Post-Game Talk: Bagel City Jets 3 - Avs 0

[kanadalainen]

TLDR alert.

Where to start. So I think in last night Dylan picked up where he left off early this season. Our D core feels much better with him on it, everyone gets slotted into a their spot.

What makes Samberg a great modern day shut down defender. In no particular order:

First off let’s start out with match ups. I am now comfortable with him being utilized against the best of the best. That is a big step forward.

Size with skating. Sammy is 6’4” and about 215-220 and built really solid. He has functional strength too, by that I mean he is really effective at puck battles. He may lack a mean streak (dammit) but he is far from passive and loves to physically engage to battle for possession.

He effortlessly kills rushes and covers ground because of his smooth powerful 4 ways skating and long reach. He has elite defensive instincts and a disruptive stick. He also takes very aggressive routes and often meets and engages attackers at the earliest opportunity to break up plays. He “gaps up” as well as any defender. Last night Nate gained our blue line coming down the right boards and Dylan was soft gapping but the minute Nate gained the blue line Dylan slowed to allow the gap to close and he extended his stick out quickly to make contact and disrupt that play. Nate maintained possession but a battle ensured. Samberg gave the space over the blue line to MacKinnon but then took it away.

Next skill set is once he wins battles he shows so much more poise this season. He is able to win pucks in pressure situations and quickly move/transition them into space to teammates. Once he gets pucks he doesn’t panic and together with Neil they very effectively transition to attack and support the attack. Dylan has become really good at puck moving.

I remember once last night it was either Makar or MacKinnon and that had the puck deep in our end and was being shadowed (1 on 1) by Samberg and after a longer route the puck carrier actually broke contain a bit and increased gap and I thought, I can’t remember the last time someone did that to Samberg but shortly after Dylan adjusted his angle and was able to get his stick on the puck on the shot attempt.

Ok I realize this was a bit flowery and yes like all defenders he make mistakes and can be beat but this season he has taken a very big step.

I will cut myself off here. Two of my favorite modern shut down guys are Brodin and Slavin and Dylan is (moving towards becoming) a slightly bigger/thicker version of those two. Neither puts up big points but they are impact players. I can see Samberg settling in to similar role that those two play. A top pairing defender who is as impactful as you can get while not running a PP. The second part is key because it keeps them more cost effective.

Thunderin' Jesus bye, ye need to offer us plebians this fine fare on a semi regular basis. Two semi-opposable thumbs up.

You've certainly captured Lucy's attentions.

 

[Flair Hay]

Pionk isn't a 6m player? That's the hottest of hot takes.

Also since when are contracts based on that? Just because they should be doesn't mean they are.

Top 4 RHD with offensive chops are pretty rare and the market reflects that.

I think pionk at 6x6 is a value deal.

It's really not a hot take at all. The past few years he has been more of a $3M value making almost double that.

That said... he is definitely having a great year. Finally producing more even more than he did in his first year during the bubble.

Scoring at a higher rate per 60 than Morrissey both 5v5 (he is at 1.20 where past 5 years he was between 0.68 and 1.00) and on the PP. And he looks the part two when he is playing with Samberg.

The issue is always how he matches up defensively against really good teams with big skilled forwards. So obviously Samberg helps with that.

I'd hate hate losing a guy like Ehlers to keep Pionk. But in the event Ehlers is gone and the cap isn't an issue, I can't see the Jets letting both leave.

Really good top RD are hard to find. Right there. It's just Pionk hasn't been a good top 4 RD since 2019-20. Now he is having a career year after 4 years of being the weak spot in the top six.

I'm way more open to signing him now then start of the season. But if someone is saying he isn't worth 6 mil, we'll he hasn't been in 4 of 6 seasons here. So I can't see why that is some scorching take.

He played really great last night I thought. Was crisp all night.

 

[kanadalainen]

Suck it sportsnet and gallery

Oh, they are. Lots of practice this winter.

 

[kanadalainen]

3 of 4 points this weekend is quite lovely.

 

[bustamente]

Salary Cap and how high it goes will determine if the Jets can afford Pionk at 6m or more. We got Samberg and Vilardi as to top RFA's to sign, Barron and Kupari and middle RFA's to sign. Also a host of UFA's led by Nik who I personally don't think will be re signing unfortunately. A I might also flee. I think this team can move on from Vladdy and Apples but one or both could be back. The kicker is the following year and what KFC will want also the Captain will need a new contract which I don't think will be to hard to attain. Back to Pionk do the Jets give him a big ticket long term deal and hope he plays the way he has this year, maybe but if they do and he reverts to past years that contract will haunt them.

