Getting back to the blueprint – Winnipeg Free Press

Game 3 Analysis

The Winnipeg Jets suffered a 7-2 defeat against the St. Louis Blues in Game 3 of their NHL playoff series. Despite the loss, the article emphasizes the Jets' regular-season resilience and their ability to bounce back from setbacks. The team has a two-day break before Game 4.

Key Players and Performances

Josh Morrissey, Jets' alternate captain, displayed composure and confidence in a post-game interview, highlighting the team's ability to learn from losses and improve throughout the series. Connor Hellebuyck's performance was scrutinized, showing some decline in statistics compared to his regular season performance. Key players from both teams' top lines and defensive pairings heavily influenced the outcome of Game 3. The article notes the need for increased offense from several Winnipeg Jets players.

Areas for Improvement

• Defensive structure: The Jets need to improve their defensive play, particularly in the middle of the ice.
• Special teams: The Jets' special teams performance is crucial. They were outmatched in the power play department and need to improve their power play and penalty kill.
• Secondary scoring: The article highlights the need for increased scoring contribution from beyond the top line.
• Hellebuyck's performance: While not directly criticizing Hellebuyck, the article suggests he needs to elevate his game to help the Jets retain control of the series.

The article concludes by emphasizing the Jets' reliance on depth scoring throughout the season and the need to recapture that strength for Game 4. The team's resilience is deemed critical to overcome the current challenge posed by the St. Louis Blues.