WINNIPEG – Paul Maurice’s debut as new bench boss started out with a bang and a brief chant of “Maurice” from Jets fans at the MTS Centre.
The home team won 5-1 Monday night over the former Jets, now the Phoenix Coyotes.
Maurice, who stepped into the job of head coach after Claude Noel was fired Sunday, was apparently the spark the team needed.
If Jets fans were hoping for a better effort and more determination, they got it. Despite going down 1-0 early, the team did something many fans agree they haven’t done all season — they played like they had something to prove and showed some heart.
“It was really good, it was really intense,” said one Jets fan. “It was better than the last two games for sure.”
“Everyone around us is liking what we see,” said another. “They’re digging a little bit harder today.”
But fans were quick to point out it was only one game. The question now is whether the team can sustain this momentum and make a push for the playoffs.
“I don’t know if it’s an indictment of Noel or just some fresh blood, but it’s nice for them to be putting in an effort for a change.”
Comments