Winnipeg Jets grades for the defencemen, goaltenders and special teams –
The Winnipeg Jets blue-line was decimated by injuries in the second quarter of this season and somehow the replacements managed to keep it together. I can’t remember ANY NHL team having their top two pairings injured at the same time. The fact that the Jets kept winning in spite of this is a testament to their system and overall commitment to team defence.
Biggest surprise: Two players not even on the teams radar in training camp came riding to the rescue to become the Winnipeg Jets #1 defence pairing. Dustin Byfuglien and AHL call-up Ben Chiarot have been nothing short of outstanding! This pairing has logged big minutes and Buff has put up points while playing some terrific, physical hockey.
Another nice surprise has been Jay Harrison. He has been a solid, inexpensive pick-up and he does not look out-of-place on the Winnipeg Jets blue-line.
In goal: It looks like rookie Michael Hutchinson has gained the trust of the coaching staff and is slowly taking over the #1 goaltending position. The team won’t come out and say it but if it “walks like a duck” and “it talks like a duck” …. Well, you know the rest!
Michael Hutchinson had a terrific 2nd quarter!
The Winnipeg Jets special teams were solid in the second quarter with the PP showing a resurgence going 18 for 73 while the PK allowed 17 goals in 91 chances. The Winnipeg Jets give up the most PP opportunities in the whole league and that needs to change.
At the time of this “Report Card”, the Winnipeg Jets record was 20-14-7 and IMO these grades reflect their play. Please feel free to add your grades or opinions on any player/players you feel I have over-rated or short-changed. Remember, this is only my opinion and mine alone and it does not reflect the opinion or opinions of the other writers here at Winnipeg Hockey Talk.
I assign two grades; first (hockey grade) is just strictly what you see is what you get and the second (ROI) is weighed against salary or “bang for your buck”.
Please feel free to comment below.
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OK.. iv’e been standing up for Scheifele but his best shot seems to be off the post. Is he going to be the “guy”
as long as his point totals improve each season he’ll be fine … he just has to say on his feet more!