Jetfaninflorida
Southernmost Jet Fan
It's hard to play your best hockey of the year missing 6 regulars, including 3 centres and 2 of your top 4 D. Score effects played a role in the 2nd agreed, but less so in the 3rd once the Jets made it 3-1, Nashville pushed back and the Jets were right there with them under tough circumstances. 6-1? Rinne made some huge saves as well, and had help in pulling one off the line, it wasn't all Helle.
I fail to see how we are "big" underdogs, underdogs yes, but big? While banged up now they stand a good chance of being a fair bit healthier come playoff time, have the depth and talent up front and in the back and to top it off have the type of goaltending every team needs in the playoffs. The Jets aren't "big" underdogs to anyone.
Losses always suck, but considering being on the tail end of a 6 game road trip, in a b2b and finding out in warmup, that the starting centre on what has been your best scoring line is being added to the list of walking wounded, I'd say a little pat on the back is ok for how they responded.
Who's looking past the 1st round? The only ones that matter are the players and how would any of us know that?
So you don't like the adjective 'big', but otherwise agree with my point. Got it. I agree about our depleted roster - said so.
Re looking past, have you read this board or listened to 1290? A lot about Jets vs Preds in the playoffs. To your point, I also hope the players aren't doing the same.