Aspects of the Game Winnipeg Jets need to improve on –NHL Special
Winnipeg Jets had an impressive run during the final portion of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season, but a few losses here and there ousted them from the playoffs. Now with more than enough time to ponder upon what they should change
in their game, Winnipeg Jets should be focusing on how next season will be different for them.
As soon as the Atlanta Thrashers were relocated to Winnipeg and renamed the Jets, fans went wild and had the sky as the limit for their new team after years of yearning for a NHL club. Winnipeg has a lot of expectations to live up to and improving some aspects
of their game just might get the job done next time around.
After hearing what head coach, Claude Noel, said during his season-ending press conference, it seems like Winnipeg is definitely going to start working towards their goals right away.
"We don't want to be standing here in April next year going down this same path at this time of year," Noel said. "Things have to change.”
Here are some aspects of the game that must change for Winnipeg if Jets hope on having a breakthrough 2012-2013 season.
Since it is widely known that general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, did not change much after bringing the Thrashers from Atlanta to Winnipeg, leaving much room for improvement and the ability to shift things around.
Defence
One thing about playing in the Eastern Conference is that if you are not a team that can play physical hockey, than you can easily forget about getting into the playoffs. It is not hard to see why Boston Bruins won the cup last year; it was all about the
defence.
Ondrej Pavelec was great for Winnipeg in the net along with backup goalie, Chris Mason. Both will be heavily burdened again next year if Winnipeg does not bring in any effective defensemen, allowing the goaltending department to breathe easier and thus,
be more efficient.
"We have to be better. Our attitude has to be better. We have to walk and expect to be in the playoffs. Our conduct, our existence, just has to be better. That's where it starts. I think we're getting there. That's what I want them to think about over the
summer. There is something to be said for walking like a champion," Noel added.
Playing on the Road
When it comes to travelling, Winnipeg has not been in the top rankings as lost more than 18 points on the road as compared to playing at home. Jets also ranked 15th in the major league amongst the 30 clubs ranked for the winning percentage away
from home with a 23-13-5 record.
It is obviously tough playing in front of thousands of fans that are continuously chanting in favour of the opposition when you have a jam packed arena backing you at home but Jets will have to realise that they are not favourites everywhere they go and
need to get past it.
Special Teams
Winnipeg needs to assign each player a special position and allow them to naturally play in it instead of forcing players to play different roles they are not accustomed to. Doing this would also require the team to add a couple of more players to their
small line-up and working the market is a sure requirement.
Jets might not have been the best in the league but like how Claude Noel described that next time, he would be a lot less patient, we can expect to a see a turnaround for the young team later on this year.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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