Tanev willing to pay price when Jets need big play
Winger blocks shots, dishes out hits while counting a career-high 11 goals
It has become a common sight to see Winnipeg’s Brandon Tanev block a shot.
Tanev just might lead the NHL in both bruises and the ability to spring back up to his feet after blocking a heavy shot with one body part or another.
During the third period of Thursday’s 4-3 victory over Columbus, Tanev was hit in the back by a blast from defenceman Zach Werenski.
Initially, it looked like the puck was headed toward Tanev’s face or helmet, but he turned his body at the last second.
“It caught me a little high, but that’s the price you’ve got to pay, especially in the depths of the game, when we needed a (penalty) kill,” Tanev said.
“All of the guys on the ice are looking to block shots. Any opportunity you can to put your body in front of a puck, it’s part of the job.”
Tanev has a career-high 11 goals to go along with 20 points in 51 games this season, while chipping in 56 blocked shots and 170 hits.
The Jets face the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday to continue a threegame homestand. The Ducks don’t score a lot, but captain Ryan Getzlaf is still the guy who leads the offensive charge on most nights.
Getzlaf leads the Ducks in scoring and he could see plenty of Adam Lowry in what’s expected to be a heavy matchup. There will also be times when Jets head coach Paul Maurice plays his top unit head-to-head against Getzlaf for a change of pace.
Here are five things to watch for on Saturday:
1.
Keep rolling
The Jets finished January at 8-4, impressive when you consider they spent the majority of that time without defenceman Dustin Byfuglien and forward Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets were 6-3 against playoff teams during that stretch, which allowed them to bolster their lead at the top of the Central Division standings.
2.
Overcoming deficits
With consecutive third-period rallies this week, the Jets improved to 6-13 when trailing after two periods. The Jets don’t seem to stray much from their structure when falling behind, given the talent on the squad.
3.
Class of 2015
The Jets have been getting plenty of contributions of late from a trio of players taken in the 2015 NHL draft. During the past five games, Kyle Connor (17th overall) has four goals, while Jack Roslovic (25th overall) and Mason Appleton (168th overall) have two goals apiece.
4.
Pounce on wounded Ducks While the Jets are getting set for a fourth game since the extended all-star and player breaks, the Ducks are about to play their first. There could be some rust for them to shake off.
The Ducks are 2-10-4 during the past 16 games.
5.
The return
After missing four months with a knee injury, Ducks right winger Corey Perry is likely to make his season debut on Saturday. Perry should provide a boost. Perry has 10 goals and 14 points in 18 career games against Winnipeg.