Typically, losing all games in a season series against a team from another division isn`t a big deal.
That`s why Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel seemed surprised when asked if their recent 4-1 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings was a significant game to measure their team`s strength.
He dismissed the idea that his team needed to prove anything against the Kings.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Arniel responded to the reporter who pointed out Winnipeg`s 0-3 record against Los Angeles this season. “We are currently in the top position. So, I`m not sure about using them as a benchmark. We don`t think that way. We focus on our style of play and how we compete against every opponent.”
However, there is something to consider about Winnipeg`s performance against teams with a similar playing style to Los Angeles.
“They are very tight defensively; they don`t give you much space,” Arniel mentioned. “They are the kind of team that capitalizes on your mistakes. Yes, they are very good. They controlled the central ice area. They play a lot like us, limiting access to the high-danger scoring areas.”
The Jets had possession for most of the game against the Kings, with 57.8 percent of the expected goals share at five-on-five.
“When we have that much puck control, we need to attack the net more aggressively,” Arniel acknowledged.
The Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Vegas Golden Knights—all potential playoff opponents for the Jets—have consistently outperformed Winnipeg in front-of-the-net battles. In eight games against these teams, Winnipeg has only created 26 high-danger shots during five-on-five play, while allowing 54. Other statistical indicators tell a similar story.
Jets` Five-on-Five Stats vs. St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Vegas:
| xGF% | SCF% | HDCF% | HDSF% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38.4 | 40.6 | 35.6 | 32.5 |
Arniel has emphasized the importance of creating net-front chaos to generate second and third scoring chances. The Jets excel at maintaining pressure in the offensive zone, particularly through cycling the puck, but they need to improve at getting to the front of the net. Remember how effective Colorado was at disrupting Connor Hellebuyck by getting in his way last playoffs?
To be fair, these teams are excellent at defending the slot area. But in the playoffs, even more goals are scored close to the net, and it becomes even tougher to get to those prime scoring areas in the post-season.
This Thursday`s game against Vegas, a team that has defeated the Jets in both of their matchups this season, will be another test of their mettle.
Analyst`s Take
• A misplay by Jets defenseman Logan Stanley led to a goal against, with Andrei Kuzmenko stealing the puck and scoring to put L.A. ahead 3-1 late in the second period. It`s clear that a player of Stanley`s size shouldn`t be attempting risky moves in open ice. While Stanley has been playing better recently, I still believe Haydn Fleury is more likely to play in Game 1 of the playoffs. Fleury is not significantly better than Stanley, but he makes fewer errors and is more agile, which is crucial for a partner playing with Luke Schenn on the Jets` third defensive pairing.
• Winnipeg failed to register a single shot attempt on the power play during their two power play opportunities. Their power play has been struggling since the international break, converting only 16.3 percent of chances (26th in the league).
“Both power play units need to improve,” Jets forward Cole Perfetti told reporters after the game. “It`s not just the first unit; the second unit also had a minute on each power play and we didn`t execute. They are a good penalty-killing team and apply a lot of pressure, which we knew. Again, it came down to execution. It wasn`t a lack of effort or intent; we just didn`t execute the plays and move the puck quickly enough.”
• Arniel mentioned that Schenn is currently day-to-day. The 35-year-old defenseman left the morning skate early due to stiffness.
