Post-Game Talk: Oilers Jets Post Game

[RCAFguy]

That was a dominant win. It would not have seemed close if Helle had been good. A rare 2 weak games in a row from Helle, giving up 3 goals on the first 6 shots. He settled down and was solid the rest of the way.

The Stastny line continues to be on fire. The Lowry line is pretty hot too.

The defense is still not where I would like to see it. It is bending, but not breaking. If they can keep that up, this team can go places.

So ........ does PLD slide right in, or will he have to start on the taxi squad?
JK, but it is hard to say who should step aside for him. Scheifele maybe?
Really, should PLD push Stastny down to the 3rd line with the way Stastny is playing? If so, should Stastny push Lowry down with the way Lowry is playing? Maybe PLD plays a wing until someone cools off. So which winger should he bump? Copp, with the way he is playing?

Nope, none of those. PLD can apparently play RW too, so Wheeler? Can't see that. And certainly not Ehlers. Perreault? Even he is playing well. I guess it will have to be Gus. PLD will centre the 4th line.

With the way this team has been playing, Laine would have been a healthy scratch.

 

[Atoyot]

My only issue with the top line is their long shifts. They're bad defensively, that's fine, it's what they are, recognize it and utilize them properly. They shouldn't be on the penalty kill, they shouldn't be matched against top lines, they shouldn't play 20-27 minutes every game. It's all about utilization.

 

[Jetsfan87]

I just don't think it's smart breaking up the ESC hot line - maybe things will be different a week from now... But why mess with good chemistry?

Of course, I'd much rather have a change in lineup philosophy and rotate through 3 equal scoring lines (Schief, Stats, PLD) and a hard checking line. I'd be shocked.

But Mau *can* change - give him credit for finally matching Lowsy with McD... Better late than never...

This ^ hopefully with us now having legit strong depth at C Mo can learn that he doesnt have to play Scef and Wheeler until they are gassed every game. Lower their minutes by 1-2, spread that out and roll 3 good scoring lines and a hard checking/grind it out 4th. If he cant do that then the Jets should be looking for a coach who can/will (i know, not going to happen)..

 

[Jets 31]

Maurice had Ehlers on the first line, no credit, then Laine gets hurt so he puts Connor back with Scheifele and Wheeler and they were awesome until the last 2 games but Maurice puts Ehlers, Stastny and Copp together and they pick up the slack for the #1 line, no credit for Maurice. WTF does it matter who's scoring just as long as we win . I swear some of these GDT's and PGT's you can't tell if we won or lost.

 

[tbcwpg]

Actually the trade helped Vegas more ... Stastny was a salary dump so they could sign Pietrangelo just like the previous year Vegas dumping Eakins on the Jets so they could trade for Lehner. If Vegas wins the Stanley Cup Chevy's name should go it .
Imagine having Pietrangelo and PLD instead of Stastny and PLD.

I'd love to imagine having Pietrangelo instead of Stastny but that was never going to happen. It wasn't an either/or scenario so framing it that way is just designed to elicit a specific response.

What should a coach do with a proven #1 C coming in who is better statistically than the current #1?

1. Make changes to try to fix a line that has an xGf% in the low 40s and has been a defensive zone liability for 2 seasons. Happens to be called your #1 line

2. Make changes to recently formed line that is on fire, is your best line with an xGf% over 60, is solid in your own end and completely dominates its matchups

It's complicated even more by Lowry also playing very well on the 3rd line, so just moving him down to the 4th and bumping Gustafsson out isn't really an option either.

There are 4 more games (maybe 5 if they want PLD to get some practice time in after sitting for 14 days) for things to change, but it is a tough one right now. I very much doubt that PLD would start as a winger given the big hoopla being made about this great centre depth.

What we'll probably see is CSW still together, Copp moved to Lowry's line and Stastny out to the wing.

 

[KingBogo]

I can't with the constant Maurice bashing around here. It's gotten way out of f***ing hand.

It's fine to criticise the coach but when you can't post anything but whiny diatribes about Paul Maurice you're really polluting this board and impacting the actual enjoyment and discussion/ debate.

FFS we're 5-2 and look like we're really going to have a strong season. Just try and f***ing enjoy it already.

/Rant

28 likes and counting. This post deserves a 1000.

 

[RCAFguy]

I'd love to imagine having Pietrangelo instead of Stastny but that was never going to happen. It wasn't an either/or scenario so framing it that way is just designed to elicit a specific response.



It's complicated even more by Lowry also playing very well on the 3rd line, so just moving him down to the 4th and bumping Gustafsson out isn't really an option either.

