Post-Game Talk: Jets 6 - CBJ 2

[Jets 31]

When I was living in Atlanta in my late 20s/early 30s we did a guys trip to Nashville for a men's league hockey tournament. Not sure the exact year

Details of that weekend are VERY sketchy. Super fun town, even back then

And now you can buy candy on the strip that REALLY makes you laugh and thirsty.

 

[Moloch]

Highlight of the night for me was when gabe scored from the insane pass by kfc and you can just see gabe shaking his head in disbelief as he takes his mouthguard out

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

So happy for Ehlers getting the hattrick! Any insight as to what is different with the Winnipeg Jets this year?

Is it Scott Arneil? His assistants? Cheveldayoff who re-signed Miller and brought in Fleury and Comrie? The players?

Maybe all of the above?

Maybe there is no difference. This is just last year's regular season team starting the season with a favourable schedule. Just maybe.
Maybe we won't know if there is a difference or not until the first rd of the PO.

Differences that I think I can see? The PP with motion. Not sure about the PK yet, but it might be more aggressive. That would be assistants. Playing team D much like last year but transitioning it to O more aggressively. That would be Arniel.

It took a while for the players to buy in to Bones' team D. The first year it was like they tried it for a while but then reverted to old habits. The second year they stuck to it longer, better, until the PO. This year they seem to have recommitted to it and extended it to the O zone.

They are not going to be able to dominate top 10 teams like they have DRW and CBJ. It will be interesting to see how different they look trying to play the same way against stronger competition.

 

[Jet]

When I was living in Atlanta in my late 20s/early 30s we did a guys trip to Nashville for a men's league hockey tournament. Not sure the exact year

Details of that weekend are VERY sketchy. Super fun town, even back then

Nashville is a top tier city and Tennessee is gorgeous

 

[DeepFrickinValue]

PS how does Amazon allow shit like this on their site?

View attachment 925311

Just ordered 2 of the straight out of Winnipeg.

 

[Jet]

I just watched the replay of that goal again - like a dozen times. That has to be an early candidate for goal of the year.

Connor gets the puck in heavy traffic with no time and he does that drag through his feet, and then has the incredible patience to outwait the defender AND THEN delivers a pinpoint pass on his backhand.

Any one of those in isolation would be impressive but all three in like 4 seconds.

That's just nonsense and filthy beyond measure.

 

[Buffdog]

Maybe all of the above?

Maybe there is no difference. This is just last year's regular season team starting the season with a favourable schedule. Just maybe.
Maybe we won't know if there is a difference or not until the first rd of the PO.

Differences that I think I can see? The PP with motion. Not sure about the PK yet, but it might be more aggressive. That would be assistants. Playing team D much like last year but transitioning it to O more aggressively. That would be Arniel.

It took a while for the players to buy in to Bones' team D. The first year it was like they tried it for a while but then reverted to old habits. The second year they stuck to it longer, better, until the PO. This year they seem to have recommitted to it and extended it to the O zone.

They are not going to be able to dominate top 10 teams like they have DRW and CBJ. It will be interesting to see how different they look trying to play the same way against stronger competition.

I've also noticed a more concerted effort for zone entries and exits to be controlled. Way less "flip the puck out and let the opponent regroup and counter attack in the neutral zone"

They have also abandoned high pressure in the o-zone after a turnover where the opponent has strong possessions and backing off into a 1-2-2 in the neutral zone... that's provoking a dump by the other team, which allows our D more time for a clean retrieval (which increases the likelihood of that controlled exit). Usually the D are facing lighter pressure because the other team will opt for a line change on the dump in

So TL/DR... the way they're getting the puck into the offensive zone after a turnover is by going back through their own zone, instead of chasing like madmen hoping to force a turnover. Hopefully it will keep them fresh all season

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Indeed, so what is the difference this year ?

1) Scott Arneil - I didn't think he was the right man for the job, but has he ever proven me wrong so far. I'm very happy to be wrong, as he is making good player selections, and dividing up their time on ice.

Example - the playing of Nik Ehlers on power play # 1. Nik is one of the fastest skaters in the NHL, and is a great stickhandler, and has a wicked hard accurate shot, as showed last night. The guy has been missmanaged for the last 4 or 5 years, and should always be on power play # 1. Nik is now in the Top 20 point scorers in all of the NHL. I have been saying this about Ehlers on here for the last 4 years, and I'm glad Arneil sees the talent in this guy. If Ehlers keeps scoring at this pace, it will cost the Jets in the $ 8.5 to 9 mil mark to sign him, because that's what he could command as a UFA. With Ehlers talent, and "proper" ice time he should be scoring in the 70 - 90 point range every year. It's going to cost the Jets a lot of $$$ to keep him, so sign him right now Chevy.

