Jacob Billington: Jets Dominate Sharks in Must-Win Game, Move Closer To Clinching

Great team win! Now go get a point tomorrow and rest some players for a week!

I watched the Flames-Preds game to the end. Great game where the Flames should have won it several times but failed to finish. Some poor coaching in the shootout by Sutter by choosing Nick Ritchie in the shootout while sitting Toffoli. Super dumb.

Great win by the Jets. They really need to get the job done tonight where the Wild are also on a back-to-back. I perish the thought of the Avs being in the position of possibly having the luxury of a meaningless game on Friday against the Preds where they get to choose who they play in the first round. That choice will be the Preds for sure.

Bowness might play a fresh Kulman and AJF tonight. Some have critiqued Maenalanen but I think he has played well the past few games and given maximum effort. He is very good at controlling the puck along the boards and that line keeping it in the opponent's zone. The fact he can't score is nitpicking.

Well done. Flames toast.

I watched the Flames-Preds game to the end. Great game where the Flames should have won it several times but failed to finish. Some poor coaching in the shootout by Sutter by choosing Nick Ritchie in the shootout while sitting Toffoli. Super dumb.

Great win by the Jets. They really need to get the job done tonight where the Wild are also on a back-to-back. I perish the thought of the Avs being in the position of possibly having the luxury of a meaningless game on Friday against the Preds where they get to choose who they play in the first round. That choice will be the Preds for sure.

Bowness might play a fresh Kulman and AJF tonight. Some have critiqued Maenalanen but I think he has played well the past few games and given maximum effort. He is very good at controlling the puck along the boards and that line keeping it in the opponent's zone. The fact he can't score is nitpicking.
- jetsnation

Watched most of Flames-Preds game as well. Yes, I don't have the stats, but very hard to believe that Nick Ritchie was a more dangerous shooter than Toffoli. But fine by me! Flames played well enough to win - but Suaros!

Preds will have a tough time winning both their remaining games with their depleted line-up, but who knows? Nice to get that point tonight and end all their hopes. Then, like you say, we can rest some of the big boys and play guys like AJF in final game. Lots of teams could use a Maenalanen, despite his lack of scoring.

Love the way Samberg is developing. Top four D-man going forward!

Lots of teams could use Maelanen?

He played 34 games in 10 years of NHL eligibility before here.
He’s big, can skate for his size, will throw a check

That is all. He cannot pass, shoot or stick handle

I know salary cap means depth issues but I really think Harkins is a lot more effective

That clock seemed almost frozen in time over the last 15 minutes. Phew !

Hats off to all the Jets' players for rising to the occasion. Let's just hope Morrissey and Ehlers are OK.

Now Bowness can rest Helle and many of his players for the next game and a good 4-5 days at a minimum. That part will help while some of the top teams battle it out to play the Jets.



P.S. I think we should be cheering for the Avs and GK's to win tonight. GK's being the preferable team to play.

That clock seemed almost frozen in time over the last 15 minutes. Phew !

Hats off to all the Jets' players for rising to the occasion. Let's just hope Morrissey and Ehlers are OK.

Now Bowness can rest Helle and many of his players for the next game and a good 4-5 days at a minimum. That part will help while some of the top teams battle it out to play the Jets.



P.S. I think we should be cheering for the Avs and GK's to win tonight. GK's being the preferable team to play.
- jetsnation

Gutsy team effort! Give them all credit! PLAYOFFS BABY!

While the preferable team to play might be the Gk's who have a lot of injuries, you can bet Chipman would love to see it be the Oilers because McDavid and Draisatl will likely be met with sellouts.

On a more somber note....
If they can't fill the stands then one of the alternatives is budget cuts and no more taking the Jets' salary cap to the limit. Dubios and Sheif were leaving anyways but nonetheless, I'm not so sure anymore that Chevy will be given the budget to re-sign them anyways.

Officiating was part of the story of last nights game. 3 bad periods by officials, one was brutal. Linesmen did fine [edit - linesmen made a bad call on an offside during a Wild PP, killing an opportunity for Kaprikov]. In the first there were a couple mystery (and two legit - what was Wheeler thinking?) resulting in 8pp mins for Wild and 0 for Jets, 2nd period hit on Demelo will likely result in a fine but no call, third period assault on Ehlers for only 2 mins and Pionk gets 5 - are you (frank)ing kidding me?

