Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and the National Hockey League.
1. The Winnipeg Jets went 1-2-0 last week and are 16-17-2 overall.
2. As if Andrew Ladd’s season isn’t going bad enough, he and Mark Scheifele had a collision in practice sending Scheifele to the IR with a concussion. Oops.
3. Congrats to Connor Hellebuyck who recorded his first NHL shutout Sunday night (1-0) versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.
4. The way Joel Armia skates reminds me a lot of Robert Lang. It would be awesome if he had a similar career.
5. I can’t remember watching a hockey game that was 1-0 and the only goal scored was a penalty shot like Bryan Little’s Sunday night.
6. Would it be a stretch to say that the Winnipeg Jets upcoming road trip through Arizona, San Jose, Anaheim, Nashville, and Dallas could be a “save the season” defining road trip or is it a tad too early to be this over-dramatic?
7. Kevin Cheveldayoff will be interviewed during the second intermission of the Canada/Denmark game today (Monday). I’m pretty sure he will asked soft-ball, generic questions about what he’s doing there and who he’s watching (Spacek and Kraskovsky) so don’t expect any earth shattering news on Ladd/Byfuglien/Hamonic.
8. I’m not so sure the big hit on Leafs prospect William Nylander (Sweden) by Switzerland’s Chris Egli was even a penalty, never mind a 3-game suspension. I watched it over and over and IMO it was a shoulder to shoulder hit and the head was not the principle point of contact. It was a big hit and it rattled his bones but it wasn’t dirty.
9. I might be the only guy in North America that actually likes Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella. I like his no-nonsense, straight forward attitude. It rubs a lot of the people the wrong way because nowadays most people can’t handle the truth.
10. All 16 Jets wins so far this season have all been ROWs.
11. Winnipeg Jets prospect Michael Spacek (Czech Rep) was named “Player of the Game” versus Russia.
12. Does anybody think that the Jets should have released Nikolaj Ehlers to Team Denmark for the World Juniors? For the record, I wouldn’t have.
13. I don’t like the Chiarot/Stuart defence pairing but at least they are playing appropriate minutes.
14. Have you ever had one of those seasons in “Fantasy Hockey” where every decision, trade, roster line-up ends up being a mistake? I’m going through that in two leagues right now and I’m pretty sure I’m being punished by the fantasy gods but I don’t know why! I’m basically a nice guy for a curmudgeon.
15. Commenting on his team beaking off at officials after taking penalties John Tortorella said it best … “shut your mouths and play.” (see #9)
16. If you are in Arizona for the New Years Eve Coyotes/Jets game, stop by and say hello. I’ll be in section 120 … top row in the lower bowl.
17. I didn’t like the Jets forward lines that Paul Maurice concocted for the Penguins game. I still want to see Ehlers play with two skilled players. Why not put him with Little and Wheeler?
18. Winnipeg Jets Special teams update:
PK: 26th at 77.7% up from 27th at 76.8% last week … BRUTAL
PP: 29th at 13.6% down from 29th at 14.7% last week … EXTRA BRUTAL
19. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup: 265 days (Sept. 17-Oct. 1 in Toronto) How many Winnipeg Jets do you think will be playing in this event?
20. The next time we get together it will be 2016 so I hope all of you and all of our favourite sports teams have terrific new year.
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If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks, Mitch
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re #9 – you could see Torts evolve from a total hard ass in NY, he tried to ease it up in Van but that team was bad. He’s trying again and showing an ability to contain himself.
I don’t know what it is about Ehlers.. he needs to put the puck in the net and seems snake bit at times. He’s dynamic with the puck and once some scoring confidence hits, he’ll be a great asset.
*grin*.. My comment the other day was Oshie but I meant Okposo. Here’s my trade with the NYI.. Hamonic and Okposo for Trouba and Ladd… I’m not a great Trouba fan.. he’s not Bobby Orr, not even close. Okposo is a Minnesota boy and like Ladd, a free agent next year. He may like the idea of being closer to home as well and easier to sign. Just a thought.
2. Poor Andrew Ladd. Playing lousy, no contract, character guy…oh wait, he’s got millions in the bank. He ain’t poor at all. Good luck to him though re: re-finding his hockey mojo.
5. That game could have been a disaster. Hellybelly made some real big saves, especially in the 2nd. They (Jets) played well, but they should have had 2 or more more! Can’t believe they didn’t score on some of those grade A+ chances. Unfathomable!
6. Not at all at tad too early. Because of their poor play, the Jets have little room for error. Thus, a .500 road trip will keep them near relevant, but anything less and they will start the sell-off, I think.
9. Torts, in Vcr., was a breath of fresh air after Vigneault re: post-game interview content/candidacy, but he got kind of tiring (i.e. his message) after constantly saying it was, “the coaches’ faults for not making the players understand what it takes to blah blah blah.” And, his teams play pretty boring hockey. But, he is candid.
Good luck, Jets.