he get healthy.

What would you like to see the Jets target at the deadline? Let me know your thoughts down below, and thank you for reading! Have a great day

Jacob Billington

Join the Discussion: » 61 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