FROM THE PRESS BOX
MIKE SAYS: The record says 2-1-0. The underlying numbers? They suggest the Jets have been more lucky than good so far — and have some serious work to do if they want to enjoy any kind of sustained success.
Consider this: according to Natural Stat Trick, the Jets have an expected-goals share of just 38.77 per cent at even strength through the first three games. In other words, opponents sit at 61.23 per cent. Only the winless San Jose Sharks are worse, at 34.56 per cent.
It’s a similar story when it comes to high-danger chances. Winnipeg ranks 31st overall at 38.18 per cent, with just 17 for and a whopping 28 against. (San Jose once again brings up the rear at 36.96 per cent.)
So, what does this mean? A few things. First, the Jets are spending far too much time in their own end at five-on-five. If that trend continues, the odds aren’t in their favour when it comes to long-term results. Secondly, great goaltending and strong special teams have been doing a lot of heavy lifting in the early going.
The good news? It’s still extremely early, and this is the smallest of sample sizes. And while the old saying, “They don’t ask how, just how many,” carries some truth, there’s no shame in admitting there’s room for improvement.
Of course, being without your best shutdown defenceman (Dylan Samberg), best shutdown forward (Adam Lowry) and a dynamic scoring winger (Cole Perfetti) due to injuries is going to take a toll. This early stretch is as much about surviving as it is thriving — and so far, the Jets have done a pretty good job in that department. We’ll see if they can keep it going against the Flyers.
KEN SAYS: After having an extra day between games, the Jets will be focused on not having a lethargic start like they had against the Islanders, where they gave up three scoring chances in the opening 27 seconds and relied heavily on goalie Eric Comrie before they found their legs and built a two-goal lead.
What a start it’s been for Jets forward Morgan Barron, who has scored a couple of highlight-reel goals and chipped in a pair of assists to sit third in team scoring behind Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.
Of course the sample size is small and pace of his output will be difficult to maintain, but Barron is playing with a bunch of confidence and adding that offensive element to his sound penalty killing, and conscientious play without the puck will help him earn an increase in playing time and responsibilities.
It was an impressive showing from Jets centre Jonathan Toews on Monday, as he chipped in his first point and was a force in the faceoff circle (winning 15-of-20 draws).
Toews seems to be looking more comfortable each game and his ability to handle those second-line minutes has been an important development.
Winnipeg Jets centre Jonathan Toews (left) picked up his first point since April 2023 during Monday’s road win over the New York Islanders. (Angelina Katsanis / The Associated Press files)
For the Flyers, keep your eyes on Sanheim, as he’s a smooth-skating D-man who excels when jumping up on the rush. He earned a spot on Team Canada for the 4 Nations Face-Off and is hoping to be part of the group that pursues a gold medal at the Olympics. Sanheim already has a goal and two assists through three games while averaging north of 27 minutes of ice time per game.
On the flip side, it’s been a slow start for Flyers forward Matvei Michkov, who is without a point through three games and has only recorded three shots on goal.
That’s not the type of start Michkov was hoping for after recording 26 goals and 63 points in 80 games as an NHL rookie.
PROJECTED LINES
WINNIPEG JETS
FORWARDS:
- Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
- Iafallo-Toews-Pearson
- Niederreiter-Namesntikov-Nyquist
- Koepke-Barron-Ford
DEFENCE:
- Morrissey-DeMelo
- Stanley-Pionk
- Fleury-Schenn
GOAL:
INJURIES: D Samberg (wrist), C Lowry (hip), F Perfetti (ankle)
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: D Miller, D Clague, F Chibrikov
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
FORWARDS:
- Konecny-Couturier-Michkov
- Foerster-Cates-Brink
- Zegras-Dvorak-Tippett
- Grebenkin-Luchanko-Hathaway
DEFENCE:
- York-Sanheim
- Seeler-Drysdale
- Ginning-Juulsen
GOAL:
INJURIES: D Rasmus Risolainen (triceps), D Ethan Samson (upper body), D Ryan Ellis (back)
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: D Zamula, LW Deslauriers, C Abols
NOTABLE QUOTABLE
Jets forward Morgan Barron on the team’s play so far:
“We’re in a good spot here, at 2-1, and we’re going to have a chance to move to 3-1. It’s difficult compared to how we started out last year. Starting off 15-1, everyone kind of has those expectations of coming out and having that hot start. We’re missing some guys, but it’s been good.”
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
Ken is on the scene in the City of Brotherly Love and will handle the game column, along with an early story that focuses on Flyers D-man and Elkhorn product Travis Sanheim. You can find the stories in Friday’s print edition and online.
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