Return to basics key to struggling Jets getting back in win column

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This article was published 09/02/2024 (622 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rick Bowness went to Page 46 of the coaching manual Thursday night after the Winnipeg Jets’ 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, falling on his sword after a lacklustre effort ended with a fifth consecutive loss.

“It starts with me. We’ll pull through this,” he said, minutes after the final whistle.

It is a noble concept and the Winnipeg Jets head coach certainly shares in the responsibility for this recent swoon, even if a lack of execution is a far bigger issue.

Bowness knows the only way the Jets are going to pull themselves out of the funk is by getting back to basics.

A systems overhaul is not necessary, although some tightening up in the defensive zone is now required after some looseness crept in at even strength during the past two regulation defeats — with four of the seven goals against coming during five-on-five play.

“Three goals in front of our net. That’s uncharacteristic of our group,” said blue-liner Dylan DeMelo after the game. “That’s stuff that we know we’re a lot better than that. You’ve gotta give Philly some credit there, for sure. They did a good job getting pucks early there with guys going to the net. We didn’t do a good job of sorting it out.”

The Jets used Friday as a rest-and-recovery day and are back in action against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday at 6 p.m. to open a two-game homestand.

The Penguins, who faced the Minnesota Wild in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday night, blanked the Jets 3-0 earlier this week and are battling to get back above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Jets (30-14-5) are three points behind Dallas and Colorado (both idle Friday) in the Central Division standings, but have two games in hand on the Stars and three on the Avalanche.

Bowness got the blender out Thursday in an effort to find an offensive spark and ultimately reunited Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, who scored for the first time in six games.

Winnipeg’s bench boss was non-committal when asked if he would start Saturday’s game with that trio together, which would move Gabriel Vilardi onto a line with Sean Monahan and Cole Perfetti.

“We’ll talk about that over the next couple of days,” said Bowness.

You can understand why Bowness was trying to give Monahan consistent linemates for longer than five periods, but he’s a veteran and will be able to adjust.

Despite the late goal in the third period, the Jets offensive struggles remain, with just 10 goals scored during the past eight games.

With multiple players battling through an extended drought, the Jets have occasionally found themselves passing when they would normally shoot, rather than relying on their natural instincts.

“Those things weigh on you,” said Jets captain Adam Lowry said Thursday night. “When you get those chances now, you’re just not as confident pulling the trigger. You’re deferring, you’re kind of looking for the next best option. Maybe you are the best option, so there’s no secret formula.

“There’s no magic potion that kind of gives you that mojo back I think, you get one that bounces off a skate and you start feeling good, I think. Then all of a sudden, the dam breaks.”

The Jets are certainly hoping the dam breaks sooner than later, allowing them to get back to the type of play that sparked a 10-1-3 stretch during the month of December before this recent bout of adversity.

“We expect we will be better next game,” Lowry said. “I’m confident that will happen.”

Expressing confidence during tough times is an important step. The next one requires the Jets to dig in and back up those words with actions.

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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