Perfetti taking game to new level With increase in repsonsibility comes increase in production By: Ken Wiebe Posted: 6:16 PM CDT Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

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This article was published 31/10/2023 (1025 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Cole Perfetti wasn’t about to deny that it’s been an adjustment not being on the ice as frequently some nights, but if you were expecting him to go on the record airing any grievances regarding his playing time, you’ve come to the wrong place.

That’s not his style.

Instead, the Winnipeg Jets forward was measured in his response to a question about what it’s been like to see his ice time reduced or his spot skipped on occasion during the third period in the early stages of the NHL season.

“That’s not really up to me, it’s up to the coaches. I’m just going with the flow. Whether I’m getting two minutes or 20 minutes, I’m going to try and make the most of what I’ve got with that time,” said Perfetti, who has recorded four primary assists during his past four games. “If I can help contribute to this team win in any way, shape or form in any kind of minutes, my goal is to just to play my best with whatever I get. Obviously, you want to play more and more.

“Everyone has that in their nature. You get here for a reason, because you want to play, so I think everyone’s got that in them — and I definitely do. I feel better when I’m on the ice getting more touches and stuff like that. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to do whatever I can with whatever opportunities that I get.”

Perfetti’s ice time has been a hot topic of conversation through the first nine games, but he’s elevated his level of play since moving from centre to the wing five games ago and is thriving on a line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Nikolaj Ehlers.

Perfetti set up David Gustafsson for the equalizer in the final minute of the first period of Monday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the New York Rangers, then added an assist on Ehlers’ wraparound moments after nearly burying a chance on a two-on-one rush himself.

With those two points, Perfetti is up to one goal and six points in nine games this season while averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time per game.

Those numbers figure to be on the rise with Perfetti promoted to the top power play after trading places with Ehlers, who becomes the primary shooter on the second unit.

The Jets power play is in the midst of a zero-for-13 drought and is just four-for-34 this season, leaving them near the bottom of the NHL in terms of efficiency (11.9 per cent, which is 28th of 32 teams, to be precise).

The expectation is that Perfetti should be able to mesh well with Josh Morrissey, Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor and Alex Iafallo.

“It’s a great opportunity. There’s a lot of talent on that unit — both units — but there’s obviously an opportunity open there. I’ve kind of played every position on the power play, except for the top, so I’m comfortable in all of the positions,” said Perfetti. “It feels good to get the opportunity. We need the power play to succeed to win games, that’s a big part of this league. So hopefully I can contribute in any way possible and we can find success.”

Perfetti, who is known for his vision, puck handling ability and smarts, is being used in the role of a net-front presence right now on that reconstructed top unit.

“You’ve got three elite shooters, with J-Mo, Scheife and KC, so it’s going to be a matter of reading off of them and trying to get in front of the net when it looks like they’re going to shoot,” said Perfetti. “Read off them and when they need help and need an outlet to make a pass, obviously I’m going to try and bump out off the net front and give them a release and an area to pass.”

Although he’s not an imposing figure, Perfetti recognizes what he’ll need to do to screen the opposition goalie effectively.

“There’s always an element of surprise to it,” said Perfetti. “I’m trying to get into the goalies eyes and try to have a free stick. If he’s trying to shoot for a part of the net that he sees, then leave it, but if he’s shooting for a tip, then hopefully I’ll have a free stick to try and get a piece of it.

“There’s a lot of movement on the bottom there, going side to side and trying to time it and come to the net front right when it’s about to get shot. It’s an important element, trying to time that when (the shot) is arriving right at the right spot, because when you’re flat footed, it’s easy for a goalie or a D-man to tie you up or to see around you. You’re an easy object to look around or move. But if you’re moving constantly, it’s harder for that defenceman to get your stick or to get body position. It’s harder for the goalie to look around you.”

Jets associate coach Scott Arniel said after the victory over the Detroit Red Wings that he needed to get the Namestnikov line some additional ice time and he backed up his words in each of the last two contests as Perfetti saw his ice time increase to 16:33 against the Canadiens and 15:12 against the Rangers after playing just over 10 minutes against the Red Wings.

“So he’s feeling better and better each game. He’s missed a lot of hockey in the last couple of years and he’s starting to get up to speed,” said Arniel. “That line’s got some chemistry going as well.”

Perfetti feels the chemistry coming along as well and figures it’s just a matter of time before he and his linemates find the back of the net with a bit more regularity.

The Jets are counting on that as they get set for a three-game road trip that begins on Thursday against the Vegas Golden Knights, who are off to a 9-0-1 start.

“We’re playing better. We’re starting to get a little chemistry together and feel comfortable,” said Perfetti. “We’d like to put the puck in the net more, but the chances we’re creating are a positive sign. The more we create like that, the puck just has to go in. It’s going to happen.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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