Go Jets Go!

It’s been a while since we’ve given some love to our favorite city of Winnipeg.  I think the last time might have been when I went to the Flyers/Jets game in Philadelphia, and that was over a month ago.  That’s too damn long, and Winnipeg, I apologize for that.  Considering I’m wearing a Jets shirt today (hopefully Santa heard my request and they’ll be a Kyle Wellwood or Blake Wheeler jersey waiting for me under the tree on Christmas), so today is as good as ever to discuss the state of the Winnipeg Jets.

(SIDEBAR:  Speaking of my Jets tee shirt, it’s a simple faded blue shirt with the new Jets logo on it.  I tend to wear it over a thermal.  Anyway, I’m wearing it at the bar the other day and some cock-eyed smart ass staggers up to me and asks me if I’m wearing a superhero shirt.  Very sarcastically I told him yeah, and that the Batmobile was parked out back.  Idiot…)

Before I get to the Jets I’d like to send my condolences to the Blue Bombers and their loss at the Grey Cup.  The Lions were heavily favored to win it all (it didn’t hurt they were playing in front of their home crowd), and everywhere I listened and heard, no one really gave the Bombers a chance.  They did do better than I thought they would and put on a better showing then the Eskimos. It’s something positive to build on for next season.

Now lets move on to the Jets.  Things are looking really good in Jetsland these days.  They are currently riding a four-game winning streak (at the time of this writing), including a huge 2-1 victory over the defending champion Boston Bruins, and now find themselves only one point behind the Capitals for the eighth spot in the conference. This means me getting a Jets tattoo at seasons end is still in play (I will leave it up to the Rioters! in Winnipeg to decide which logo to get).  Things are beginning to come together for the Jets and there’s a good reason why.

Offense

Over the past month the Jets have found a comfort zone and have finally started to gel going 8-4-1.  Specifically, the month of December has been real good to the Jets as they’ve gone 4-0, outscoring their opponents 11-5.  A lot of this has to do with the emergence of Evander Kane, who has caught fire recording 10 goals and 5 assists (it’s good to see him settled into Winnipeg and no longer disgruntled). 

Kane’s offensive outburst has been contagious as Blake Wheeler (2-G, 10-A), Dustin Byfuglien (4–G, 8–A), Andrew Ladd (6–G, 3–A), and Bryan Little (7–G, 6–A), have shown the Jets can put the puck in the net (especially when they’re playing the Flyers).  Along with faceoff specialist, Jim Slater, the Jets have begun to come together as an offensive unit and have started to make a name for themselves.

While things are looking up offensively, there’s still unnecessary turnovers in the neutral zone, which is killing them.  Also aside from the play of Byfuglien and Chris Thornburn the team lacks a physical presence.

Defense

The Jets defense has also started to put it together.  Despite missing All-Star defenseman Tobias Enstrom and Ron Hainsey due to injuries.  Zach Bogosian has stepped up in a big way (hopefully he’s finally working towards the potential he shown when he was drafted) and The Mark’s (Stuart & Flood) have also filled in nicely.

I’m still with the belief that Byfuglien isn’t a defenseman and is better suited playing the forward position (I’ve seen too many times him bringing the puck in as a forward, turning it over, and unable to get back causing an odd-man rush), but with the current depletion of the defense it makes sense for him to man the blue line (I’d just prefer if he stayed on the point).

The defense still concerns me.  At times they are unable to clear the zone, and they are giving up entire too many shots.  Hopefully when Enstrom and Hainsey are finally healthy they’ll be able to have a sounder defense. 

The good news on the Enstrom front is he’s on the mend from a broken collarbone.  While he’s still a long way from returning it’s encouraging to see him  back skating.

Goaltending

Ondrej Pavelec has proved me wrong.  Going into the season I really didn’t think he had what it took to be a full-time starter in the NHL.  I thought he had the potential to be a nice platoon goaltender, but handling a full load seemed like a stretch.  Well so far this season there are times he’s had to stand on his head, leading to some big wins. 

On the flip side of the coin, there are times when he’s been complete garbage and had to be pulled after surrendering five goals.  While now I’m a believer in Pavelec, I would like to see a little more of Chris Mason.  He’s only started four games to date, and I’m still not sold Pavelec can handle a Martin Brodeur-type workload.

As for Mason, I really don’t have an opinion of him as he’s started sparingly and any other time he’s been used has been strictly mop-up duty after Pavelec was chased with his tail between his legs.  As I’ve already said, I hope he begins to get a little more work at minimum to give Pavelec a rest.

Outlook

It’s not going to be easy for the Jets here on out and making the playoffs still is a reach, considering they do tend to play a Jekyll and Hyde game entirely too often.  One thing working in their favor is the Southeast Division.  Florida is playing over their heads, Washington and Tampa still can’t seem to get their shit together, and Carolina just sucks.  While teams in the division are sputtering, the Jets need to take advantage of this and keep the hot streak alive.

I want to hear from you Winnipeg!  I know you’re reading.  Give me your thoughts here on the site or email me at shatmeself@yahoo.com and let me know.  The Jets are a work in progress, but it’s headed in the right direction.  Go Jets go!