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The Afterburners: Jets Blanked by Rangers

For the second time in as many nights, the Winnipeg Jets were unable to secure a victory against an Atlantic Division opponent.

Tonight’s tilt mirrored that of Saturday’s against the Devils as both sides skated to a 0-0 draw going into the first intermission.

It was mid-way through the second period when New York was able to break the deadlock as Derek Stepan finished a beautiful tic-tac-toe passing play on the Rangers second powerplay of the game.

However, the Jets were unable to mount consecutive third period comebacks, looking deflated after taking three penalties in the span of 1:29 and having to kill a full two minutes of 5 on 3 play early in the final frame.

Winnipeg was able to stay within striking distance before a Dustin Byfuglien miscue in the Rangers zone lead to Marian Gaborik finishing a two on one rush to make it a 2-0 Rangers lead.

Gaborik salted the game away with mere seconds left, lobbing his second goal of the night into Winnipeg's yawning cage, capping off a three point night for the talented Slovak.

The Jets had multiple scoring opportunities but were stymied by a stout Rangers defense and the solid play of back-up goaltender Martin Biron for the entirety of the game.

Monday will be a travel day as they head to Buffalo, NY to take on the Sabres in the final contest of their seven game road swing.

Continue reading for box score information and "10 Thoughts".

 




1st Period: No Scoring

2nd Period: 10:01 New York PP Goal, Derek Stepan (2) ( Marian Gaborik, Michael Del Zotto)

3rd Period: 08:31 New York ES Goal, Marian Gaborik (6) (Derek Stepan, Artem Anisimov); 19:58 New York ES Goal, Marian Gaborik (7) (Artem Anisimov)

Shots: Winnipeg 23, New York 27

3 Stars: 1. Derek Stepan 2. Martin Biron 3. Marian Gaborik

 

10 Thoughts

 

  • Something has to be done to shake up the Jets underwhelming duo of Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little. Since Winnipeg’s 9 goal outburst in Philadelphia, the two have combined for just one point in Winnipeg’s following five games. Sure, the Jets have struggled with injuries, but at some point they might have to think of separating the tandem to try getting their offensive games on track.
  • Sean Avery had an uneventful game for the Rangers. After being recalled from the Connecticut Whale late in the week, Avery managed only quiet 5:21 minutes of ice time tonight.
  • Mark Flood's first NHL goal last night went a long way in the eyes of Winnipeg coaching staff. After registering only 0:49 seconds of powerplay time against the Devils, he amassed a whopping 3:01 on the man advantage versus the Rangers.

  • Ondrej Pavelec and Johnny Oduya were absolute rock stars on New York’s two minute 5 on 3 powerplay early in the third period. Both stepped up and made timely plays to keep the game at 1-0, giving the Jets a chance to stage a comeback.
  • Dan Girardi continued to show why he is one of the best at blocking shots in the NHL. He finished with a game high 5 blocks tonight.
  • Martin Biron has Winnipeg's number this year. Making his second start against the Jets this season, Biron was brilliant again in his effort, registering the twenty-seventh (27th) shutout of his career. He has stopped 50 of the 51 shots he has faced from Jets players this year (23 tonight).

    Watching Tim Stapleon on the Jets powerplay is a lot like a mule with a spinning wheel. No one knows how he got it and danged if he knows how to use it!

    Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien should be singled out as the goats for Winnipeg tonight. Ladd took not one but two offensive zone penalties in succession during the second period, while New York's second goal came directly from an ill timed pinch by Byfuglien. Both are considered leaders on the club and neither has been up to snuff in recent contests. Noel needs to get more from both of them.

  • Call-ups Mark Flood and Brett Festerling continue to hold their own on Winnipeg’s blue line. Flood has marked 1 goal, 1 assist and a +1 plus/minus rating in three games. Festerling has been held scoreless with a -2 plus/minus rating in as many games, but his shortcomings are due largely to being paired with Dustin Byfugilen.
  • Winnipeg dressed seven defensemen tonight which is odd considering this was the second of back-to-back games. Even more peculiar in looking at the games stats is that Paul Postma and Ben Maxwell combined for a total TOI of 4:12, reducing the Jets to the use of three lines. That’s poor tactics on Claude’s part. Not many NHL teams succeed when shortening their bench when the team is gassed.
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