Recap
Andrew Ladd opened the scoring on a great tip on Dustin Byfuglien’s point shot. Mark Scheifele added another power play goal within a few more minutes, walking in from the half wall, and using the Nashville defenseman as a screen.
Nashville pulled within one goal again, when Filip Forsberg beat Ondrej Pavelec with a hard shot from the face-off circle.
Jacob Trouba made several nice defensive plays during the game. With about 90 seconds to play, he gained control of the puck in the Jets‘ end. He advanced the puck over the blue line, and spotted Blake Wheeler speeding past the Predator defenseman on his right. He hit Wheeler with a good pass, and Wheeler scored into the empty net.
Ten Thoughts
- Mark Scheifele was the game’s first star. There were many players who could have been first star, but I was happy that Scheifele got the recognition tonight. He scored on a nice shot, using the Predator defenseman to screen the Nashville goalie, Carter Hutton. After all the crossbars and goalposts that Scheifele’s hit lately, it was great to see him score. He played a strong game, along with his line mates, Blake Wheeler and Evander Kane.
- The Winnipeg Jets set a new franchise record for the longest game time of shutout hockey, from 16:33 of the third period against New Jersey, until 16:17 of the second period tonight. That time span included 7 full periods of hockey, as well as 2 overtime periods. The Jets have now allowed just 2 goals in their last 4 games.
- Ondrej Pavelec played a very solid game. Although the goal by Forsberg might be one that he’d like to have back, he made great plays throughout the game, including a great poke check. He also made 3 great glove catches on pucks shot across the crease to the far side of the net, that might have been tapped in by a Predator forward. His active goalkeeping style seems to be working well with the team right now.
- All four of the Jets lines were effective. Even the fourth line had a good night.
- Jacob Trouba continued his strong play, making several great body checks. He also moved the puck extremely well.
- Blake Wheeler didn’t seem to be at his usual top speed tonight. I wonder if he’s still sore from some of the shots that he’s blocked lately. Nevertheless, he set-up Scheifele’s goal, and scored the empty-net goal. He played well in both ends of the rink.
- Tobias Enstrom was brilliant, making great passes, and even successfully fighting for the puck along the boards.
- Paul Postma made many great plays, including a nice move to make his own break-out from the Jets’ end.
- Shea Weber was the best player for Nashville, in my opinion. However, the Jets did a great job keeping an eye on Weber at the point, preventing him from taking clear, open shots. (Remember how Dennis Wideman scored from the point in the Calgary game, when he was allowed to walk into the deep slot? There wasn’t that kind of room for Shea Weber tonight).
- Zach Bogosian seems like he’s gripping his stick too tightly. He’s making plays, but they seem rushed. We’re still waiting to see the smooth moves and breakouts that he used to make on a regular basis.
