The Winnipeg Jets shut out the preseason with their second sport of a doubleheader versus the Calgary Flames on Friday. The Jets are coming off a decisive 5-2 win within the first sport, the place Nino Niederreiter discovered the again of the online twice whereas Gabe Vilardi dished for 3 assists.
It is a fantastic signal for the Jets that their prime gamers are at mid-season type however the principle storylines of the preseason should do with the gamers vying for jobs on the NHL degree. There are place battles in any respect three place teams for the Jets this offseason with every trying to be very shut and making their last sport in opposition to Calgary crucial for some.
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Backup Goaltender: Eric Comrie v. Kaapo Kähkönen
The backup goalie place is essential for any Stanley Cup contender. The Jets had a stable possibility on the place over the previous few seasons with Laurent Brossoit, who left for Chicago in free company.
A void was left behind and two very competent goaltenders are desirous to earn the place. Eric Comrie gave the impression to be a stable alternative for the function contemplating his historical past with the group however has been caught by the newcomer Kaapo Kahkonen. Comrie began in Jets second preseason sport after they took on the Oilers and regarded respectable with three objectives allowed in an additional time loss however made 25 saves on 28 photographs.
Kahkonen has been given extra alternatives with two begins to this point. He began off rocky in his first begin with 5 objectives allowed on 28 photographs and solely making 23 saves. The objectives in opposition to have been extra indicative of the Jets unpreparedness of their preseason opener quite than Kahkonen’s play.
Three of the 5 objectives have been off display screen performs and defensive breakdowns that weren’t his fault. He got here again with a a lot better efficiency in opposition to the Oilers with only one objective allowed together with 27 saves. Comrie could get the beginning within the preseason finale versus Calgary however as of proper now Kahkonen’s sport versus Edmonton could assist him get the job.
Ultimate Defensive Pairing: Stanley and Heinola accidents
The ultimate blueline pairing seems to be up-for-grabs with Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola each out with accidents. Stanley was projected for a backside pairing function early on like final season with Heinola trying to compete for certainly one of their spots however the pair of accidents has left a gap {that a} handful of defenceman can look to use.
Miller will possible retain his place on the underside pairing with a pair of objectives and assists for 4 factors over three preseason video games. The opposite place reverse to Miller is seemingly open and a case is being fashioned for 20-year-old Elias Salomonsson, who hasn’t registered some extent but however has made his impression felt with three photographs, 4 blocks and a +1 ranking over 4 preseason video games.
Newcomers Dylan Coghlan and Haydn Fleury possible have the sting nonetheless with extra NHL expertise and extra counting stats to this point this preseason. It also needs to not be misplaced that 23-year-old Simon Lundmark inserted himself into the controversy with a objective on Wednesday night time versus Calgary.
The sixth and seventh defenceman roles may nonetheless be obtainable however the edge goes to the duo with probably the most expertise in Coghlan and Fleury.
The Fourth Line: Younger Weapons on the rise
Manitoba Moose main scorer final season, Brad Lambert, has been aggressively pushing for a spot on the Jets primary roster with a objective and two assists for 3 factors over 4 video games. He’s vying for a spot not too long ago occupied by Rasmus Kupari whereas others like Brayden Yager and Colby Barlow are additionally trying to discover their manner into one of many fourth line spots as Morgan Barron battles to maintain his spot on the left wing.
Rather a lot is on the desk with Yager, Barlow and teenager Nikita Chibrikov, all having two factors every in two video games whereas Kupari and Barron have only one every. Chibrikov completed with 17 objectives and 30 assists for 47 factors final season with the Moose and will look one of many last roster spots.
All are nonetheless younger and have a number of years left on their entry degree offers, which may depart the door open for David Gustafsson and Jaret Anderson-Dolan, who’ve performed significant NHL minutes prior to now and will spherical out the ultimate roster spots. Rather a lot remains to be up within the air with regards to the forwards and will make the ultimate sport essential.