The Jets have been inviting this kind of abuse for most of the season by failing to match physical intensity of the other team. A recent obvious instance was the Calgary game - when it got physical in the 2nd the Jets folded and got beat. In a series vs Wild we would be in trouble, we just don't have the horses to play that kind of game and apparently dont have the constitution to endure it consistently.

a comment on Helly -

His play and timely saves got enough extra wins for the Jets to drag them into the playoffs. He is as valuable to his team as McDavid is to Oil. Not only should he get a lot of votes for the Hart he should get Vezina again. Even his 'down' games were close to league average.

2 years ago any time he left the net to play the puck was cringy bad. Last year there was improvement with his puck movement and passing. This year I would go so far as to say he was reliable at stopping the puck behind the net and playing it to a teammate with opportunity to make a good play. Was there a single goal against this year that resulted from a misplay by 37 behind the net? My prediction - next year Helly scores a goal.

Officiating was part of the story of last nights game. 3 bad periods by officials, one was brutal. Linesmen did fine
- 2.0[edit - linesmen made a bad call on an offside during a Wild PP, killing an opportunity for Kaprikov]. In the first there were a couple mystery (and two legit - what was Wheeler thinking?) resulting in 8pp mins for Wild and 0 for Jets, 2nd period hit on Demelo will likely result in a fine but no call, third period assault on Ehlers for only 2 mins and Pionk gets 5 - are you (frank)ing kidding me?

The Jets have been inviting this kind of abuse for most of the season by failing to match physical intensity of the other team. A recent obvious instance was the Calgary game - when it got physical in the 2nd the Jets folded and got beat. In a series vs Wild we would be in trouble, we just don't have the horses to play that kind of game and apparently dont have the constitution to endure it consistently.

One game for Hartman seems unacceptable especially after Hartman has been suspended before and fined an additional six times. The game he will sit he would have sat anyways as its a meaningless game. Not only was the officiating terrible but so is the NHL DPS. Should have been 2 games at a minimum.

One game for Hartman seems unacceptable especially after Hartman has been suspended before and fined an additional six times. The game he will sit he would have sat anyways as its a meaningless game. Not only was the officiating terrible but so is the NHL DPS. Should have been 2 games at a minimum.
- jetsnation

I think he basically said in a post game interview he did it because Ehlers had just targeted Kaprisov. If that doesn’t spell out intent (as if it wasn’t obvious), I don’t know what is.

One game for Hartman seems unacceptable especially after Hartman has been suspended before and fined an additional six times. The game he will sit he would have sat anyways as its a meaningless game. Not only was the officiating terrible but so is the NHL DPS. Should have been 2 games at a minimum.
- jetsnation

One game for Hartman is making a mockery of the justice system in the NHL. Five games perhaps?

Worse even than that was Reaves' hit on DeMelo which could have ended DeMelo's career. And guess what? No penalty at all! Imagine if that were Marner of Kane, for example, that took that hit - Reaves might be facing the firing squad!

But a major and $5,000 fine fir Pionk for a cross-check? The NHL is better than that. Isn't it?

A lot of posters were bashing Adam Lowry. Not only has he demonstrated himself as a leader of this team, but he is also scoring important goals and putting himself out there each and every night with his effort. I once again nominate him as Captain .

I am very surprised Bowness seems to have forgotten that going into the playoffs this team needs a CAPTAIN. The days of instilling some competition amongst several players is over. Morrissey would be my second choice only because he is more of a quiet leader vs Lowry.

A lot of posters were bashing Adam Lowry. Not only has he demonstrated himself as a leader of this team, but he is also scoring important goals and putting himself out there each and every night with his effort. I once again nominate him as Captain .

I am very surprised Bowness seems to have forgotten that going into the playoffs this team needs a CAPTAIN. The days of instilling some competition amongst several players is over. Morrissey would be my second choice only because he is more of a quiet leader vs Lowry.
- jetsnation

Hard to disagree….

Memo to Chipman - fire Chevy and you may sell 1,000 new season tickets!
Lol…..
Seriously- a good playoff effort will go a long ways to selling tickets for 23-24

Better that the Jets lose this last game to ensure a slightly better draft position ( depends on whether or not they advance past second round)

Memo to Chipman - fire Chevy and you may sell 1,000 new season tickets!
Lol…..
Seriously- a good playoff effort will go a long ways to selling tickets for 23-24
- bennythehat

Bold prediction time:The Jets are going to win the Stanley Cup and 55 will be this years Conn Smythe winner.

GO JETS GO!!!

Bold prediction time:The Jets are going to win the Stanley Cup and 55 will be this years Conn Smythe winner.

