Puckatron 3000
Glitchy Prototype
I'm a cup half full kinda guy. Even if that cup may be half filled with a snake venom molotov cocktail.
A lot of things have to happen for the Jets to make the playoffs this year. But, I think the Wheels are in motion, the guys are looking Buff at TC, and Hutch springs eternal in the face of a new season.
Here are 10 reasons for hope.
1. Ditch the Flab
A few players have mentioned Maurice's bag skate "scare tactics" at the end of last season. It looks like the team overall has responded, and shown up in better shape to TC. Fitness is hard to overestimate. Not just for the obvious advantages of increased physical play, but also a tired body leads to a tired mind, and increased mistakes and injuries.
2. Bottom Forwards: Battle Royal
There's a lot of players competing for those bottom F roles. This is great news, even if we do lose a few players to waivers. We can pick the best. The increased competition will amp up everyone's game. These slots ain't up for grabs, you gotta show up and take it.
3. Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Wheeler
If Wheels can come out strong this year, this will have a huge effect on the momentum (and points) for the team. I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' it. The "A", the Wheeler interviews, his talk of mental preparation before a game; I'm just getting a sense of confidence from the man.
4. Sensei Maurice
The upshot on Maurice is that his system takes better advantage of the Jets' natural talents. It is less rigid, more creative, more flow. The willow tree that bends, not breaks, in the storm. It feels like there's buy in from the players, which adds its own advantages.
5. The Hutch Factor
If the stars align, Hutch not only shows himself to be the future of the Jets' GT, but this also pushes Pavs to up his game and put up his best season. We get a "play who's hot" tandem.
6. Third Line's the Charm
This is the first season I can recall where we have the potential for 3 solid scoring lines. 8 of those slots are filled with solid talent, and there's a good fight for the last.
7. Citizen Kane
Kane has been shuffled around a lot. He's had to play with some sub-par line mates. I am excited to see what Kane can do if he stays healthy a full season, and hones his game with 2 consistent, strong line mates.
8. Prospects: Thar's gold in them hills.
There's always the chance one of our prospects kicks down the door and lights the place up. There was a lot to be excited about at the young stars tourney. Maybe it happens right out of TC and the expo games. Maybe it's an injury opening down the road.
9 The Sheifele Cocoon
Sheifele started last year pretty slow, but emerged in the late season. Like a butterfly finding its wings after emerging from a dark cocoon. Butterflies don't go back into their cocoon, so by this infallible logic, Sheifele will be strong all season. Fly, Sheifele, fly!
10. Whittlin' the Dead Weight
This off-season lacked the mythical mega trade that instantly solved all our problems. But there feels like a subtle refinement. Instead of Seto, Wright, and Jokinen (who, to be fair had a decent final season), we have Perrault, Galiardi, and maybe room for a prospect or two.
A lot of teams get stuck with their dead weight. We managed to whittle off a bunch of ours (with one notable exception, but let's move on...). Fresh, green sprigs of life are filling their place.
GJG!
A lot of things have to happen for the Jets to make the playoffs this year. But, I think the Wheels are in motion, the guys are looking Buff at TC, and Hutch springs eternal in the face of a new season.
Here are 10 reasons for hope.
1. Ditch the Flab
A few players have mentioned Maurice's bag skate "scare tactics" at the end of last season. It looks like the team overall has responded, and shown up in better shape to TC. Fitness is hard to overestimate. Not just for the obvious advantages of increased physical play, but also a tired body leads to a tired mind, and increased mistakes and injuries.
2. Bottom Forwards: Battle Royal
There's a lot of players competing for those bottom F roles. This is great news, even if we do lose a few players to waivers. We can pick the best. The increased competition will amp up everyone's game. These slots ain't up for grabs, you gotta show up and take it.
3. Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Wheeler
If Wheels can come out strong this year, this will have a huge effect on the momentum (and points) for the team. I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' it. The "A", the Wheeler interviews, his talk of mental preparation before a game; I'm just getting a sense of confidence from the man.
4. Sensei Maurice
The upshot on Maurice is that his system takes better advantage of the Jets' natural talents. It is less rigid, more creative, more flow. The willow tree that bends, not breaks, in the storm. It feels like there's buy in from the players, which adds its own advantages.
5. The Hutch Factor
If the stars align, Hutch not only shows himself to be the future of the Jets' GT, but this also pushes Pavs to up his game and put up his best season. We get a "play who's hot" tandem.
6. Third Line's the Charm
This is the first season I can recall where we have the potential for 3 solid scoring lines. 8 of those slots are filled with solid talent, and there's a good fight for the last.
7. Citizen Kane
Kane has been shuffled around a lot. He's had to play with some sub-par line mates. I am excited to see what Kane can do if he stays healthy a full season, and hones his game with 2 consistent, strong line mates.
8. Prospects: Thar's gold in them hills.
There's always the chance one of our prospects kicks down the door and lights the place up. There was a lot to be excited about at the young stars tourney. Maybe it happens right out of TC and the expo games. Maybe it's an injury opening down the road.
9 The Sheifele Cocoon
Sheifele started last year pretty slow, but emerged in the late season. Like a butterfly finding its wings after emerging from a dark cocoon. Butterflies don't go back into their cocoon, so by this infallible logic, Sheifele will be strong all season. Fly, Sheifele, fly!
10. Whittlin' the Dead Weight
This off-season lacked the mythical mega trade that instantly solved all our problems. But there feels like a subtle refinement. Instead of Seto, Wright, and Jokinen (who, to be fair had a decent final season), we have Perrault, Galiardi, and maybe room for a prospect or two.
A lot of teams get stuck with their dead weight. We managed to whittle off a bunch of ours (with one notable exception, but let's move on...). Fresh, green sprigs of life are filling their place.
GJG!
We also need a thread for "Despair".