There are 4 more games (maybe 5 if they want PLD to get some practice time in after sitting for 14 days) for things to change, but it is a tough one right now. I very much doubt that PLD would start as a winger given the big hoopla being made about this great centre depth.

What we'll probably see is CSW still together, Copp moved to Lowry's line and Stastny out to the wing.

I liked your post, because I agree with your assessment. Not because I actually liked what that assessment is. It would be depressing to have that come to pass, when there are so many more tantalizing options available.

 

[Jetfaninflorida]

My only issue with the top line is their long shifts. They're bad defensively, that's fine, it's what they are, recognize it and utilize them properly. They shouldn't be on the penalty kill, they shouldn't be matched against top lines, they shouldn't play 20-27 minutes every game. It's all about utilization.

All True.

What the bolded means is that they are not really a top line. We should stop calling them that, and make some changes to that line to try to fix it. PLD is coming in so now is the time. Conner, PLD, Scheif. A CPS line would be part of a superb 1A / 1B line tandem with equal usage. Could give teams fits.

Maybe it wouldn't work. Only way to know would be to try.

I don't see it happening though. Maurice is a traditionalist and he won't displace Scheif from being our #1C. Plus it would upset the 55Mo26 Secret Society.

 

[Howard Chuck]

Maurice had Ehlers on the first line, no credit, then Laine gets hurt so he puts Connor back with Scheifele and Wheeler and they were awesome until the last 2 games but Maurice puts Ehlers, Stastny and Copp together and they pick up the slack for the #1 line, no credit for Maurice. WTF does it matter who's scoring just as long as we win . I swear some of these GDT's and PGT's you can't tell if we won or lost.

Maurice gets a lot of credit from me for where we are right now. My opinion is that we could be even better with just a couple of tweaks.

Simply evening out TOi could make us even better than we are.

I’m ecstatic with the team right now but I do like to optimize things. Here and IRL, so maybe a character flaw of mine

 

[rubikscube]

Give it a rest already with the elitism. Why wouldn’t a small market team want more exposure?

You honestly believe that those posters (you know exactly who I'm talking about) made credible discussions? Especially on the topic of Maurice?

The Jets don't need any more "exposure", by the way. There's no financial issues with the team. That's irrelevant. Especially on the topic of Maurice. Firing Maurice wouldn't move the needle, regardless.

 

[Jetfaninflorida]

28 likes and counting. This post deserves a 1000.

Why does commenting on or questioning a coaches decisions have to be called bashing / out of hand? This is a discussion board about the Winnipeg Jets. Coaches are part of the Winnipeg Jets. I have seen some very thought provoking questions and discussion here. Heck, if anyone can name anyone off limits for discussion, there is no discussion to be had here.

 

[Jetsfan87]

Ppl wont want to see if but Copp will probably be moved down. This is what happens when a team has/starts to build depth. Lets be honest, do we think Copp and Lowry are going to keep scoring like this all year? Im enjoying this hot streak but its not going to last (this isnt a shot at either player)

 

[sipowicz]

Beaulieu should be forced to watch video of himself from last game and then stand up in front of the team to explain what he was doing out there.

 

[DRW204]

best line in hockey..

PDO drunk, but the shot/chance stats are still heavily in their favor

 

[bob77]

forbort is making 1 million this season... cant expect too much from him... he is definitely earning his salary right now

Forbort just played 28 minutes against McD. Pionk 24. Morrissey 11. DeMelo 9. Stanley 3. Belle was around 8. Different players see different hockey games. I think you’re going to see Forbort all season long against opponents top players. He did this in Los Angeles as well.

 

[Adam da bomb]

4 of our players in Copp, Connor, Ehlers, and Lowry seem to have all taken another step, at least early in the season. And Lowry's doing it without Copp, which is huge.

Lowry's doing things in the offensive zone I've never seen from him. He's nailing cross rink passes to the far dman regularly. His set up to Perreault was perfect. And he still could have had a couple more points last night.

A lot of guys have taken steps those are the main 4. Perrault is better than last year apple also playing well.

 

[Jets 31]

Forbort just played 28 minutes against McD. Pionk 24. Morrissey 11. DeMelo 9. Stanley 3. Belle was around 8. Different players see different hockey games. I think you’re going to see Forbort all season long against opponents top players. He did this in Los Angeles as well.

For a million bucks Forbort is a steal.

 

[snowkiddin]

I’m hoping we can get Kristian back into some games. I thought he was really good the other night and suddenly we could use another good winger.

