I thought the Jets had a great start. That play Perfetti made validates his promotion to that line. The expression Dubois had from getting a tap in goal kind of summarized the effect a good passer can have at times.
Jets had a good jump in the 1st. I think the only Nashville chances came from Dillon and Pionk really not supporting each other well in the defensive zone, which is a continuation of some problems for that pairing.
I don't know if the icing that led to the 1st Preds goal was Pionk's fault for the pass, or AJF's for the reception, but it's funny how a game can turn on a dime with an opportunity that could have been an odd man rush, instead you start in your zone, lose a faceoff, and suddenly it's 1-1.
I think the fatigue set in the 2nd period, and it was a struggle. Jets had some chances in the 3rd but didn't capitalize, and again one mistake, a chance to clear on the boards that doesn't go out with an advantage on the puck, and that's the deficit you are trying to avoid in a road game. While they weren't terrible, a 4th line that gives up 2 goals in a game probably doesn't stick together for the next one.
I give Nashville some credit. I like their top 3 on defense, hard to believe they give up so many shots with those guys, because they can all play. Mc Donaugh had a strong defensive game. Even though he wears a putrid jersey, happy Cody Glass is getting some chances to prove himself. I'd say without a doubt the Preds won that trade, I don't know if Patrick or Myers are actually going to stick in the NHL, and Glass is turning into a top 6 forward after getting out of Vegas. Saros played a strong game to keep the Preds in when the momentum was going the Jets way. I don't know if the Preds are good enough to make the playoffs, but I think they have enough talent to compete with Minnesota the rest of the way.
For the Jets roster Wheeler looked bagged out there, I wonder if he has a nagging injury. Morrissey I hope is ok too. Jets are getting healthier but this is the time of year when everyone seems to have some kind of bump or bruise. Stanley made an impression in his first game back. I thought he had some strong shifts in both ends, I like his heads up awareness in the offensive zone, but the shift where he had to keep pivoting showed an area he can be exposed in.
I liked Kuhlman this game, and I wonder if he is feeling the pressure now. When Appleton comes back, Jets have to make a decision. Maybe they can grind out the IR to the trade deadline, but the competition at the bottom beyond Lowry and Barron seems wide open to me still, and probably the area where the biggest upgrade will come at the deadline.
