Jets’ 3 Stars of the Week: Oct. 2-9

The Winnipeg Jets played four games in the first week of the NHL regular season, all of which were on the road against Eastern Division opponents. For them to come out of the week with a 2-2 record is really good and a result few were expecting.

The Jets came out hot, scoring 11 goals in the first two games, but unfortunately – as many predicted – they allowed 10 goals and played fairly poor defensively. The 6-4 loss to the New York Rangers was an intense and entertaining game. Although the Jets came up short, it was a valiant effort. The 5-4 shootout win against the New Jersey Devils was an amazing comeback that happens rarely. Not many teams can spot a 4-0 lead and come out victorious.

There was a lot to like about Laine this past week. He played very well – even with no training camp or preseason games under his belt. This has earned him the Jets’ second star of the week.

1st Star: Nikolaj Ehlers

Ehlers was flying all over the ice this past week and he created a ton of offense. He played the first two games on the top line but got shuffled to the second line in games three and four after Laine got bumped up. He finished the week with one goal, four assists, and an even plus/minus.

What I liked about his week was that he got a lot of pucks on net. Ehlers registered 17 shots through the team’s first four games – something he needs to keep up all season. He only averaged 2.5 shots on goal in 2018-19. If he can keep it near the 4.25 mark that he is currently averaging, he and his linemates will benefit in the long run.

Ehlers’ smooth-explosive skating was again on full display to start the season. His zone entries are a thing of beauty and he seems to have an added swagger to start the 2019-20 campaign. If this week is any indication of what his full season could look like, he will shatter his career-high 64- point mark. All of this has earned him the Jets’ first star of the week.

Stay tuned for next week’s ‘Jets’ 3 stars of the week’ and, as always, let us know in the comments who you feel should be one of the three stars.