GO JETS GO!!!
- TheUltimateJet

Yikes, that is bold, even for you Ultimate!!!

The Jets can beat Vegas.

Bold prediction time:The Jets are going to win the Stanley Cup and 55 will be this years Conn Smythe winner.

GO JETS GO!!!
- TheUltimateJet

Good look on the optimism.

Almost any team that made it to the final will tell you there is definitely a certain amount of puck luck and luck in general that helped get them there. Things like accidental sticks to the face, bad ref calls, goals called back on marginal offsides, bad bounces, goalposts, etc , etc...can all make a big difference in a tight series.

The Jets' players have learned to play some playoff-style hockey with grit these past 8-10 games so anything can happen. Their poor record in the back half may just lead to something positive. Sometimes your back needs to be up against a wall before you really find out what your made of.

I might also add that if the Jets had finshed top three in the Central would the matchup have been better or worse. I tend to think that the Stars, Avs, or Wild , or even the Kraken , would have been very tough opponents. The Kraken can't be happy with the crossover and now facing only Central opponents. Jets would face none of them now till the conference final ....if they get that far. Could the Jets' road through the Pacific be a blessing in disguise ?.....we shall see.

things I am watching for (regardless of the main storylines) in the playoffs and my predictions:

East:
Bruins vs Panthers - going with the mainstream on this one, not much to add except that I think the Panthers are entering this in playoff mode and intensity. Are the Bruins there yet? Panthers will earn the split in Boston. Boston in 5

Leafs vs Lightning - Leafs need a big series from Mathews, and excellent goaltending. Tampa has the edge in goal. I was really looking forward to seeing Tanner Jeannot go to work on Mathews - that is the biggest reason Tampa paid that price to get him. The best comparison I can think of for him is Esa Tikkanen. His return in game 3 or 4 will be impactful. If Tampa takes one game in Toronto look out Leafs nation. Tampa in seven.

Canes vs Isles - One team built to consistently beat the average NHL team, one team built for the playoffs. This is a bad matchup for Canes even if they do win it they will be beaten and fatigued. Isles in 6

Devils vs Rangers - Rangers took some chemistry risks at the deadline that may backfire. The Chytl, Lafrenier Kakko line has been an energy and depth driver for the team and thier reward is reduced role and PP time. I don't like the matchup at all for Rangers. I will give them one game for Shesterkin and one for the MSG advantage. Devils in 6

West:

Oilers vs Kings - The Kings will battle and test the Oilers resolve. Daneault, Kopitar and Doughty are a good foil for oil. Questions in net for both teams, Oilers in seven.

Stars vs Kraken - I like this Stars team and fear that Seattle may ultimately be satisfied just to make the show. Robertson and Ottinger and residue of Bowness defensive teaching will prevail. Its the only sweep I am calling. Stars in four.

Wild vs Avs - No Landeskog, questions on health of Makar, bled talent from last year due to cap. On the other side with Foligno, Reaves, Hardman will win the fight in the alley, corners and netfront. Fluery, Kaprizov, Zuccarello, and really solid depth will win this one. I give MacKinnes one game, Wild in five.

Knights vs Jets - I think I do alright at being able to arrive at objective observations with most things with exception of when Jets are involved so don't bet on this:

First off - Golden Knights is still a stupid name for a hockey team, in a few years they will drop the golden much like anaheim dropped mighty. (edit: did i mention that the shiny helmuts make them look like a bunch of C3POs?) I like the depth of the Knights defense and they can do it all, score - move the puck - mobile - smart - hit - block. It complements a deep forward group. I am not sold on Brossoit, health/readiness of Stone, leadership/clutch of Eichel and coach Cassidy's ability to navigate the toughest waters.

Jets defense can be considered deep but they aren't great. Samberg looks to be arriving on the higher end of what we were hoping for as a prospect, we know what to expect from Dylan. Pionk is plucky and competes but not mobile, Schmitt will be OK, Demelo is good. Can Morrissey elevate through the tighter checking of playoffs to be a star? Overall their size won't be a problem this series but puck moving will be tested.

Contrary to some on the board I like the Jets forward depth including Apples, Manaleinen, Barrron and some of the maligned depth guys. I don't expect goals from them - though production from the third line guys was below my expectations through the middle of the season. They are difficult/draining players to play against and consistently put in solid low risk hockey.

I have doubt about the ability of the core forward to score ugly goals and win close games. I have really liked how 7 has filled in at 2nd center since 55 lost his complete game. Dubois has carried a team to a first round upset before and performs well in big games. 62 and 17 will go to the net, 26 might also. Healthy Ehlers can still gain zone entry and make space with some speed. Connor shot hasn't been as deceptive as past years but the effort and hands are still there.

