Winnipeg Jets are improving their ‘defence-first’ strategy

By: Ed Tait Posted: 1:30 PM CST Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015

It’s chiseled in stone as one of the commandments in winning hockey games: thou shalt keep thy puck out of thy net.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

It’s chiseled in stone as one of the commandments in winning hockey games: thou shalt keep thy puck out of thy net.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/12/2015 (3571 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s chiseled in stone as one of the commandments in winning hockey games: thou shalt keep thy puck out of thy net.

And through the first 28 games of the 2015-16 National Hockey League season – especially during the month of November – the Winnipeg Jets weren’t exactly being true to the game’s good book. Defence became a glaring issue for the team during a 4-9-1 run last month that saw them surrender an average of 3.79 goals per game. The breakdowns became so common it left everyone surly and had the goaltenders suffering through abandonment issues.

But the red light has been flashing less and less behind the Jets netminders of late and, not coincidentally, their game has steadied. The Jets have won two of their last three and three of their last five while giving up just 11 goals for a GAA of 2.20.

Kamil Krzaczynski / The Associated Press
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) shoots the puck against Winnipeg Jets defenseman Tyler Myers (57) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1. — Kamil Krzaczynski / The Associated Press Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (81) shoots the puck against Winnipeg Jets defenseman Tyler Myers (57) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 3-1.

“Over the past 10 games our group has really taken the defence-first mindset,” said defenceman Tyler Myers. “It’s really helped our group and we just have to try and keep getting better at that.”

Working with Toby Enstrom, Myers’ game has also seen a steady incline over the last little while. He was especially effective in Saturday’s win over the Washington Capitals in limiting the effectiveness of superstar Alex Ovechkin and will continue to draw tough matchups going forward, likely beginning Thursday at home against the Columbus Blue Jackets before a Friday date in Chicago.

“Toby and I are communicating well on the ice and talking off the ice if there’s things we need to be doing differently,” said Myers. “The easiest way to shut guys down as a five-man unit is to go on the attack.

“(Enstrom) moves so well and sees the ice so well, he makes a lot of good passes that allow me to jump into holes and join the play”

The Jets continue a more-humane stretch to their schedule Thursday night against the Blue Jackets and will play five of their next nine at MTS Centre. The schedule does include two more back-to-backs: this Thursday-Friday against Columbus and Chicago and Dec. 21-22 in Edmonton and then Calgary.

Bryan Little was the only player to miss practice on Tuesday, but head coach Paul Maurice said his No. 1 centre is fine and should be good to go against Columbus.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait