The hit Logan Stanley delivered in Game 2 echoed throughout Canada Life Centre, and the province of Manitoba, for that matter. It was a blast from the past, one that old-time hockey fans will say was commonplace back in the day, and Winnipeg Jets fans will point to a previous era for.
The hit conjures up memories of Dustin Byfuglien flying into opponents back in the 2010s. Byfuglien and his bone-crushing hits were a staple of the Jets from the moment they relocated from Atlanta, and they faded away with his retirement, along with the last great run from this team. He was a part of the 2017-18 team that reached the Western Conference Final, which was the furthest the Jets have gone in franchise history.
Related: 4 Takeaways From Jets’ 2-1 Game 2 Victory Over Blues
It’s easy to look at this version of the Jets and see it as the one that can get over the hump, something the 2017-18 team failed to do. They have everything that team had and then some. An elite goaltender, great defence, depth scoring, and a physical presence are a part of both teams, yet this season, the Jets look like a team that can win regardless of the situation. With a 2-0 series lead in the first round against the St. Louis Blues, they look like a team that will remain unfazed by the pressure and make a deep playoff run.
Jets Are Winning With Offence & Defence
Game 1 was surprising from the opening puck drop. The Blues and Jets were led by their defences all season, yet they combined for four goals in the first period and eight in the game. The Jets came out on top with their offence ultimately taking over in the third period, thanks largely to Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. This isn’t a rarity for this team, one that averaged 3.35 goals per game this season and saw Connor and Scheifele contribute 80 goals and 104 assists; it’s just proof that if needed, they’ll rely on their offence to win these fast-paced, high-flying games.
The Jets, meanwhile, won with defence all season, allowing only 2.32 goals per game and putting together 10 shutouts. It was reflected in Game 2 as they limited shooting lanes and created turnovers. They needed the dagger goal from Connor in the third period, and after that, it was all about sitting back and letting Connor Hellebuyck seal the victory, which he did by stopping 21 of the 22 shots. Everyone knows Hellebuyck is an elite goaltender, but not many know how good this defence is. They proved it in Game 2 and will do so throughout this playoff run with Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk, and Dylan DeMelo stepping up and making a significant impact.
A key for any team making a Cup run is the ability to win in multiple ways. Last season, the Jets were the kind of team that couldn’t win the high-scoring games and could go goal-for-goal with a fast-paced team like the Colorado Avalanche, who beat them in the first round in five games. This season, the Jets have shown they can win those games, and they did just that in their first game of the playoffs.
Identity & the Ability to Remain Unfazed
The Jets trailed 3-2 in Game 1, and it looked like they were in trouble. It’s an issue they faced against the Avalanche last season and the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of the 2023 Playoffs. When they trailed, they started chasing the game and would never recover. It looked like the same would happen against the Blues.
They battled back and won that game. It’s a game they lost in previous playoff runs, yet they adjusted without hitting the panic button to take over the game. Yes, the offence stepped up, but they turned to what made them a Presidents’ Trophy winner as well. Their defence clamped down and sealed the victory, allowing only 11 shots after allowing three goals in the first 22 minutes of action.
Then came Game 2, which felt like a vintage Jets win. They played a physical game and established the forecheck while playing structured defence. The Blues love to move the puck up the ice and play a north-south game. They couldn’t generate much off the rush or in the offensive zone because the Jets stuck with their identity to win 2-1.
The Jets are winning the same way they have all season, with their defence and forecheck leading the way. Yet, when needed, they can win with offence, even when top-six regulars Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabriel Vilardi are out of the lineup, which they’ve been for the past two games. It’s one of the reasons the Jets are built to win the Cup.
Why the Jets Still Have a Ways to Go
The Blues are trailing 2-0, but this series is far from over. They’ve played well against the Jets in the first two games and will only look better on their home ice. The Jets know all too well not to take the Blues lightly, after all, that’s what happened in the 2019 first round.
The Jets are expected to take care of the Blues and win their series against them. An inevitable matchup against the Avalanche or the Dallas Stars will be different. Both teams play a complete two-way game and, most notably, have the elite talent capable of taking over a series. Either team can knock off the Jets in the second round.
The Jets are off to a great start with the playoffs underway. That’s all it is, a start. They’ve won two games, and to win the Cup, they’ll need to win 14 more. The Jets have a long way to go, and the journey only gets tougher from here.
