Lowry’s commanding presence on full display for Jets

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/04/2024 (537 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What can you say about Adam Lowry?

“That’s our captain, man,” is how veteran Winnipeg Jets defenceman Brenden Dillon responded to the query. “He’s a gamer.”

Lowry’s impressive effort Sunday added to his ever-growing list. A player that can lead in so many ways, he had his arsenal on full display in a wild 7-6 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.

There was plenty of head-to-head time against Nathan MacKinnon’s line in a shutdown role, keeping the Hart Trophy candidate in check as much as is humanly possible. There were the team-high six hits dished out. There was the usual busy night in the faceoff circle (winning nine of 19). And there were two beautiful goals to show there’s a bit of sizzle to go with his steak.

“His game speaks (for itself) even in the regular season. He just plays the right way,” said forward Kyle Connor.

“Smart player and you see it, that’s why he’s our captain. He leads by example and he’s a big voice in there. Obviously, pretty good hands around the net. You guys saw that (Sunday), so it translates very well.”

Lowry is no stranger to shining on a big stage. Although the Jets were ushered out of the playoffs last spring in just five games, it wasn’t for a lack of effort or production from the veteran centre. Lowry led the team with four goals against Vegas in that series.

Now, a solid start for a Jets team that looks poised to make some serious noise, with the first-year captain leading by example.

“The physicality, he plays against the top guys every night. Sometimes when it seems like our group doesn’t have it, he’s able to pull us into the fight,” said Dillon.

“When we are on top of our game we are physical and hard to play against and are hard on the puck in their zone. We are grinding down and changing the other team, (and) he is the first guy to be able to do that for us.”

Lowry has now played in 45 career playoff games with Winnipeg, recording 20 points (11 goals, nine assists), which is actually a more productive pace than the 239 points (105 goals. 134 assists) he’s put up in 702 regular-season games.

His second goal Sunday was quite the mind-bender, as he powered his way to the Avalanche net and put a shot off the left post, the right post and then the left post again — but only after it somehow briefly curled across the goal line.

“That’s how he plays. So strong, tough to play against down low and he’s got that underrated skill,” said forward Gabe Vilardi.

“That’s a really hard play. He puts it under the guy’s stick into an area and then uses his big frame to protect the puck and finish it. Great person and great leader.”

Of all the calls coach Rick Bowness has made since his arrival two years ago, putting the ‘C’ on Lowry’s chest is up there among the best. Not surprisingly, the bench boss was beaming after this latest performance.

“He’s been a great leader for the team, on and off the ice. He was a great choice for captain,” said Bowness.

“He loves those challenges and he takes his game to another level. The intensity is always there and it’s nice to see him get rewarded with a couple of goals, because he worked incredibly hard. When you’re playing against the MacKinnon line, you’re going to have to work very, very hard and you’re going to have to be very, very smart — Adam did those things for us.”

Lowry, the consummate team player, was quick to deflect any praise, instead opting to talk about what he felt he and his linemates (Nino Niederreiter and Mason Appleton) can improve on.

“We spent a lot of time in our end. And we gave some up off the rush. I look back at that first shift in the third period where (MacKinnon) rings one off the post, they get some chances like that,” he said.

“Me, Appy and Nino, we want to spend a little more time in their zone, wear them down in the cycle. I think there’s going to be some tweaks… just some quicker reads is kind of where our line will look to be a little better in Game 2.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg