Advertisement

ANALYSIS: Jets pick up back-to-back points after pair of tough losses

It’s funny how the hockey world works.

Last week, the Winnipeg Jets suffered a pair of tough losses to opponents that brought about extra stress, 4-1 defeats to both Montreal and Toronto.

Original Six clubs have fans all across the country.

Story continues below advertisement

Everyone knows a few of each and either loves them or hates them; when the Jets take them on, the stakes are higher than normal.

As a Jets fan, if you win, the ecstasy is higher, but if you lose, the sting hurts that much more.

So, back-to-back losses to those two clubs saw some negativity creep in.

The Jets weren’t at their best at all against Montreal. While they played a lot better against Toronto, some defensive lapses sunk their chances, handing over big opportunities to their best players.

Story continues below advertisement

Heading into this weekend, the Jets were staring at points they needed to pick up and it was going to be tough — back-to-backs always are — against Ottawa and Philadelphia.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Four points up for grabs; four points obtained.

The Jets once again got the victory, dealing with more adversity, proving that they can and will continue to answer the bell.

The game in Ottawa, except for a 20-minute stretch between the first and second periods, they dominated.

They controlled the game and moved the puck up and down the ice at will, drawing penalties, while capitalizing on their chances.

Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) reacts to a stick check from Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dylan Samberg (54) during second-period NHL hockey action in Ottawa on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

The game against Philly the next day had the Jets jump out to a big lead, 3-0, but it sure felt to me like they would need all those goals by the end of it, which they did.

Story continues below advertisement

They got goals from all four lines as the bottom six once again continued to prove their importance to this club.

The Jets have four games left before heading off for an 11-day break, with the all-star game wedged in between.

These are the dog days of the NHL season where it’s tough, sometimes, to find things to play for, but this hockey club from Winnipeg continues to showcase they’re still playing with a chip on their shoulder and prove that they are a top team in the NHL, even if they’re going under the radar.

But maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly where they want to be.

Click to play video: 'John Shannon on the Jets: January 11'
John Shannon on the Jets: January 11

Sponsored content

AdChoices