As yet another disappointing playoff campaign comes to an end for the Winnipeg Jets, it is becoming more and more obvious that after years of underwhelming performances, that something needs to change in Winnipeg.
With no notable additions at the trade deadline, and no real push to sign any massive free agents during the offseason, it looks like the current Jets roster isn't going to cut it, and doesn't have enough to compete with those who just know how to get it done in the playoffs. With a pretty elite core, and a great compliment of elements across the lineup, Winnipeg seem to have the winning formula for a championship team, but another year of postseason failure means there is definitely something that isn't clicking for Winnipeg.
It is hard to say exactly what is going wrong for the Jets in the playoffs, but with one of the best home ice atmospheres in the NHL during the playoffs, but arguably the worst road form of any team in the postseason, Winnipeg seem to be blinded by the bright lights of playing in the important games, and their stars don't seem to have enough to push their game to an elite level come the postseason.
One thing that definitely became apparent in Winnipeg's losses over the course of the playoffs was the goaltending. It is without a doubt that Connor Hellebuyck is probably the best goaltender in the NHL, and will find himself hoisting his second Vezina trophy in a row, but as far as playoff performances go, Hellebuyck looked a completely different player. With a 3.08 GAA and a .866 save percentage during the postseason, his stats definitely look very different to his regular season stats, and do not reflect him as a tender at all. But with inconsistency during their campaign, it is hard not to say Hellebuyck was at fault for a large portion of the losses during their campaign, and is something that just cannot happen when you are an elite level goalie.
But regardless of the woes Winnipeg had on both ends of the ice, a lot of people would agree their push to add at the deadline probably wasn't as strong as they should, and for a team who were pushing for the number one seed, they definitely didn't make enough sacrifices. Bringing in an experienced two way guy like Tanev was a good ove, and bringing a player who understood Jets hockey culture was a smart move, but as far as upgrading the team, it was exactly what they would have needed. Unlike teams such as Edmonton who made massive trade deadline acquisitions like Jake Walman who elevates them to the next level, and the Dallas Star who brought in Mikko Rantanen, the Jets just didn't make a big enough plunge, and were too safe than they should have been during the deadline.
We can say an array of things went wrong for Winnipeg this postseason, and as another sickening end to a playoff campaign comes to an end for Jets fans, it is time for something to change. Whether it is moving some players, and building a new core, or whether it is being more courageous and risky, bringing in big time players who are proven in the playoffs, the Jets need to switch things up in order to progress any further. With a steady front office, amazing fans, and an excellent head coach, the Jets are one big change away from potentially going all the way.
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