Jets loss to Red Wings a defensive blip

Despite defeat, Winnipeg goals against per game now fifth in NHL, writes Ken Wiebe.

FORT LAUDERDALE The to-do list for the Winnipeg Jets coming into this season was a long one.

But after 28 games of the 201718 NHL season, the item at the top of that list has definitely been addressed — though it remains a work in progress.

When it comes to the issue of defending, the Jets are much improved — even after a 5-1 beatdown to the Detroit Red Wings.

Going into Thursday’s game against the Florida Panthers at BT&T Center, the Jets find themselves fifth in the NHL in goals against per game (2.62), a noticeable drop from where they were last season (3.10 per game, 27th in NHL).

Improved goaltending from the tandem of Connor Hellebuyck and Steve Mason has played an enormous role on that front, since the Jets were near the bottom of the NHL in both team goals-against average and team save percentage last season.

Hellebuyck has been nothing short of extraordinary, though his numbers have shown some of the expected regression after starting out with a .940 save percentage.

“It’s shifted over the season,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “Early on, our goaltenders were really important and when we were still trying to find our game, they were really solid. The goaltending has been consistent, but in the last four or five weeks, we’ve been a better team in front of them.”

The Jets talked about the need to sacrifice a bit offensively in order to achieve that goal, but as it turns out, goals haven’t been that tough to come by. While cutting down the goals allowed, the Jets have still been able to fill the net on a regular basis, averaging 3.44 goals per game.

“In training camp, that was our mindset — defending first,” said Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba.

Discipline was another issue the Jets looked to clean up and by taking fewer minor penalties, the penalty-killing units haven’t been as taxed. The result has been a tidier team game, with several notable exceptions.

While a team doesn’t want to make a habit of relying on its goalie too much, having faith in the men between the pipes is an essential ingredient.

That’s why the Jets have been able to get off to a strong start and are hanging out in the high-rent district of both the Western Conference and overall standings.