Introduction:
Game two of the Jets current road trip brings them to the home of Wayne Newton, Carrot Top and last year’s Stanley Cup runner up, Vegas Golden Knights. Last season the Golden Knights were the most successful first year professional franchise, ever. This year, reality has set in somewhat as they currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division. They are coming off of a shoot out loss on Wednesday against the Boston Bruins, and are still firmly entrenched in the playoffs.
The Jets were buried in their last game by the Colorado Avalanche, losing 7 – 1. Pretty much the worst game I have seen the Jets play this year. They really looked bad and frustrated. Taking away one positive, Sami Niku looks like he can play at an NHL level. He makes quick decisions with the puck; generally is in position in his own end; and just might be the best passer amongst the Jets defense already. If I were coach, I’d slot Niku in as a regular, and implement the rule that only one of Ben Chiarot or Joe Morrow are allowed to dress each game, barring injury.
Frenemy Blog:
| Winnipeg Jets | Vegas Golden Knights |
|---|---|
| Record: 36 20 4 | Record: 32 25 5 |
| Last Ten Games: 4 4 2 | Last Ten Games: 3 6 1 |
| Who Is Hot: Hot is too strong, but Sami Niku looks like an NHL regular defenseman. | Who Is Hot: Former Minnesota Wild Alex Tuch leads the team in scoring this season. |
| Who is Not: The team. This is the worst I have seen the team play in quite some time. | Who Is Not: William Karlsson has been fine this season, but clearly last season was a bit of an aberration in terms of his true ability. |
| Keep an Eye On: Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. The best players need to lead in tough times. | Keep an Eye On: Old pal Paul Stastny. Decided he preferred 25 degrees celcius temperatures in February over getting frostbite at Festival Du Voyageur. |
