Some good things to take away from this game - after the horrid start Jets did a good job to get back into the game. Helle was an absolute stud, simply awesome game from him again. Laine was great for the rest of the game after sucking hard for the first half of 1st like the rest of them. Got robbed there for a goal by Watson, had 8 SOG and generally played well and showed a game getting physical won't throw him off. The 1st line had a pretty good game, though it seems for whatever reason Laine+Ehlers need a specific type of center to work well together - at least to my eye-test it seemed having Stastny replaced with Wheeler, Laine and Ehlers had a harder time finding each other and also Ehlers was back to doing more of his "I'll just skate throug 5 preds and score a goal... oops I lost the puck" routine. However Nashville has awesome defence and seemed really hard to play against, so it might be more about that and also I wouldn't use this game to judge much since it was a bit "special" because of how the first 8-9 minutes played down. Buff was doing Buff things, most of them good. I really like the Buff we've seen for some time now, while he still makes the occasional boneheaded plays, it seems he makes more positive than negative Buff-plays lately
I also think he's been mostly OK on the PP, though his passing still leaves a lot to be desired - he's just not quick enough to pass and when he does, the pass quality is often not that great. In any powerplay there's usually at least a time or two when Laine would be ready and open for a quick one-timer, but then Buff waits too long before he passes, or doesn't pass at all, or the pass is of poor quality. While the Jets PP has been great in general, sometimes watching some other teams with a really good puckmoving defenseman on the point gives me pangs of jealousy.
Rinne likewise was in top form and to be honest Nashville looks like a scary team to face in the playoffs. I have no doubt Jets couldn't take them out if they get healthy, but it will be an insanely difficult series if both advance to 2nd round. Noticed Rinne was cheating a bit on Laine all night, something to take note of - if he keeps doing that it should lead to some opportunities for a quick pass or shot pass for a redirect.
While the Jets injury situation is horrible, I honestly don't wish that on any other team. I really hope Nashville stays healthy (and Jets get healthy!), they had their share of injuries in the playoffs last season. They have a very good team and for the sake of Rinne if nothing else (my favourite Finnish player together with Laine & Aho), I wish they get a healthy run. In fact I hope whoever advances from the potential NSH vs WPG series will end up hoisting the cup. This game got pretty nasty, and chances are the playoff series would get even nastier... though I hope if they face each other that won't happen, otherwise whoever advances might be way too banged up to go all the way...
Just everyone get healthy already dammit!
