Game 21: Hurricanes 3 Jets 1 post-game report

Recap:

It was a somewhat chaotic 1st period as the Jets did manage to almost get as many shots in the first 20 minutes (11) as they had all of last game (12) but they couldn’t beat Cam Ward.  Elias Lindholm was the only Hurricanes player to beat Connor Hellebuyck when he shot through Byfuglien’s legs and over the Jets netminder’s shoulder.  Other than that he was solid in the opening frame making 17 saves.

An unusual middle frame.  Both teams had an equal number of shots (7) but aside from a Mark Scheifele chance early on and a Mark Stuart shot the Jets didn’t come too close to tying the game.  Lots of physicality in that period as both teams were laying the body which ended with some rough and tumble.

A wild 3rd period as the Jets tried to equalize this one.  Rask gave the Hurricanes a 2-0 lead but Mark Scheifele continued to hold onto his NHL points lead with his 11th goal of the year (23 points) on a nifty pass by Nikolaj Ehlers. The dynamic Ehlers, whose speed and vision has propelled the sophomore winger to 14 assists on the year which ties him with McDavid, Getzlaf, Wennberg, Kane, Seguin and Keith who all have 14 .  The Jets however couldn’t stay out of the penalty box.  They gave up two power play goals (on seven chances) including one that gave Carolina a 3-1 lead with Noah Hanifin getting his first with 1:43 left in the 3rd.  Despite coming close Winnipeg just couldn’t beat Ward.

Team Stats:

Player post-game audio:

Blake Wheeler:  What did he think of today’s effort?  How do they re-charge over the next couple of days?  Special teams playing a big role in today’s game.  Fair to say try was there, legs maybe not.

Mark Scheifele:  Feel they responded properly despite the loss?  What did the team do better today?  What can they do to stop the bleeding?  What can they learn from the poor road trip last November to prevent it from happening again? Did every individual do some “soul searching” after last night’s game?  What has the grind been like?  On the central division games upcoming.  What have they (the Jets) learned about each other a quarter of the way into the season?

Connor Hellebuyck:  Team had energy but couldn’t quite finish.  On the seven power plays against and special teams being the difference?  Feel that if they stayed within one they could rally in the 3rd.  How welcome will this rest be in Minnesota?  Looking forward to playing the teams within their division?  Did he feel pressure to steal it for his team with them likely being out of gas?  Was his vision blocked on the first one?

Coach post-game:

Paul Maurice:  Did he get the response he wanted from the team?  The will from his team was there?  What did he learn about his squad?  Being at the quarter pole of the season, does he feel his team has survived?  Is this the product of injuries catching up with the Jets?  Is he looking forward to the games against the Central Division opponents this week?

All post-game audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.