The Winnipeg Jets have been falling like a rock within the standings. The excellent news for Winnipeg followers is that regardless of their poor report during the last month and a half, they nonetheless personal a spot within the playoffs as a result of lack of parody within the Western Convention. The Jets will doubtless both have a second Wild Card spot, or in an unlikely state of affairs, the third spot within the Central Division.
Right here’s a have a look at the place the Winnipeg Jets stand as they contend for the NHL playoffs
Forwards
If anybody had any doubts that Kyle Connor was a real high line ahead earlier than this season, he’s proved them improper after which some. Not even the Winnipeg Jets projected Connor as a point-per-game participant when he was drafted. Nevertheless, behind taking part in with gifted linemates like Pierre Luc-Dubois, Connor has been capable of put the puck within the internet greater than constantly.
The Winnipeg Jets don’t have a lot depth of their ahead group, however they make up for it with expertise. Gamers like Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Adam Lowry have been taking part in alongside one another for greater than half a decade. Regardless of every considered one of them not being world stoppers, the gamers, along with the expertise they’ve made up for it, and the Jets’ second line have been one of the vital productive of the season.
Defensemen
The Winnipeg Jets ahead and defensive group are polar opposites. The Jets’ six defensemen every lead the workforce in defensive level shares. Other than Josh Morrissey, none of them are on the high in offensive level shares. Which means that the Jets virtually completely let their forwards assault their d males defend.
That technique has had its drawbacks this season. On paper, the Winnipeg Jets ought to have probably the greatest blue strains in the whole league, however within the final month it hasn’t panned out that approach. The Jets have struggled to restrict opposition scoring probabilities, which has led to a objective deficiency. The Jets rely far an excessive amount of on bruisers like Logan Stanley and Kyle Copobianco of their lineup, who each rank backside of their workforce in complete protection.
Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck is formally again. The Winnipeg Jets netminder is taking part in a number of the finest hockey he’s ever performed in his total profession. Hellebuyck has been a workhorse goalie for the Jets, beginning in 55 of the workforce’s 72 video games. Hellebuyck has a .918 save share and a GAA of simply over two-and-a-half. With solely a win complete of 31, that signifies that the Jets have to be taking part in higher D in entrance of their netminder.
The Jets have a wonderfully serviceable backup in David Rittich, who, when counted on, has carried out effectively for Winnipeg. He most likely isn’t the identify that followers would really feel assured in turning to if Hellebuyck obtained injured or struggled within the playoffs, however he’s dependable in brief spurts.
