The Winnipeg Jets played the Nashville Predators in a game that was essentially a must-win game. The team has struggled at times this season and they looked much better tonight. They clearly miss both Dustin Byfuglien and Josh Morrissey in the top six although Nathan Beaulieu is doing an admirable job so far in Morrissey’s spot. Outside of the defence, the new lines look great and Bryan Little brings some offensive flair to the duo of Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev.
The Jets also had to contend with their starting goalie being sick. Instead of letting this slow them down, Laurent Brossoit stepped up big time and played his best game in a while, making several big stops when the team needed him too.
First Period
The first period was a fairly even period with both teams playing with solid pace: it was a right proper start to the game and a team that needed it. Victor Arvidsson opened the scoring for the Predators off of a Jacob Trouba turnover and the Jets were down by one. It seemed like the Jets had scored to even the game, but it was waived off for being offside.
Second Period
The Jets started off on the powerplay and they actually are looking like a decent team. The Jets are playing fast and hard hockey which has not always been the case for them this season. They finally have lines that emphasize players’ strengths instead of pigeon-holing players to spots where they do not fit. Even Patrik Laine, who looked disengaged for parts of the season, looks in it to win it. The Jets have needed this for so long, it is nice to see.
The Jets defence looks as good as it can at the moment. Nathan Beaulieu has been good so far and while I am constantly waiting for him to have a massive brain fart like he is prone to do, but so far, so good. As for the other guys; they’re doing the best they can and honestly, with everyone being slotted out of place, so I cannot complain.
They ended up being down 2-0 after PK Subban scored on the powerplay, but responded with goals from Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor to even things up. Again, they looked a lot more alive this period.
Third Period
The Jets continued their strong play throughout the third with Blake Wheeler finally breaking through to give the Jets the go-ahead goal that they needed. Tyler Myers scored an empty net goal and things seemed to be over until Matthias Ekholm scored with 59 seconds left in the game. Kevin Hayes sealed the deal with a second empty net goal and that was it; the Jets beat their divisional rivals.
Cheers:
- Nathan Beaulieu for giving us only good Beaulieu the first couple games of his Jets career.
- Laurent Brossoit for coming through in the clutch for the Jets.
Jeers:
- My gym for not having sports on television ever.
- Some of the defencemen. You know who you are.
