WINNIPEG — Throughout the season, coach Scott Arniel has been assessing his team`s performance with a key question in mind: How does this affect the Winnipeg Jets` chances of making the playoffs?
You might be tired of hearing about this, and that`s understandable. It`s okay if you`re just waiting for the regular season to be over.
However, Tuesday`s 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals was a clear indication that these Jets are more formidable than in previous years.
Nikolaj Ehlers, a player known for a less-than-stellar playoff history, perfectly represents this team`s improvement.
Ehlers secured the win in overtime with a well-aimed shot, scoring his 24th goal on a breakaway. The crowd at Canada Life Centre erupted – it was the loudest cheer of the year. That night, the Jets became only the second team to secure a playoff spot. This wasn`t just another impressive goal from Ehlers; it topped off a game where he played on the team`s shutdown line with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton.
“I wanted to pair Lowry and Appleton against tough opponents like Tom Wilson and Pierre-Luc Dubois,” Arniel explained. “I wasn’t sure who could match up against Tom Wilson physically, and I thought Ehlers could be the answer. It was a situation to use speed against Tom, who is a fantastic player. We wanted to make them defend and play in their zone, and I believe that line accomplished that.”
Besides scoring the winning goal, Ehlers had seven scoring opportunities and two hits in a tightly contested game. A common criticism of Ehlers has been his lack of impact in playoff games. He has only 14 points in 37 career playoff games (0.38 points per game), significantly lower than his regular-season average (0.78).
Historically, Ehlers has struggled to perform when the pressure is on and the game gets more physical.
But Tuesday was different. Ehlers was arguably Winnipeg`s most effective forward in what was their most physical game of the season.
“He understands who he`s playing with,” Arniel noted. “With highly skilled players, you might try different plays. But playing with guys like Appleton and Lowry, who tend to play the puck deep and chase it, Ehlers becomes the support. He knows how to find open ice.”
Ehlers doesn`t often play with shutdown specialists, except for a short period with Lowry and Alex Iafallo in late January. However, he seems willing, even enthusiastic, to continue in this role.
“I try to use my speed every time I`m on the ice,” Ehlers stated. “We’re trying to anticipate each other as much as possible. I think today was good. We had some excellent shifts, though I personally might have given the puck away a bit too much. Playing with these guys who can play physically, control the puck down low, and create space for me and the other guy is a real advantage. I enjoy playing with them, and we need to keep working and building. We don`t know how long we`ll be together, but I think we`ve done a very good job so far, which is exciting for us.”
Stoller`s Insights
• Appleton`s quote about the challenge of defending Alex Ovechkin, who scored late in the third to force overtime, was insightful:
“When you’re guarding him, you`re barely guarding him. You have to be right on him, practically touching him, because his shot is so deadly,” Appleton said. “You can’t just position yourself in front because he can shoot through, around, any way past you. He’s an incredible scorer. Give him a little space and time, and he can punish you.”
• Cole Perfetti played exceptionally well again. His playmaking on the boards is impressive, even considering his skating and size limitations. Speaking of size, it was notable how he not only endured physical pressure from Matt Roy in the third period but also retaliated against a much larger opponent.
“He had the puck a lot, and I liked his puck possession,” Arniel said. “A few times, he drove to the net from the corners. These are great signs. These are the developments we`ve discussed for him as a player, and these are the kinds of plays you need in the playoffs.”
