WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets require improved performance from Nikolaj Ehlers during the playoffs.
This need isn`t limited to the current post-season, as Ehlers has only managed one assist through three games.
Across 40 career playoff appearances, the player who has surpassed 60 points four times in the regular season has accumulated only 15 points (averaging 0.38 points per game). This is a significant decline compared to his regular-season average of 0.77 points per game.
What accounts for this change? Why does this trend persist?
Ehlers` typical strengths—generating chances on the rush and navigating through the offensive zone—are less effective in the playoffs. During this period, rush opportunities are fewer, while cycling the puck and forechecking become more crucial.
Playoff success often hinges on simplifying play and focusing on execution. Despite his skill, Ehlers` style can be unpredictable. He frequently overcomplicates things with risky passes or individualistic plays in the offensive zone that don`t yield results, when a simpler approach would be better.
Consider the performance of Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor in these playoffs. Both players have effectively utilized open areas to create chances and have also generated offensive zone pressure through successful puck cycling.
Ehlers appears to simplify his game when playing alongside Adam Lowry. Jets coach Scott Arniel has occasionally paired them this season, including during the third period of Game 1.
Lowry helps create space for Ehlers, and Ehlers` speed assists Lowry and Appleton in entering the offensive zone. Once there, Lowry and Appleton are effective at maintaining puck possession.
For Game 2, Ehlers is expected to play on a line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti. This line found its rhythm in the latter half of the season after a slow start.
