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Instant Recap: Jets steal point in Minnesota to end road trip

Ondrej Pavelec's horrible record in back to back games continued and he lasted just 20 minutes in the game in Minnesota on Sunday. That isn't to say the goals were Pavelec's fault, but why tempt fate? Michael Hutchinson came in in relief and shut the door for 40 minutes while the Jets battled back from the 3-0 hole they dug for themselves. Third period goals from Michael Frolik, Evander Kane and Andrew Ladd evened the score by the end of regulation. Wild defenseman Marco Scandella ended the Jets comeback attempt in OT.

Ten Thoughts

1) There is absolutely zero excuse for starting Pavelec in back to back games. Everyone and their grandmother knows it a horrible idea. Granted, one of the goals against was simply bad luck, but who can say whether or not a fresher Pav would have made a big stop? If you think Pav was less than sharp, it isn't crazy to say that this loss is at least partially on Paul Maurice for that decision which flies in the face of logic.

2) You're almost never going to win a hockey game going 0 for 8 on the power play. The Jets power play unit has struggled to find their groove early this season. They must start to find to some consistency there in order to maintain their success.

3) Why is Chris Thorburn on the roster, again? The role of the fighter is gone in today's NHL, there's no problem with top guys fighting (at the right time). Wheeler, Ladd, Kane and Co. have shown the Jets have no need to talentless goons on bottom lines. Thorburn played less than six total minutes in the two games he's played since being reinserted into the lineup. He does not contribute at 5 on 5 or on special teams.

4) Evander Kane found his scoring touch today – even if it was ugly, it counted. He needs to continue to get better for the Jets to start winning more games. Kane also led the Jets with a stunning 7 hits.

5) Nice to see a Jets logo on the league leaders page on NHL.com. Michael Hutchinson's face along with the Jets logo pops up as the league leader in save percentage and goals against average. Why was Pavelec starting in back to backs again?

6) Mark Scheifele suffered a lower body injury. The Jets collapsed down the stretch last year after Scheifele left the lineup with injury. Hopefully he is not out for too long and the Jets show greater mental strength this year.

7) Lowry, Little and Slater were all below 40% on the draw. Giving away that much possession on what should be coin flips might start to hurt the Jets soon.

8) Not the bounce-back game Jacob Trouba was hoping for after a bad giveaway of his resulted in the final goal in the loss to Nashville Saturday. He was a -2 and still not quite on top of his game.

9) There is no problem with top end players fighting or mixing it up. However, the guys are going to need to pick their spots better. Trading off the Andrew Ladds and Evander Kanes of the world for Keith Ballard and Ryan Carter is not good business.

10) It's hard not to be impressed with the Jets battling back. This group appears to be mentally stronger than past editions and refuses to quit. The explosion of goals, sad when three is now considered an explosion, could always be a turning point.

What did you thing about tonight's game? Share your thoughts below.

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