Overall they have better defense, we can match them at forward and our goaltending is better. I think our forwards v their defense will make Brossoit look like the 2nd coming of Dominic Hasek for 2 games this series until we learn to drive to the net, screen, battle, scrum, tip, whack and force pucks in. we will also have one defensive meltdown game. On the other hand Helly will steal 2 wins. Dubois wins a game. Game 7 Jets win on the road, don't know how.

things I am watching for (regardless of the main storylines) in the playoffs and my predictions:

East:
Bruins vs Panthers - going with the mainstream on this one, not much to add except that I think the Panthers are entering this in playoff mode and intensity. Are the Bruins there yet? Panthers will earn the split in Boston. Boston in 5

Leafs vs Lightning - Leafs need a big series from Mathews, and excellent goaltending. Tampa has the edge in goal. I was really looking forward to seeing Tanner Jeannot go to work on Mathews - that is the biggest reason Tampa paid that price to get him. The best comparison I can think of for him is Esa Tikkanen. His return in game 3 or 4 will be impactful. If Tampa takes one game in Toronto look out Leafs nation. Tampa in seven.

Canes vs Isles - One team built to consistently beat the average NHL team, one team built for the playoffs. This is a bad matchup for Canes even if they do win it they will be beaten and fatigued. Isles in 6

Devils vs Rangers - Rangers took some chemistry risks at the deadline that may backfire. The Chytl, Lafrenier Kakko line has been an energy and depth driver for the team and thier reward is reduced role and PP time. I don't like the matchup at all for Rangers. I will give them one game for Shesterkin and one for the MSG advantage. Devils in 6

West:

Oilers vs Kings - The Kings will battle and test the Oilers resolve. Daneault, Kopitar and Doughty are a good foil for oil. Questions in net for both teams, Oilers in seven.

Stars vs Kraken - I like this Stars team and fear that Seattle may ultimately be satisfied just to make the show. Robertson and Ottinger and residue of Bowness defensive teaching will prevail. Its the only sweep I am calling. Stars in four.

Wild vs Avs - No Landeskog, questions on health of Makar, bled talent from last year due to cap. On the other side with Foligno, Reaves, Hardman will win the fight in the alley, corners and netfront. Fluery, Kaprizov, Zuccarello, and really solid depth will win this one. I give MacKinnes one game, Wild in five.

Knights vs Jets - I think I do alright at being able to arrive at objective observations with most things with exception of when Jets are involved so don't bet on this:

First off - Golden Knights is still a stupid name for a hockey team, in a few years they will drop the golden much like anaheim dropped mighty. I like the depth of the Knights defense and they can do it all, score - move the puck - mobile - smart - hit - block. It complements a deep forward group. I am not sold on Brossoit, health/readiness of Stone, leadership/clutch of Eichel and coach Cassidy's ability to navigate the toughest waters.

Defense can be considered deep but they aren't great. Samberg looks to be arriving on the higher end of what we were hoping for as a prospect, we know what to expect from Dylan. Pionk is plucky and competes but not mobile, Schmitt will be OK, Demelo is good. Can Morrissey elevate through the tighter checking of playoffs to be a star? Overall their size won't be a problem this series but puck moving will be tested.

Contrary to some on the board I like the Jets forward depth including Apples, Manaleinen, Barrron and some of the maligned depth guys. I don't expect goals from them - though production from the third line guys was below my expectations through the middle of the season. They are difficult/draining players to play against and consistently put in solid low risk hockey.

I have doubt about the ability of the core forward to score ugly goals and win close games. I have really liked how 7 has filled in at 2nd center since 55 lost his complete game. Dubois has carried a team to a first round upset before and performs well in big games. 62 and 17 will go to the net, 26 might also. Healthy Ehlers can still gain zone entry and make space with some speed. Connor shot hasn't been as deceptive as past years but the effort and hands are still there.