# 2 - Good acquisitions by Chevy, like Miller and Fluery, and by Scott Arneil to assess this talent and use it properly.

# 3 - Power Play - I believe it's clocking at around 40 % or higher, and looks very fast and very efficient, so the Coaches who have devised a good plan on how to implement a good strategy, and put the top players out there, need to be commended -- like adding Ehlers on Powerplay # 1. Leave it that way - we;re seeing great success.

4) Kyle Connor - he has upped his play a lot from last year, and looking like one of the superstars of the NHL. Well done Kyle, and keep up the hustle and good work.

This is what I see so far, as being the "difference" from last year.

Can't overemphasize the 'growth' in KC's game. It is unusual to see that kind of improvement in a player at his age. He will be 28 in just over a month.

IMO, it goes straight back to his improved defensive play. He has not suddenly turned into a defensive star, but he is backchecking. He is not just playing a bit better defensively. He appears to be making a real effort to do it well. And it is paying off, not only in fewer goals against and less time hemmed in his own zone, but also in more possession, leading to more goals for as well as fewer goals against.

If KC keeps this up he and Scheif can remain joined at the hip indefinitely, AFAIC. Scheifele has also been playing better in his own end but not to the same degree.

Improved KC + improved usage of Ehlers adds up to the top scoring team in the league so far. At the same time Jets are 4th in the league in GA. The 3 teams in front of them have all played fewer games.

 

[Adam da bomb]

Will be interesting how much kc plays ball come negotiations as if he keeps this new play up, I wouldn’t bat an eye at 11 mil.

 

[Flair Hay]

Will be interesting how much kc plays ball come negotiations as if he keeps this new play up, I wouldn’t bat an eye at 11 mil.

Earliest he can sign is after July 1 I think right? I'm sure we will have a real solid idea where his worth is at after a full season.

Amazing start to the year for him.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

Yes! This group is underrated.

Not Stanley bashing but he was the weak link last night, I really hope Fleury draws in for a couple games to keep him in it. Kupari earned another start with a very strong performance last night.

I really can't complain about a single player from last night - this team is executing magnificently. Including Stanley.

Yes to this, with the bold addition for clarity. Stan was the weakest link, but he was not bad. I could live with him there if I didn't believe we had a better option in Fleury. It is Fleury's added mobility/agility that makes the difference, IMO.

And if I am wrong about the difference between the 2 Dmen, then it is time Fleury got in a game or 2 anyway, to prevent excess rust.

How must Fleury feel? He came into TC penciled in to the Moose roster. Hung on, maybe only due to injuries. Played 4 really good games only to be replaced for 7 straight by a guy who has contributed 2 stinkers in 7 games and been just OK in the other 5. Surely he can see this 4 himself.

 

[GNP]

Will be interesting how much kc plays ball come negotiations as if he keeps this new play up, I wouldn't bat an eye at $ 11 mil.

Yikes, that's big money, and you may be right, as to what he can get ? If so, and they resign Ehlers in the $ 8 mil range, then someone will have to go, I would think. I think they let Pionk go, to sign these guys, and have Salomonsen or someone take his place. Makes cents $$$

We gotta remember how the Leafs and Oilers have huge money invested in just 2-3 players, and that costs you depth players.

 

[Buffdog]

Yes to this, with the bold addition for clarity. Stan was the weakest link, but he was not bad. I could live with him there if I didn't believe we had a better option in Fleury. It is Fleury's added mobility/agility that makes the difference, IMO.

And if I am wrong about the difference between the 2 Dmen, then it is time Fleury got in a game or 2 anyway, to prevent excess rust.

How must Fleury feel? He came into TC penciled in to the Moose roster. Hung on, maybe only due to injuries. Played 4 really good games only to be replaced for 7 straight by a guy who has contributed 2 stinkers in 7 games and been just OK in the other 5. Surely he can see this 4 himself.

Fleury is used to being in and out of the line up at this point in his career. I think that guys at the NHL level have a good grasp on why they are or are not in the line up

People who haven't spent any time in hockey locker rooms will complain about it, but i think part of it comes down to Stanley (amd comrie as well) being really good teammates and good to have in the room. The org is trying to create the best possible environment for their players and that makes a difference

 

[Flair Hay]

Yikes, that's big money, and you may be right, as to what he can get ? If so, and they resign Ehlers in the $ 8 mil range, then someone will have to go, I would think. I think they let Pionk go, to sign these guys, and have Salomonsen or someone take his place. Makes cents $$$

We gotta remember how the Leafs and Oilers have huge money invested in just 2-3 players, and that costs you depth players.

