I think if this season was observed in isolation, most would be over the moon with a 1st place Jets team a week from Christmas. When you include the results of the last two seasons, I sympathize with some of the concerns being expressed.
(Written for context) The Jets wriggled out of a near historic regular season collapse in 22-23, limping into the playoffs to be humbled by the Golden Knights. Rick Bowness gave a presser for the ages and big moves were made in the off-season. Wheeler was bought out and PLD traded, changing the look of the team. Surprisingly, they were able to resign Scheifele and Hellebuyck to long term deals. However, despite a steadier regular season the results in the playoffs were eerily similar, suffering another 4-1 series loss, dropping 4 straight to the Avalanche.
This is by and large the same group that got embarrassed last spring. Make no mistake, it was an embarrassment. So despite the NHL record start and being perched atop the standings, it's hard for some to shake the feeling of deja vu.
The old, fool me thrice.
Personally, I'm still chuffed with their spot amongst the other 31 clubs. A lot of that has to do with my lowered expectations for this campaign. After no significant upgrades over the summer, a head coach appointment you didn't need Zoltar to predict, I thought this team would take a dip and end up fighting for a playoff spot. The 15-1 start left me gobsmacked and renewed my belief in what these boys were capable of.
No doubt, the oft-mentioned roadtrip was disappointing, but with a couple of key injuries and so much travel it was excusable. That performance last night, was not. It may just be the worst, most lazy Jets effort of the season. Squeaking out a win would have been undeserved. Hopefully it's a needed wakeup call for the players & coach and will be the catalyst for improved play moving forward.
Certain players have been exceptional thus far. Kyle Connor, who faced heavy criticism at times last season, has taken a massive leap forward with his two way game. He's playing the best hockey of his career. The same can be said of Connor Hellebuyck. Josh Morrissey is an absolute stud and can always be counted on. Lowry doesn't have the same level of talent but he gives you all the heart and soul you'd want from a guy wearing the C. Samberg was included in that group before being injured.
There are also a handful of guys who are consistently inconsistent, from effort to decision making. They will need to be accounted for, and quickly, should this team have any hope of playing hockey once the flowers start blooming. I get frustrated at times with Sawyerisms regarding a team growing/learning etc. Most of these guys have been around, they should know the ropes by now. As I like to say, time will tell. Is there is a true contender here or has all the juice been squeezed?
One thing is for sure, we will find out.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents for whatever it's worth. If you're in the Cup or bust camp, you're probably going to be left sad when the dust of 24/25 settles. I'd actually be quite pleased with a division title and an advancement into the second round of the playoffs. That would show tangible improvement. Despite it not being valued the way it is in baseball, a banner in the rafters would be a nice start before dreams of more ambitious plundering.
Ultimately, I don't look that far ahead. The fortunes of these Winnipeg Jets could change drastically, for better or worse, over the coming months. I'm still very much enjoying the ride and the moment, even with some uninspired hockey of late. When I look over at what Sabres fans are enduring, I'll take our lot in life, all day, every day.
Go Jets Go