 

[snowkiddin]

4 of our players in Copp, Connor, Ehlers, and Lowry seem to have all taken another step, at least early in the season. And Lowry's doing it without Copp, which is huge.

Lowry's doing things in the offensive zone I've never seen from him. He's nailing cross rink passes to the far dman regularly. His set up to Perreault was perfect. And he still could have had a couple more points last night.

Ehlers always seems to start the year hot and then trail off. But I liked what I saw of him in the bubble too, and he’s about to turn 25, so right in his prime, so I’m hoping he’s turned a corner

 

[tbcwpg]

All True.

What the bolded means is that they are not really a top line. We should stop calling them that, and make some changes to that line to try to fix it. PLD is coming in so now is the time. Conner, PLD, Scheif. A CPS line would be part of a superb 1A / 1B line tandem with equal usage. Could give teams fits.

Maybe it wouldn't work. Only way to know would be to try.

I don't see it happening though. Maurice is a traditionalist and he won't displace Scheif from being our #1C. Plus it would upset the 55Mo26 Secret Society.

I'm not against making PLD the #1C, but I think there will be some of that rumoured "toxic room" stuff if he immediately supplants Scheifele as the top guy.

I also think it's a waste to move Scheifele to the wing. I'd rather try Connor-PLD-Wheeler, move Scheifele to the 2nd line.

 

[FonRiesen]

Maurice had Ehlers on the first line, no credit, then Laine gets hurt so he puts Connor back with Scheifele and Wheeler and they were awesome until the last 2 games but Maurice puts Ehlers, Stastny and Copp together and they pick up the slack for the #1 line, no credit for Maurice. WTF does it matter who's scoring just as long as we win . I swear some of these GDT's and PGT's you can't tell if we won or lost.

I dunno, I tried to give him credit where it is due. There was lots of rejoicing in the post game thread, but some people just want to get better because we know other teams are trying to constantly improve, too. A lot of us have too much experience with Maurice to trust that he won't go back into habits that have hurt the team in the past. We want to see the Jets win more playoff series, and hopefully a Cup. I spent years and years supporting Maurice and giving him the benefit of the doubt, and we got one good playoff run out of it. We have a good body of evidence now to know what will likely happen.

There are some posters who mostly criticize (and several who didn't use to as much), but even most of those have good intentions and care more about the team winning than any single player or coach. I still can't help but like Maurice as a person and communicator, but at some point I had to realize we won't win a Cup on rhetoric.

Optimal deployment helps more, and even if we win some games with Schief playing 26m in a game, those of us who criticize don't want Schief to burn out or get injured - we want to win a Cup.

Edit: it's also possible that I may not be seeing the worst anti-Maurice comments, so that may taint my perception!

 

[Whileee]

Last night Maurice talked about trying Copp on RW. I think that gives him some interesting options...

Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Stastny-PLD-Ehlers
Perreault-Lowry-Copp
Harkins-Gus-Appleton

PLD is a big, fast forward with very good offense to complement Stastny and Ehlers (sort of like a more talented Copp).

Perreault-Lowry-Copp can bring some scoring options considering how well all three are playing this season.

 

[WolfHouse]

We will find out soon enough - there's not too many coaches that would break up Ehlers and Copp right now, especially with their previous stats being solid right now as well... but Maurice goes with his 'gut' a lot

The easiest move is to insert PLD for Stats at 2C and move Stats down to 4C/PP specialist... leave everything else alone, its working right now.

 

[Whileee]

We will find out soon enough - there's not too many coaches that would break up Ehlers and Copp right now, especially with their previous stats being solid right now as well... but Maurice goes with his 'gut' a lot

The easiest move is to insert PLD for Stats at 2C and move Stats down to 4C/PP specialist... leave everything else alone, its working right now.

Reading his comments, I think Maurice will try Copp on RW with Lowry and Perreault and slot PLD into the 2nd line with Stastny and Ehlers. That makes some sense, in that PLD is big and fast like Copp. He isn't as good defensively as Copp, but both Stastny and Ehlers are fine defensively. PLD would offer more offense than Copp in the long term.

 

[RustyCat]

Maurice had Ehlers on the first line, no credit, then Laine gets hurt so he puts Connor back with Scheifele and Wheeler and they were awesome until the last 2 games but Maurice puts Ehlers, Stastny and Copp together and they pick up the slack for the #1 line, no credit for Maurice. WTF does it matter who's scoring just as long as we win . I swear some of these GDT's and PGT's you can't tell if we won or lost.

Thank you for saying this. The Maurice slamming here is just stupid. The team is 5W &2L, and Maurice made adjustments to the line up. No credit, as you say.