Jets need some quick fixes before playoffs
A few suggestions to set up post-season run for suddenly struggling Winnipeg squad
If it were an easy fix, smarter people than me would have already implemented the solutions.
But as the Winnipeg Jets go into the final four games before the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, there is no shortage of options in the suggestion box on social media from Jets Nation fans.
As folks look for the next stop to jump off the bandwagon, those solutions vary from firing the head coach (it’s not going to happen, nor should it) to drastically changing the system (it’s too late for that and it isn’t really necessary).
Those things aren’t anywhere near the top of my list, though I do have a few thoughts on how the Jets might start looking a bit more like the team that earned a 5-0 victory over the Nashville Predators and less like the one that dropped the next three games of a homestand against the Dallas Stars, New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens.
“It would be easy to get pretty negative and start questioning our game going into the final stretch, but we’re trying to stay positive and trying to get better,” Jets forward Bryan Little said Sunday. “We’re just trying to get our level up before the playoffs start. I don’t think we’re too far off, but there are definitely things we can clean up and get better at — which were evident (on Saturday) night. But there’s no panic in our room right now.”
And there’s a reason for that. First and foremost, most of those things the Jets are working to clean up aren’t new issues.
Prior to last season, they had major work to do when it came to defending and that work — coupled with elite goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck — helped clear up the biggest cause for concern.
For myriad reasons, the Jets haven’t been as committed in that area this season and if they don’t find that level of dedication, they could be in for a longer summer break than many anticipated.
“The playoffs are always different and you want to head into the playoffs playing your best hockey,” said forward Patrik Laine, who was asked about the tight race for top spot in the Central Division, where two points separate the top three positions. “We still have four games and that’s going to be enough for us. Let’s just try to win every game. We’re going to finish first, that’s it. Then we don’t have to worry about what St. Louis and Nashville are doing.”
Hellebuyck has had some up-and-down stretches, but he’s found his form during the month of March.
Despite a 5-5 record, Hellebuyck has posted a .924 save percentage and 2.63 goals-against average in his 10 starts and 11 appearances.
He’s up to 58 starts and 60 appearances for the season, which is on track for the 60-62 starts he was expected to make.
The chase for top spot and the lower-body injury to backup goalie Laurent Brossoit had a slight impact on the usage recently, but three starts for Hellebuyck and one for either Eric Comrie or Brossoit is the most likely outcome this week.
That allows Hellebuyck to stay in a rhythm while not risking being overworked.
Here are several things the Jets should look to do during the final four games, beginning with Monday’s matchup at the United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks:
REUNITE TLC
At a time when the Jets are giving up too many scoring chances, putting forward Andrew Copp back with Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev makes sense. That line has done a great job of both defending against top lines and accumulating offensive zone time. Copp is doing a great job at centre and has helped bring stability to the fourth line, but he needs to play more. The Lowry line is going to be counted on when the matchup game ramps up in the post-season.
MOVE LITTLE BACK TO THE MIDDLE
The corresponding move would see Bryan Little move back to his natural position. Little is playing well on the wing, but a fourth line of Little with Mathieu Perreault and Jack Roslovic was effective during the playoffs last spring and wouldn’t have to be sheltered. Little would still be used on the penalty kill and on the second power play unit, so his ice time won’t necessarily be limited.
PUT BYFUGLIEN ON TOP PP
Defenceman Jacob Trouba is enjoying his best offensive season as a pro (47 points) and has 18 of those points on the power play. However, Dustin Byfuglien’s ability to distribute the puck and get his shot through from the blue line could make the first unit even more dangerous. And Trouba will still get an opportunity to work on the second unit.
BUCKLE DOWN
As New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz pointed out earlier this week, defending is all about commitment and detail. The Jets know how to defend, as they posted two shutouts in a three-game span before this three-game losing skid. When the Jets play a fast, hard-gap game, they are a handful to play against. When they don’t, opposing teams can leave them scrambling in the defensive zone. And that’s not a recipe for success.