 

[voyageur]

Hopefully this is a wake up call to the portion of the media and fan base that says you can't break up the "best 3rd line in hockey". Balanced 4 lines makes us way more dangerous then a shut down line. Don't think anyone had a bad game in that one, 4th line didn't get much time but Toni showed way more speed then I remember.

It also reinforced Lowry's role as legitimate 2C. He and Iafallo were over 17 minutes ES. In a hard matchup. Ended up with more ice time than Scheif the way special teams were.

Now for Ehlers this is it. Want to play with the big boys here's your chance. Don't turn over the puck and play a game that complements your linemates and there's ice time.

Or want to be a scoring forward with less ice time? If Ehlers likes the competition he'll play to the strengths of this line Then the holes at center are a lot less of an issue. Namestnikov in Kupari's spot makes it a 4 line team as the 4th line can handle defensive matchups too, once Apples comes back.

We'll see if these lines stick though. It's first time Arny has broke the top 6 bottom 6 mold.

 

[GeorgeJETson]

I realize this is off topic, but wanted everyone aware.

I received a phishing attempt that might be related to the recent drama. It was a very unconvincing one, but thought I'd let you all know so you can remain vigilant.

 

[FFHockey]

Pardon my ignorance, but when the hell is HF gonna be fixed? Kudos to all of you who continue to post here, I find it extremely frustrating to read, let alone post. (but here I am posting!)

Didn’t get to watch last night as we were at a friend’s place for a dinner gathering…and they typically don’t give a rat’s ass about sports. Food was delish and fun had by all but sounds like I missed a good one.

Thanks for all your updates!

 

[Whileee]

I think tonight showed a # 2 center is probably our biggest need. Lurch and Nino changed the complexion of the game, but a permanent fix is needed. I really liked how our D stepped up which makes me a little less concerned with an upgrade there.

I'd like to see a longer stretch with Lowry at 2C with Ehlers on the wing. Iafallo can play with them, or maybe Nino. But I think Lowry can play with offensive players the way Jordan Staal and Sam Bennett do.

Here are the individual and on-ice stats for those three over the past three seasons. Staal and Bennett play more often with top offensive wingers like Jarvis and Tkachuk.

On-ice, then individual stats below...

 

[wpgallday1960]

Pardon my ignorance, but when the hell is HF gonna be fixed? Kudos to all of you who continue to post here, I find it extremely frustrating to read, let alone post. (but here I am posting!)

Didn’t get to watch last night as we were at a friend’s place for a dinner gathering…and they typically don’t give a rat’s ass about sports. Food was delish and fun had by all but sounds like I missed a good one.

Thanks for all your updates!

Friends who don’t let you watch the Jets aren’t really your friends.

 

[imec]

Good games from helle, eels and snerg

Someone posted earlier not to forget how you play these guys in this matter

Suck it sportsnet and gallery

On to the next one

Did anyone else notice that, just for a half second or so, the score on the TV screen turned to 2-1 after Ehler's empty netter? Sportsnet Swines.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Agreed with all. Sammy coming back makes a huge difference and Pionk was really good tonight. Anyone watching tonight, please explain why you don't want Pionk back if he comes at a reasonable price, because you will be hard pressed to find a similar RHD anywhere near the $6M price point.

If we get this year's Pionk back, yes. The Pionk of the previous few years, not so much. Its just the uncertainty of which Pionk we would get that is a problem.

His 2 best years have been his 2 contract years. Coincidence? Maybe. How about sign him to a series of 1 year contracts. Every year is a contract year.

TBH, I don't know whether that is coincidence or not. There can be other factors, injuries, partner, personal life, etc. He is earning his contract this year.

 

[Flair Hay]

It also reinforced Lowry's role as legitimate 2C. He and Iafallo were over 17 minutes ES. In a hard matchup. Ended up with more ice time than Scheif the way special teams were.

Now for Ehlers this is it. Want to play with the big boys here's your chance. Don't turn over the puck and play a game that complements your linemates and there's ice time.

Or want to be a scoring forward with less ice time? If Ehlers likes the competition he'll play to the strengths of this line Then the holes at center are a lot less of an issue. Namestnikov in Kupari's spot makes it a 4 line team as the 4th line can handle defensive matchups too, once Apples comes back.

We'll see if these lines stick though. It's first time Arny has broke the top 6 bottom 6 mold.

Am I being pessimistic if I'm pretty sure this is only temporary while Namestnikov is out?

If we get this year's Pionk back, yes. The Pionk of the previous few years, not so much. Its just the uncertainty of which Pionk we would get that is a problem.

His 2 best years have been his 2 contract years. Coincidence? Maybe. How about sign him to a series of 1 year contracts. Every year is a contract year.

