Winnipeg Jets optimistic for next regular season –NHL Update
As the Atlanta Thrashers team, players now part of the newly formed Winnipeg Jets club could never have dreamed of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs, but back in black and supercharged, they nearly did and were ousted in a way to be proud of.
Surprisingly, Winnipeg made an impressive run for the final postseason spot in the last moments of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season but unfortunately, a couple of losses gave Washington Capitals the boost to recapture a position.
Winnipeg coach, Claude Noel, was especially happy with how his team performed and has a lot of plans on how to prepare the team for next season during their time off.
"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 said.
Working the free agent market during the offseason will certainly be on the mind of the organisation as they intend on adding depth to their offensive and defensive ends, insuring a better result next year. Winning definitely does not have plans of ending
up back in the same spot next April and it will take some work.
"I think we're heading in the right direction," Jets captain, Andrew Ladd, said. "We have a lot of good pieces. It's just trying to find how to put the pieces together to work well.”
At the end of the 2011-2012 regular season, Winnipeg stood at number 11 with 84 points, which was not where they intended on sitting but had a tough run with teams like Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres.
Another issue Winnipeg could be facing is the wanting of players to shift organisation during the offseason and willingness to test the free agent market but most of them have expressed the desire to stay with the team.
Fans expected a lot from Winnipeg this season but as it did not work out for them, next season will be the true test to see how the club adapts and grows overtime.
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