The All-Star break is only one game away but that doesn’t mean the Winnipeg Jets won’t be tested before it happens. The Jets have a tough home game against the ever-polarizing Toronto Maple Leafs. Yesterday’s heartbreaking overtime loss and the other loss to the Boston Bruins showcase a multitude of things. They are highlighted by the important need to get healthier after the All-Star break and where to potentially upgrade the roster at the trade deadline. Injuries are extremely luck-based but it would be naive to ignore that Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi have all missed time this season. Furthermore, the Jets have now lost their best defenceman after it seemed like he blocked a shot in a sensitive area.
The Jets played well yesterday, well enough to earn the full two points. But they will be kicking themselves for not capitalizing on a 2-on-0 short-handed breakaway, two late-game power plays and a litany of defensive errors in overtime. The Jets came out flying dominating on the forecheck. This led to them outshooting Toronto 16-4 in the first period. However, the engines cooled off the rest of the game as they were outshot 26-16 after the first period. Having the power play opportunities being 5-0 Toronto through the first 57 minutes certainly didn’t help. But it and this game doesn’t change the fact that even a healthy Winnipeg team would benefit from more scoring depth.
Depleted Roster Excuse Won’t Cut It
All three of the games the Jets will have played this week will be on national television. Meaning if they were to lose all three the national media would likely ignore the Jets’ injuries and claim that the Jets don’t look as strong as once thought. This is why it is essential to win the last game against Toronto. A tough test gets even tougher. But this is the National Hockey League (NHL) and there’s no room for excuses. While the Jets All-Star break comes at a convenient time, they will have to grind out a win next game.
Injuries Highlight Forward Needs
It’s hard to speculate and talk about the trade deadline before it actually happens. But given general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s track record he doesn’t seem to be crazily aggressive. Mark Scheifele is a legitimate number one center but if sustains another injury, the Jets could face challenges. A “true Stanley Cup window” can slam shut extremely quickly. The centre market isn’t overflowing with talent this year so that’s why I think the Jets should try to acquire two centers at the deadline.
In goal you have an elite starter and high quality back-up. On defence you have a large variety of defenceman just waiting for an NHL opportunity. While on the wings you have so much depth that Alex Iafallo can play on the fourth-line if everyone is healthy. The one place you do not have depth is down the middle of the ice. It helps that he can play with talented wingers in the top-six but this is not a chance I would want to take heading into the playoffs. While most fans already knew of these risks, recent injuries have helped highlight the concern.
Jets All-Star Break Couldn’t Come at a Better Time
This well-timed break benefits the Jets. It will allow Scheifele, Vilardi and now Josh Morrissey to get healthy. NHL is a what have you done for me lately type of league. Getting two points against the Maple Leafs before the break could be the momentum boost needed to make sure the Jets don’t peak too soon but still power their way to the playoffs. Something special is brewing in Winnipeg, but before that happens the Jets face one more test before the All-Star break.
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