TBH, I don't know whether that is coincidence or not. There can be other factors, injuries, partner, personal life, etc. He is earning his contract this year.

Yup agreed

 

[kanadalainen]

Did anyone else notice that, just for a half second or so, the score on the TV screen turned to 2-1 after Ehler's empty netter? Sportsnet Swines.

Yes, caught that. And, agreed. Egregious mud coveting swine

 

[snowkiddin]

I realize this is off topic, but wanted everyone aware.

I received a phishing attempt that might be related to the recent drama. It was a very unconvincing one, but thought I'd let you all know so you can remain vigilant.

There’s been drama? When? Where? How many? Who? Why? Really?

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I think tonight showed a # 2 center is probably our biggest need. Lurch and Nino changed the complexion of the game, but a permanent fix is needed. I really liked how our D stepped up which makes me a little less concerned with an upgrade there.

Between Pionk's strong play and DeMelo rebounding it seems less imperative than it did. Having Miller and Coghlan also helps.

I still think we need a bigger, more physical shutdown RHD in the long run and for the PO. But I would pass on a rental.

Much as I like Names, he is not quite getting it done. We do need an upgrade there.

 

[FonRiesen]

I’d really like the idea of seeing what works now so we optimize for the playoffs.

And if 'what works' doesn't work in the playoffs for any reason, at least there's some experience playing with others. I think blenders (in significant moderation) are healthy in the regular season.

 

[Jets 31]

Between Pionk's strong play and DeMelo rebounding it seems less imperative than it did. Having Miller and Coghlan also helps.

I still think we need a bigger, more physical shutdown RHD in the long run and for the PO. But I would pass on a rental.

Much as I like Names, he is not quite getting it done. We do need an upgrade there.

Honestly between Fleury , Miller and Coghlan i think we are good on defense. Getting a second line center is probably the number 1 need.

 

[Jets 31]

Pardon my ignorance, but when the hell is HF gonna be fixed? Kudos to all of you who continue to post here, I find it extremely frustrating to read, let alone post. (but here I am posting!)

Didn’t get to watch last night as we were at a friend’s place for a dinner gathering…and they typically don’t give a rat’s ass about sports. Food was delish and fun had by all but sounds like I missed a good one.

Thanks for all your updates!

I have had no problems at all with the new HF ........

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Am I being pessimistic if I'm pretty sure this is only temporary while Namestnikov is out?

Names being banged up is probably what prompted it. The way it worked may be food for thought by coaches. OTOH, it may not work so well next time. I think that Arniel was giving some thought to matching specific Jets against specific Avs. He mentioned Ehlers vs Rantanen in his post game talk. So it might be a bit Avs specific.

We need to get the so called 2nd line up to being a second line. I don't think that happens with Names at 2C. Maybe try Perfetti at C with Ehlers on 1 wing and someone else on the other. I'm not sure if Barron has the offense for the job, but he has size and speed. Maybe with skilled linemates he would be good there. Or maybe Nino there. Maybe we trade for a 2winger instead of C. Much easier to get.

 

[MardyBum]

Names being banged up is probably what prompted it. The way it worked may be food for thought by coaches. OTOH, it may not work so well next time. I think that Arniel was giving some thought to matching specific Jets against specific Avs. He mentioned Ehlers vs Rantanen in his post game talk. So it might be a bit Avs specific.

We need to get the so called 2nd line up to being a second line. I don't think that happens with Names at 2C. Maybe try Perfetti at C with Ehlers on 1 wing and someone else on the other. I'm not sure if Barron has the offense for the job, but he has size and speed. Maybe with skilled linemates he would be good there. Or maybe Nino there. Maybe we trade for a 2winger instead of C. Much easier to get.

Arniel hasn't really shown any interest in actually "trying" things, instead does a 1 or 2 game pivot then back to the same stuff. Injuries can shift it a bit, but we'll see how much when everyone is healthy

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I liked Arniel as our choice for head coach and still do. Jets keep this up and he has to be coach of the year.

I'd like to see him finish second in the voting for the Adams. It is such an albatross. It is like a best before date.

 

[ICdave]

 

[Moloch]

Our PK has been 92% over the past 3 games

 

[KingBogo]

I'd like to see a longer stretch with Lowry at 2C with Ehlers on the wing. Iafallo can play with them, or maybe Nino. But I think Lowry can play with offensive players the way Jordan Staal and Sam Bennett do.

Here are the individual and on-ice stats for those three over the past three seasons. Staal and Bennett play more often with top offensive wingers like Jarvis and Tkachuk.

On-ice, then individual stats below...

View attachment 960038View attachment 960039

In this scenario, do you see Names dropping down to play #3 center?