Overall they have better defense, we can match them at forward and our goaltending is better. I think our forwards v their defense will make Brossoit look like the 2nd coming of Dominic Hasek for 2 games this series, we have one defensive meltdown game, Helly will steal 2 wins. Dubois wins a game. Game 7 Jets win on the road, don't know how.
- 2.0

Enjoyed reading your thoughts, thanks for sharing them.

things I am watching for (regardless of the main storylines) in the playoffs and my predictions:

East:
Bruins vs Panthers - going with the mainstream on this one, not much to add except that I think the Panthers are entering this in playoff mode and intensity. Are the Bruins there yet? Panthers will earn the split in Boston. Boston in 5

Leafs vs Lightning - Leafs need a big series from Mathews, and excellent goaltending. Tampa has the edge in goal. I was really looking forward to seeing Tanner Jeannot go to work on Mathews - that is the biggest reason Tampa paid that price to get him. The best comparison I can think of for him is Esa Tikkanen. His return in game 3 or 4 will be impactful. If Tampa takes one game in Toronto look out Leafs nation. Tampa in seven.

Canes vs Isles - One team built to consistently beat the average NHL team, one team built for the playoffs. This is a bad matchup for Canes even if they do win it they will be beaten and fatigued. Isles in 6

Devils vs Rangers - Rangers took some chemistry risks at the deadline that may backfire. The Chytl, Lafrenier Kakko line has been an energy and depth driver for the team and thier reward is reduced role and PP time. I don't like the matchup at all for Rangers. I will give them one game for Shesterkin and one for the MSG advantage. Devils in 6

West:

Oilers vs Kings - The Kings will battle and test the Oilers resolve. Daneault, Kopitar and Doughty are a good foil for oil. Questions in net for both teams, Oilers in seven.

Stars vs Kraken - I like this Stars team and fear that Seattle may ultimately be satisfied just to make the show. Robertson and Ottinger and residue of Bowness defensive teaching will prevail. Its the only sweep I am calling. Stars in four.

Wild vs Avs - No Landeskog, questions on health of Makar, bled talent from last year due to cap. On the other side with Foligno, Reaves, Hardman will win the fight in the alley, corners and netfront. Fluery, Kaprizov, Zuccarello, and really solid depth will win this one. I give MacKinnes one game, Wild in five.

Knights vs Jets - I think I do alright at being able to arrive at objective observations with most things with exception of when Jets are involved so don't bet on this:

First off - Golden Knights is still a stupid name for a hockey team, in a few years they will drop the golden much like anaheim dropped mighty. (edit: did i mention that the shiny helmuts make them look like a bunch of C3POs?) I like the depth of the Knights defense and they can do it all, score - move the puck - mobile - smart - hit - block. It complements a deep forward group. I am not sold on Brossoit, health/readiness of Stone, leadership/clutch of Eichel and coach Cassidy's ability to navigate the toughest waters.

Jets defense can be considered deep but they aren't great. Samberg looks to be arriving on the higher end of what we were hoping for as a prospect, we know what to expect from Dylan. Pionk is plucky and competes but not mobile, Schmitt will be OK, Demelo is good. Can Morrissey elevate through the tighter checking of playoffs to be a star? Overall their size won't be a problem this series but puck moving will be tested.

Contrary to some on the board I like the Jets forward depth including Apples, Manaleinen, Barrron and some of the maligned depth guys. I don't expect goals from them - though production from the third line guys was below my expectations through the middle of the season. They are difficult/draining players to play against and consistently put in solid low risk hockey.

I have doubt about the ability of the core forward to score ugly goals and win close games. I have really liked how 7 has filled in at 2nd center since 55 lost his complete game. Dubois has carried a team to a first round upset before and performs well in big games. 62 and 17 will go to the net, 26 might also. Healthy Ehlers can still gain zone entry and make space with some speed. Connor shot hasn't been as deceptive as past years but the effort and hands are still there.

Overall they have better defense, we can match them at forward and our goaltending is better. I think our forwards v their defense will make Brossoit look like the 2nd coming of Dominic Hasek for 2 games this series until we learn to drive to the net, screen, battle, scrum, tip, whack and force pucks in. we will also have one defensive meltdown game. On the other hand Helly will steal 2 wins. Dubois wins a game. Game 7 Jets win on the road, don't know how.
- 2.0

I failed - I feel... shame.

Stars vs Wild- I like this Stars team, good depth, experience, goaltending, defense, puck movement, grit, confidence. On the other side with Foligno, Reaves, Hardman will win a few in the alley, corners and netfront. Fluery, Kaprizov, Zuccarello, and really solid depth will make this one of the most entertaining series of them all. Robertson and Ottinger and residue of Bowness defensive teaching will prevail. Stars in six.

Avs vs Kraken - No Landeskog, questions on health of Makar, bled talent from last year due to cap. Still fear that Seattle may ultimately be satisfied just to make the show. I give the Avs one game for Seattle nerves, one for thier own experience, one game for MacKinnes and they split the rest. Avs in six.[img][/img]