IMO, that was probably the best effort of the year. Better than all of the wins.
I really don't agree with the talking heads on the Big Show. I don't think that game was a run and gun, tradeing chances kind of game. Sure, the JETS got a TON of chances in the first two periods. I don't think I've seen more clear cut breakaways and odd man rushes. What did we end with, 4 breakaways and probably 6-10 odd man rushes? What should they do, dump those in?
The caps had 1 breakaway that they scored on. Buff maybe played that one wrong as he was out too wide, but he might have thought the puck was going to rim around and then it got turned over. Of the 4 Caps goals, only that one IMO, can be classified as playing "loose". The first one was mainly because the Jets didn't clear, Bogo bats the puck instead of throwing it into the corner, and it ends up in the net. The second is the breakaway, and the third is the one off the draw. How is the third goal off the draw anything to do with playing a run and gun "Eastern Conference game"? The fourth goal against we had Little seeing some daylight and trying to make a play. The worst you can say is that you don't want your guys to turn the puck over at your own blueline, and especially not on the PK, but do you really want your players playing so tight and "not to lose" that they pass up opportunities right in front of them? Sorry, I'm just not getting this line of thought.
That being said, I can't say anything negative about the effort and intensity last night.
LLS - looked good. Ladd was doing his thing and playing strong on the boards. Little obviously had a good night and potted a couple. Seto made some nice board plays as well and made a nice hit to turnover the puck on the 4th goal.
KSW - Thought these guys had a very good game. Kane is Kane and I don't think his effort is in question. Wheeler looked like he came to play, and even took the puck to the net. Both Kane and Wheeler were using their best asset. Speed. Nice to see the team just flip or dump pucks to the open spots on the ice. Kane and Wheeler are fast, why not use that and get possession back? Scheifele had one of his best games as a Jet. Sure he didn't bury a good chance, but overall his game was strong. Good on the dot, good in the Jets zone, distributed the puck pretty well. He made a good play on the 3rd goal by Wheeler as well.
Joki was ok. He's been better this year and last night he made some nice defensive plays. Don't know why he was complaining so much on his penalty because they'll call that every time.
Frolik had decent hustle, but I didn't notice him too much.
Peluso had a very good game I thought. For his role, I don't know what else you can ask for. Maybe bury one of his chances, but the guy is hitting everything he can on the forecheck, and has been excellent down low cycling the puck. Plus, (and the no fighting people may hate this) even with 0 fights this year, I think there is an effect on the game with Peluso in the lineup.
Wright had a solid game as well I thought. Definitely saved a sure goal by Ovi on the PP, and was good in general on the PK all night.
Didn't see much of Cormier or Halischuk as I think Noel shortened the benches, but they were ok in limited time.
Buff played last night closer to the "Don't trade" Buff. Pretty solid defensively, a few hits, nice breakouts, and over 26 minutes of ice.
Enstrom was pretty good too. Might be playing his best as a Jet this year.
Bogo seems to be snakebitten. I don't think he makes more mistakes than anyone else, and probably less on a per minute basis (he played over 26 minutes last night and was +2), it's just that when he makes a mistake it ends up in our net and everyone sees it. He didn't need to stab at that puck with his glove on the 1st goal against (probably could have grabbed it and thrown it into the corner if he wanted), and got stuck in no mans land on the 4th. But other than that, he was good. Skated the puck out a few times, played good positional defense, and had 5 shots.
Pardy and Postma played around 14 minutes and were even. I thought Pardy was pretty solid, and better than I thought he would be. Postma had less scary moments for me, although it still seems to me that it takes him much too long to make a decision with the puck in our zone.
Not going to touch on Pavs as that has been beaten to death.
Noel - Well, a lot of people question what Noel is doing. What are the systems? Why can't he get the players ready? etc. Well, in a fine bit of "Coaching", he puts Seto with Ladd and Little, Kane with Scheifele and Wheeler, gets Peluso in there to hit and grind, etc. He also publicly (and probably 100 x more) behind the scenes says his players need to play with more intensity and effort. And then his team comes out and plays with probably the most effort and intensity this season, and maybe some of the games in the second half of last season. I'm giving Noel a + for his work during the last few games.