Winnipeg Jets: Segment 8 Update

UPDATE: Apr. 12, 2015

The Winnipeg Jets 8th 10 game segment –

Eleven every ten

My theory is that if you can garner a minimum of eleven points in every ten game segment (on average) and win those two extra games you should be in the playoffs (92 points) OR at least be in the hunt on the last weekend of the season. The team would have ninety-two points. In 2013-14 the Dallas Stars grabbed the last playoff spot with 91 points.

The original article explaining my theory can be seen here.

Winnipeg Jets: Slow and Steady Should Do It

Segment 8

JETS CLINCH … JETS CLINCH

The Jets were excellent students following the formula to a “T” with the exception of segment #1 where they weren’t all completely “bought in” 🙂 but after that they were very consistent in their other 7 game segments where they reached or exceeded the 11 point minimum.

In the middle of segment 8, the Jets lost two of their top defencemen: Toby Enstrom to injury and Dustin Byfuglien to a four game suspension. Once again, it didn’t matter who the Jets had in their line-up as they just continued to grind. Ondrej Pavelec recorded an UNBELIEVABLE 3 consecutive shutouts on their three game road trip against tough opponents in Minnesota, St. Louis, and Colorado.

They finished segment 8 with a 6-3-1 record for 13 points once again exceeding their 11 point minimum AND PUNCHED THEIR TICKET TO THE 2014-15 NHL PLAYOFFS.

We are in and are now at DEFCON 5.

The Jets have finished the 2014-15 season with 99 points.

As of April 12, 2015

Segment 1

The Winnipeg Jets first ten game segment wasn’t looking very good but with two wins and a shootout loss in the final three games of the first segment they actually salvaged that segment by finishing 4-5-1 for 9 points. Based on looking at eleven points per segment on average, they only missed by two.

Segment 2

The Winnipeg Jets second 10 game segment finished up on Tuesday night versus the New Jersey Devils with a 3-1 victory giving them 14 points in this segment.

They met my 11 point quota and made up the lost 2 points in segment 1 and have 1 more point in the bank. There are going to be ups and there are going to be downs all season but if they can average 11 points …….. could be playoffs !!!

I have designated game #41 and game #82 as the two extra games. I will continue to chart and update the Winnipeg Jets in 10 game segments all year.

Segment 3

The Jets third segment ended with a shootout loss in Denver to the Avalanche on Thursday night but they managed to secure 13 points in their last 10 game segment going 5-2-3. The Jets banked 2 more points giving them a total of 3 (banked) after being 2 in arrears after segment 1.

In segment 3 we saw the start of a possible platoon system in goal between Pavelec and Hutchinson. We also saw Buff move back to defense with the injuries to Enstrom, Bogosian and Clitsome.

Segment 4

The Winnipeg Jets met the 11 point target BUT let a golden opportunity slip away when they had a chance to sweep a home and home series versus the Minnesota Wild, losing 3-2 at home. They also let a HUGE point (minimum) slip away in a 3-2 loss versus the San Jose Sharks in game 10 of the 4th segment. The Sharks scored the winner with 4 seconds left in the 3rd period.

In segment #4 we saw the emergence of Michael Hutchinson as the potential “#1 goalie”. We also saw forward Evander Kane joining the walking wounded. Overall the Jets have done an admirable job treading water when you consider the injuries to their defensive corp but it doesn’t get any easier for them in January with a brutal stretch of 7 games in 11 nights. This could ultimately be the turning point in their quest for a playoff berth.

The Jets are still playing .500 hockey (20 wins and 20 losses) and hanging in. So far, so good. The formula seems to be accurate for the most part as the Winnipeg Jets were in a playoff position after the 2nd and 3rd and now the 4th segment where they had “just barely” reached the minimum goal of an 11 point average.

Segment 5

Before starting Segment 5, the Winnipeg Jets lost “extra game #1” so they received a minus 2 rating in that column, not the end of the world but it would have been nice to get that win.

The Jets started out the 5th segment with points in their first 7 games and had already reached their 11 point minimum just before the All-Star break. THEN, the Jets laid 2 eggs on their trip to Pennsylvania and lost a penalty filled home game to the Dallas Stars. They finished the segment 6-3-1 and still banked 2 points in the +/- column.

Losing the final 3 games of this segment sure got the locals attention, but it wasn’t so much the losing, it was more about the way they lost. Sloppy neutral zone play, poor gap control, less than stellar goaltending, seemingly abandoning their system and penalty after penalty were major causes for concern. The Winnipeg Jets PK gave up 7 goals in 13 chances in this stretch … nuff said.

The Winnipeg Jets start segment 6 with 2 big road games versus the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks then return home for 2 divisional games against the Chicago Blackhawks and Colorado Avalanche. Winnipeg Jets fans are really hoping that the team can get back on track before this gets away from them. It’s not quite panic time yet but I’d say it’s reached DEFCON 3. Buckle up!

Segment 6

Segment 6 was very eventful with the blockbuster Evander Kane trade and the unfortunate injuries to main-stays Mathieu Perreault and Ben Chiarot.

After a poor finish in segment 5 and poor start in segment 6 the Winnipeg Jets are still on a decent pace to make the playoffs. They went 4-3-3 for 11 points and just barely met their 11 point minimum.

It’s too bad the Jets couldn’t have banked some extra points as these last 2 segments are going to be a grind with points being harder to come by.

Even with the turmoil and angst going on in Jets Nation after the OT loss to Toronto the local team is still holding down the 1st wild-card position. It’s not quite panic time yet but I’d say it’s reached DEFCON 3.

Segment 7 will see the NHL trade deadline come and go and many Jets fans are wondering if Kevin Cheveldayoff will be trading for a rental or two. What happens to Michael Frolik if he’s not re-signed by the Mar. 2 trade deadline? Will Chevy trade him or risk losing him to free agency on July 1st?

Segment 7 starts with 4 straight home games and 6 or 7 points would be nice!

Segment 7

In the middle of segment 7, the Jets lost 3 games in 4 starts and had a lot of their fans on “the ledge” but they managed to grind out a 6-3-1 segment and exceeded the 11 point goal.

Segment 7 saw the injury bug hit again with Bryan Little, Ben Chiarot and Dustin Byfuglien missing most of this segment. We also saw the most deflating and bizarre goal scored in a 5-4 loss in St. Louis. We also saw the re-emergence of Ondrej Pavelec. After being victimized by a 75 foot shot from center ice with less than a minute to go in the St. Louis game, he has rebounded with 3 consecutive wins while playing some of his best hockey all season.

This segment also has seen the emergence of Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford as major contributors to the Winnipeg Jets. They have both been terrific additions to the Jets line-up.

The Jets are still holding down a wildcard spot but they are in a dogfight with Minnesota, Calgary, Los Angeles, and Vancouver.

We are still at DEFCON 3.

Segment 8 will see the Jets play 5 at home and 5 on the road with every game being a grind.

The Jets are still on pace for approximately 95-96 points.