My Winnipeg Jets line-up Through October –
The Winnipeg Jets have finished the month of October with a 4-5-1 record or 4 wins and 6 loses. There has been a lot of talk on twitter and on talk radio about the Winnipeg Jets line-up and what the line combos could be, should be and especially with the return of Evander Kane.
Evander Kane is back! photo by Shawn Coates
FINALLY, a chance to ice the same line-up as in game 1 versus the Arizona Coyotes in early October. But after watching the first 10 games, I wouldn’t ice the same line-up as Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Paul Maurice did on opening night.
For the sake of this discussion, I will use the players currently at Paul Maurice’s disposal. No speculating on what junior eligible players could have been kept or players that were sent to the Jets AHL affiliate in St. John’s.
Line #1
Ladd – Little – Frolik: This line still carries the mail on this hockey team. They may not have the flash and dash that the 2nd line started to develop late last season but they draw the tough assignments every single night and for the most part hold their own. Bryan Little is a very under-rated center in the Western Conference.
Line #2
Kane – Scheifele -Wheeler: In spite of what most Winnipeg Jets fans hope or think, Mark Scheifele is not the Jets #1 center at this point of his career and probably won’t be anytime soon. This line looked like it was starting to create some exciting chemistry last season but with Scheifele’s injury late last season and Evander Kane’s injury in their first game in 2014-15 this project was put on hold. Kane is now back so let the fun begin. If this line can produce anything close to the expectations that Jets fans have placed on them, it could be a fun season.
Line #3
Galiardi – Lowry – Perreault: Right now I think that Lowry and Perreault can and should flip-flop at the center position as needed. I’m not sure whether Lowry is a better center or a better winger so let’s give him some time to sort that out. I actually like the mix of a big grinding center/winger with the speedy Perreault and Galiardi. I’d like to see this unit get some time together and I would bet they could kick in a few timely, valuable and much needed goals from the bottom six forward group. Perreault could also be used on the PP as well.
Line #4
Peluso – Slater – Halischuk: This is probably the Winnipeg Jets best option for the fourth line but sadly one of, if not, the worst in the league. Jim Slater is useful on the PK and is a good face-off man. If you are going to keep a “tough guy” on your team, Peluso is the best option and Matt Halischuk is a serviceable winger. My problem with this group is they have a hard time staying healthy. Anthony Peluso misses a lot of time for a guy that plays 4-6 minutes a game. I don’t expect a lot from this group and I’m sure they won’t disappoint.
Back to the blue-line for Buff? photo by Shawn Coates
D pairing #1
Enstrom – Bogosian: Let the haters hate but this is the Winnipeg Jets best pairing although they are far from perfect. When they are both playing well, they are very good. It’s just a matter of being consistent every night not just some nights. I still have great hope for this pair.
D pairing #2
Clitsome – Byfuglien: This pair has shown some chemistry in the past and although I haven’t been the greatest supporter of Buff’s defensive play, he has more impact as a defenceman. His offensive talent is being wasted as a forward. He doesn’t need to play 26 minutes per night like ex-Jets Head Coach Claude Noel had him playing. With controlled minutes, Buff and this pairing could be very effective.
D pairing #3
Postma – Trouba: I believe this pairing and the #2 pairing are about equal but I gave the #2 pairing the benefit of the doubt based on age and experience. I have been very impressed this season with Postma’s foot speed and his decision making. Trouba is a rising star but is still young and prone to young mistakes. He can log big minutes and play in all situations.
Goal
Pavelec – Hutchinson: It is what it is. Pav has been pretty good to start this season but I need to see more for a longer period of time before I buy in. So far, so good. Goal-tending hasn’t been the problem for the Winnipeg Jets so far this season.
Press box
Adam Pardy, Mark Stuart and Chris Thorburn: So lets talk about Kevin Cheveldayoff’s two prized extensions in 2014; Mark Stuart and Chris Thorburn. These two players would be my candidates for the popcorn brigade. That’s a lot of wasted money sitting in the press box. Heart and intangibles only gets you so far on MY team. I have no doubt whatsoever that the Winnipeg Jets would live happily ever after without the services of these two.
It’s time to cut your losses and cut the cord Chevy!
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Amen to Stu and Thorbs in the press box. And I like Buff on the blue line. Not sure about Postma and Trouba together but a lack of depth is a big problem right now with this organization. Here’s hoping Morrissey is ready for next year.
I can’t fix everything with 1 article !!!! LOL … but this was the best I could do with what I had to work with.
Even if Josh is ready next year his impact would be minimal for a couple seasons.
I agrees!!
unfortunately I think we are still in the minority 🙁