The Jets are in a pretty great salary cap position. They could basically re-sign everyone on the roster to close to their UFA value without having to lose anyone.

Who they should do everything to keep and who not to is a different question, but the flexibility is there.

 

[Adam da bomb]

Yikes, that's big money, and you may be right, as to what he can get ? If so, and they resign Ehlers in the $ 8 mil range, then someone will have to go, I would think. I think they let Pionk go, to sign these guys, and have Salomonsen or someone take his place. Makes cents $$$

We gotta remember how the Leafs and Oilers have huge money invested in just 2-3 players, and that costs you depth players.

I mean look at what other superstars are getting. Marner, Nylander all got 11mil I believe. The oilers and leafs have a lot invested as in if you want to keep stars you have to pay them. Based on this short sample size season I'd rather have a Connor paid 2 million more than Ehles.

Fleury is used to being in and out of the line up at this point in his career. I think that guys at the NHL level have a good grasp on why they are or are not in the line up

People who haven't spent any time in hockey locker rooms will complain about it, but i think part of it comes down to Stanley (amd comrie as well) being really good teammates and good to have in the room. The org is trying to create the best possible environment for their players and that makes a difference

But, what does that mean being good in the locker room? Does that mean they crack the best jokes?

 

[LowLefty]

But, what does that mean being good in the locker room? Does that mean they crack the best jokes?

It means they are a good fit - and that's worth something, especially in orgs like the Jets who place a lot of value on that attribute.

 

[Buffdog]

I mean look at what other superstars are getting. Marner, Nylander all got 11mil I believe. The oilers and leafs have a lot invested as in if you want to keep stars you have to pay them.


But, what does that mean being good in the locker room? Does that mean they crack the best jokes?

For Comrie, maybe. Did you see the "what sound does a jet make?" video? He's a riot

Some players are socially awkward, some are just dicks. Have you spent a lot of time in a locker room? You'd know what I mean

Even if you haven't, I'm sure you click better with some of your own coworkers than others, and how well you get along as a team at your own job means a lot for how your overall work experience is. No?

 

[Adam da bomb]

For Comrie, maybe. Did you see the "what sound does a jet make?" video? He's a riot

Some players are socially awkward, some are just dicks. Have you spent a lot of time in a locker room? You'd know what I mean

Even if you haven't, I'm sure you click better with some of your own coworkers than others, and how well you get along as a team at your own job means a lot for how your overall work experience is. No?

Yes, but, I'd think we all have our own favorite co-worker who may not be another person's favorite just because they get our weird jokes. Also, they are both in the locker room, it only becomes a problem when they get another D where someone has to go on waivers or sent down. Also, Fleury has had this problem before it seems. You'd think he'd invest in soft skills training or books. Also, everyone will get so pissed if Heinola gets waived because his jokes which are from a different background and culture don't click as well as stanley's.

 

[LowLefty]

Yes to this, with the bold addition for clarity. Stan was the weakest link, but he was not bad. I could live with him there if I didn't believe we had a better option in Fleury. It is Fleury's added mobility/agility that makes the difference, IMO.

And if I am wrong about the difference between the 2 Dmen, then it is time Fleury got in a game or 2 anyway, to prevent excess rust.

How must Fleury feel? He came into TC penciled in to the Moose roster. Hung on, maybe only due to injuries. Played 4 really good games only to be replaced for 7 straight by a guy who has contributed 2 stinkers in 7 games and been just OK in the other 5. Surely he can see this 4 himself.

There's always a weakest link -
I agree that Fleury should get a game or two - usually the depth guys get those games based on injuries but we've been pretty healthy so far (knock on wood) - he actually had 4 not that long ago based on an injury
Ville should be back soon so that is going to create more of a revolving door on that 3rd pair - and the spot is likely between him and Stan.
IMO, that 6th spot will be unsettled for awhile - and that group will make mistakes when they do get a chance to play (like every other dman on this team) and will be expected to play at a level that is good enough to support that 6/7 role. There will be stinkers - but hopefully not a lot of them.

 

[Adam da bomb]

There's always a weakest link -
I agree that Fleury should get a game or two - usually the depth guys get those games based on injuries but we've been pretty healthy so far (knock on wood) - he actually had 4 not that long ago based on an injury
Ville should be back soon so that is going to create more of a revolving door on that 3rd pair - and the spot is likely between him and Stan.
IMO, that 6th spot will be unsettled for awhile - and that group will make mistakes when they do get a chance to play (like every other dman on this team) and will be expected to play at a level that is good enough to support that 6/7 role. There will be stinkers - but hopefully not a lot of them.

ppl are going to be so annoyed when Stan keeps that spot over Fleury and Heinola because he has read the most knock knock joke books.

