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The Winnipeg Jets showcased a promising shift in their playoff demeanor during Saturday night’s matchup, marking a departure from their previous struggles, which included a disheartening record of 12 losses in their last 14 playoff games.
Throughout the regular season, messages from head coach Scott Arniel and players reflected a strong belief in using the 82-game schedule as a foundation to prepare for the rigors of playoff hockey. This philosophy reverberated particularly among those who experienced a series sweep against Montreal in 2021, as well as setbacks against Vegas and Colorado in recent playoff runs.
In their come-from-behind victory over the St. Louis Blues, the Jets demonstrated a familiar resilience that echoed their successful run when they clinched the President’s Trophy. Despite facing adversities early on, the team appeared unphased and gradually seized control of the game following the 30-minute mark.
However, moving forward, the Jets must address several aspects if they’re to sustain this momentum. They will need to start Monday’s game with greater poise, effectively manage St. Louis’s newly potent power play, and contend with the Blues’ strong faceoff success. Each of these elements will play a critical role in determining the outcome of their upcoming games.
Historically, the franchise struggles with a 3-7 record in Game 2s, with their last victory in such a scenario occurring four years ago, when Paul Stastny netted the game-winner in overtime against Edmonton. Arniel has indicated that discussing this history with his players is unnecessary, as the focus must remain squarely on the next game, which is often deemed the most crucial in the playoff landscape.
Should the Jets capitalize on their home-ice advantage and break the Game 2 trend on Monday night, it would be a significant step forward in their playoff journey.
Source
globalnews.ca