Following a disappointing 3-0 loss in the Heritage Classic to the Oilers we spoke with a number of Jets players:
Connor Hellebuyck: Focus on offence vs. defence. Overall thoughts on the game? Seemed even until turnovers in the 2nd period. How can they prevent giving up leads? Adjusting for sight lines/depth perception? On the crowds/atmosphere. Have the Jets 2nd periods been noticeable from their perception? Did the two hour delay impact the team? Does it impact the way he prepares as a goalie? Being able to look around and appreciate the unique setting.
Mathieu Perreault: On playing from behind. On the young team being overwhelmed by the stage. On the total process (young players adjusting to system and veterans also needing to adjust). On the Jets lack of power play momentum. The overall atmosphere.
Blake Wheeler: On the game overall. On the Jets 2nd period. Adjusting to the conditions. After the first shift did it feel like a regular season game? Does this loss put a damper on the week?
Patrik Laine: What didn’t go according to plan out there? Other than the 10 minutes where they got their goals, how did he feel the club did? Did all the build up/excitement make it difficult to play that game? How often does he bury that prime opportunity? How much of a difference might that goal in the 1st period might have meant? When did it feel like a “regular game”? Did their goalie get a piece of the puck or did he shoot it high? How did the delay impact them? What did they do to keep busy? What did he think of his game? Looking forward to playing a normal game? Couple of tough games against the Stars upcoming.
