Zhamnov5GoalGame
Former Director of GDT Operations
editor's note: yes, I know Ehers isn't Dutch
A few quick thoughts...
Usage of Scheifele and Wheeler is a problem for Maurice. They ran out of gas yesterday and have run out of gas in previous games. I think that likely has played a part of the Jets' 3rd period woes. Both are playing more than a minute per game more than last season, and a chunk of that extra time is on the PK, which are hard minutes for those two. Last season, Hendricks played about 1:30 minutes more than Roslovic had, entirely due to more PK time. I think Maurice needs to find a couple of new PKers. Roslovic seems like a good option. They also need to take fewer penalties. It's getting ridiculous, now.
It's time to shake up the 3rd pair. The Jets don't have great options because neither Myers nor Morrow have been adequate. The obvious short term option is Niku for Morrow. They need to get Niku NHL time anyway, in case they need him down the stretch and in the playoffs. A couple of losses and mediocre play is a perfect time to choose Niku. But Myers has also been a big problem. He needs a better partner, but him main issue remains his slow reactions, especially with the puck. It seems partly due to a lack of confidence, but the coaches need to sort it out. As I noted in the post game thread, I'd consider Poolman. At least he's stronger defensively.
The clamour for a 2C has been overblown, IMO. Little has quietly had a strong season in many respects, and was dragged down by lackluster starts by the ill-fitted Ehlers/Laine winger duo. I like the current top two lines, if Scheifele and Wheeler are fresh.
Finally, I can't understand why Perreault doesn't get a run with Lowry. I understand Maurice wanting some offense on the 4th line, but he's not using them so it's a waste. I can't think of any reason why Maurice can't find more ice time for Roslovic and Perreault. PK time for Roslovic and more 5v5 time for the line seem like good options.
Did the Jets lose 3 games in a row last year regular season?
PK?A week of 9:00 PM and 3:00 PM games was bound to go off the rails. Time for Niku to draw in. Actually it is over due. Agree with the thoughts of taking Scheifele and Wheeler off the PK. No need to make them play those hard minutes on top of the ice time they already get. No reason Rosie can't be used as a PKer at this point in his career. My thought is with Copp, while Lowry and Tanev make up your other PK unit.
Also gets 2/3 of the 4th line more involved in penalty filled games.PK?
Lowry/Tanev
Copp/Roslovic
Perreault/Little
Add a dash of Connor, Scheifele and Wheeler from time to time.