The Winnipeg Jets have continued to struggle in the final stretch of the season, with their most recent loss being a shutout loss to the San Jose Sharks.

After the game, head coach Rick Bowness expressed his frustration with his top players:

"The inconsistencies of some of our players is hurting us. If some of these guys think they're giving us everything in their tank, they're dreaming."

While no names were mentioned, it is clear that this quote was directed towards Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler.

At the beginning of the season, it seemed as if Bowness was able to make it clear to them what the expectations were, and they followed suit. Now that the honeymoon phase has worn off with the new coach, the players who are supposed to be the leaders have fallen into their old ways.

Now, has Bowness been a perfect coach as of late? Definitely not. He has been giving Nikolaj Ehlers low ice time, as Ehlers is only averaging 15:50 TOI per game this season. Ehlers is fifth on the team in points per game, and that is with the reduced ice time and second powerplay duties. Not only is he fifth in points per game, but Ehlers is also first in points per 60 minutes with just over 3.

Not only does that lead the Jets, but it is also top 50 in the NHL in points per 60.

Ehlers needs more ice time, and I am not sure why this is so hard to do.

Last summer, it was clear that the Jets needed an overhaul of the team. Once the season started, we say the true potential of this team that has tons of talent, but now we are seeing them lose their drive and work ethic again.

There are plenty of bright spots on this team, but when it gets to this point, it gets incredibly frustrating.

Assuming the Jets stay in the second wildcard spot and make the playoffs, I do have faith that they could make an impact. They have everything they need, and hopefully the taste of playoff hockey gets into the head of the top players and they start playing back to their best. This team, while great potential, continues to have the same struggles as the last several years. Tying it all together.

Join the Discussion: » 55 Comments » Post New Comment

» Jets Announce Lowry as Captain, Chisholm Extension

» Winnipeg Jets Prospect Pyramid: 2023 Edition - Part One

» Rasmus Kupari Could Develop into More Than 4C

» Jets Need to Make Decisions on Defense; Mailbag Incoming

» Jets Sign Morgan Barron, 2x$1.35 million, 3 contracts left