Agreed, I don’t get this net front presence being the issue the Jets have, especially last nights game. Them being pulled out of position and having guys either lose their assignment or get isolated is the biggest issue by far. I mean the only goal the Stars got by means of any net front presence, came from a clear cross check to Demelo, allowing a free screen of Helle. I’d like some size and skill as much as the next guy but I don’t think sacrificing skill for size has shown to be any net benefit for anyone. TBH, I really haven’t seen Dillon establish the front of the Jets net as a no fly zone when he’s on the ice. It just hasn’t happened. A couple reasons are, firstly, being all that physical in front of the net isn’t like it used to be, the refs call way more than they used to. Secondly, as you say the way the Jets run their D zone coverage too often players are chasing their check all over the ice and get pulled out of position. Guys like Dillon and Stanley should never have to chase speedy forwards around the D zone. It’s a recipe for disaster and coats the Jets more than a lack of physicality in front does. I’ve been disappointed in Dillon’s physical game this years anyway. He’s big, he hasn’t been all that physical really. I don’t think he’s a deterrent that’s for sure.
Actually thought the Jets crashed the net better than the Stars did last night. Didn’t really Dallas D men clearing house. Connor’s goal was a result of chaos and bodies in front and Holtby’s save off Lowry’s tip was perhaps the luckiest thing I’ve seen all year. He literally tipped it right though into his glove, didn’t even know he had it for a second. Point being, nobody was clearing Lowry out of there when that happened.
Size is great when it comes with the necessary skill but the Jets need to address their structure or it’s not going to matter who they have out there.