 

[Flair Hay]

Yikes, that's big money, and you may be right, as to what he can get ? If so, and they resign Ehlers in the $ 8 mil range, then someone will have to go, I would think. I think they let Pionk go, to sign these guys, and have Salomonsen or someone take his place. Makes cents $$$

We gotta remember how the Leafs and Oilers have huge money invested in just 2-3 players, and that costs you depth players.

The Jets are in a pretty great salary cap position. They could basically re-sign everyone on the roster to close to their UFA value without having to lose anyone.

Who to keep and who not to is another thing. But the flexibility is there.

 

[ps241]

Nashville is a top tier city and Tennessee is gorgeous

I really like Tennessee. We are negotiating a possible deal currently I am too emotionally attached too on the South Bank, walking distance from Broadway but separated enough too not be part of that offering.

 

[Buffdog]

ppl are going to be so annoyed when Stan keeps that spot over Fleury and Heinola because he has read the most knock knock joke books

Having been in and around the sport of hockey for 44 years as a player (decently high level), coach, parent and fan, I'll share one personal observation with you

The team that is most talented on the ice doesn't always win. In fact, they usually don't

I've seen teams that should have won championships not win, and teams that had no business winning anything win it all

The one constant with teams that have played above their collective talent level is that they all got along and pulled in the same direction. No factions in the room, every guy (or girl) playing for the person beside them

A great example is the Blues when they won the cup

I know it's hard for people to understand that because there's no stat for team chemistry or locker room vibe - which is probably why you're mocking the idea like you are

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

SO TLDR bored Saturday morning before the kids get up post!

I am very cautious and wasn’t going to post this yet since we are just 11 games in but what the hell .

My concern (hang with me because you will like where its going):

81	Kyle Connor	L	11	9	9	18	2	6	1996-12-09	27	Shelby Township, MI	6.01	183
27	Nikolaj Ehlers	L	11	7	8	15	2	10	1996-02-14	28	Aalborg, Denmark	6.00	172
55	Mark Scheifele	C	11	6	8	14	6	2	1993-03-15	31	Kitchener, ONT	6.03	207
4	Neal Pionk	D	11	3	10	13	4	7	1995-07-29	29	Omaha, NE	6.00	190
44	Josh Morrissey	D	11	2	11	13	4	7	1995-03-28	29	Calgary, ALTA	6.00	195
62	Nino Niederreiter	R	11	5	4	9	4	9	1992-09-08	31	Chur, Switzerland	6.02	218
22	Mason Appleton	C	11	4	5	9	0	7	1996-01-15	28	Green Bay, WI	6.02	194
13	Gabriel Vilardi	C	11	4	5	9	0	0	1999-08-16	25	Kingston, ONT	6.03	216
91	Cole Perfetti	C	11	3	6	9	0	8	2002-01-01	22	Whitby, ONT	5.11	185
17	Adam Lowry	C	11	2	7	9	4	11	1993-03-29	31	St. Louis, MO	6.05	210
7	Vladislav Namestnikov	C	11	2	5	7	0	8	1992-11-22	31	Zhukovsky, Russia	6.00	181
6	Colin Miller	D	11	2	4	6	2	7	1992-10-29	31	Sault Ste. Marie, ONT	6.01

That raw box scores are insane and we are riding the mother of all hot streaks (hottest in 2.0 history I assume). I haven’t even bothered to scape the shooting % data but I assume it is comically off the charts.

Connor is on pace to challenge McDavid with his 134 season

Ehlers on pace for 111 points

Appleton on pace for 67 points

I think you get where I am going. What we have here is hilariously joyously unsustainable

HOWEVER

I once we get past the luck, I wonder if we are not seeing a bit of the Bones exit effect?

Bones took over Dallas as head coach when Monty stepped down and he worded hard at gettting the defensive system in place (at some cost to scoring). In his last season as the head coach the Stars scored 238 goals in 82 games. The following season under DeBoer the stars increased scoring significantly to 285 goals (from 238) and also decreased goals against.

Bones exits the Jets and Arny and his new assistants bring in their system and like in Dallas after Bones leaves team scoring elevates.

In saying that I will be watching this as the year progreesses and our team finds its new normal scoring level.

Bones did guide us to a 110 point season and a league leading lowest goals against but Rick had league best goaltending to prop up the numbers.

I posted a somewhat similar thought a while ago. I think the trick is to build on what Bones did, not to undo it. Bones' emphasis on defence sacrificed offense. But it led to gaining possession. Now take that possession and transition it to the offence and - Bob's your uncle. Better on both ends.