Apr 11, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Winnipeg Jets goalie Michael Hutchinson (34) celebrate win with teammates against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Winnipeg Jets won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
WINNIPEG JETS
2013-14 SEASON
The Winnipeg Jets not only swapped divisions, but had perhaps the toughest task of all teams in moving from the Eastern to the Western Conference. They finished with a record of 37-35-10 for 84 points, 22nd in the NHL, and 7th in the Central Division.
PRE-SEASON EXPECTATION
The Jets were confident that they were on the right track and would be in the mix for a playoff spot, no matter what division they were in.
HIGHS
- The Jets went 18-12-5 when the coaching change was made and Paul Maurice took the reins of the team
- Blake Wheeler being named to the U.S. Olympic team
LOWS
- Poor and inconsistent play led to the firing of Claude Noel
- Dustin Byfuglien being shifted from defense to forward, despite his preference to play defense, caused some waves in the dressing room
- Evander Kane‘s attitude and conflict with Maurice led to some healthy scratches down the stretch
PROGNOSIS FOR NEXT SEASON
Maurice came in and started to hold players accountable and seemed to get some systems in place. Now, the question is, do they have the talent to make some noise and can Maurice mend fences with two of his stars, Byfuglien and Kane, and get on the same page with them. He is going to need them playing at their best for the Jets to have success. Also, the goaltending of Ondrej Pavelec needs to be better and more consistent.
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5 QUESTIONS WITH HOCKEY AT THE FORKS
We asked Skylar Peters, Editor of hockeyattheforks.com a few questions about the Winnipeg Jets’ season and future. Here are his responses:
1) What was the biggest surprise for your team?
Jacob Trouba. After Zach Bogosian‘s rough season, the kid was a first-pairing defenseman in his first year in the league. Playing upwards of 23 minutes some nights was something I didn’t expect to see. His poise with the puck is unbelievable, even in his first few games he looked confident.
2) What was the biggest disappointment for your team?
The off-ice drama. From Bryan Little calling out the city of Winnipeg, to Evander Kane getting sued, it seems this team couldn’t stay out of trouble this season, or even the past few years (Buff, Pavelec). It certainly didn’t help a team that needed the focus and drive down the stretch, and that’s part of why I think they fell off the map after the Olympics. I think it really took away from their play.
3) What is the biggest need going forward?
Kevin Cheveldayoff has to do something. He made a few moves last season, but he has to decide whether the team is in need of a re-tooling, or if they’re just a couple players away from a playoff team. First thing on the list – Ondrej Pavelec needs to be bought out.
4) Who was your team’s MVP this season?
Bryan Little. Second on the team in scoring, has played every game this season. He is versatile, usable on both special teams, and has the vision and faceoff numbers necessary to center any top line in the league. Some though Mark Scheifele would challenge him for the first line center position next year; I don’t think that will be the case.
5) What #hashtag would you use to describe your team’s season or state of the team?
#PavLOLec
Thanks to Skylar for taking the time to answer our questions. The Jets have an uphill battle ahead of them going forward.