Analyst calls out Jets head coach Scott Arniel for benching stars in the shootout in favor of Gus Nyquist
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Jack Sutherland
Mar 23, 2026 (5:36 PM)
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Photo credit: Screenshot
Winnipeg Jets analyst Connor Hrabchak blasted head coach Scott Arniel for sending out Gus Nyquist, who has a single goal all year long, to take a key shootout attempt in an important game for their fading playoff chances.
The Winnipeg Jets, who have been one of the lowest ranked teams in the NHL all year, have managed to put together a decent run that has them within striking distance of a postseason spot, though time is running out.
But they were beaten 5-4 in the shootout on Saturday by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and there was a puzzling decision from head coach Scott Arniel.
He chose to send Gus Nyquist, a first year Jets forward who has badly struggled to score all year with just one goal this season, for a the key shootout attempt.
Analyst Connor Hrabchak blasted the decision, saying there's no reason why someone who has had the lack of offense like Nyquist should have been tabbed in such an important moment.
Nyquist in the shootout, I'm overall on board with sending a message to Scheifele and (Kyle) Connor for 1:40 OT shift where there are multiple 2 on 0's, multiple defensive breakdowns, Connor Hellebuyck bails you out, and it ends in a penalty.....but that message cannot be sent with Gus Nyquist. I'm actually okay with Jonathan Toews, but the next guy out cannot be one guy who has one goal this season. I don't care what their career mark is, if you're in a playoff push, sending out Nyquist. - Connor Hrabchak
Scott Arniel Justified The Decision By Referencing Nyquist's Career Marks
Jets coach Scott Arniel later tried to rationalize the decision by talking about Nyquist's career success in the shootout, but that still rang hollow to Hrabchak.
I can't get on board with referencing career marks for Gus Nyquist when we've watched him all year long, he's gone from the Middle 6 to the press box to the fourth line, to now shooting shootouts in a game, that is allegedly, very important to this team in their playoff push. I can't believe they sent Nyquist out. I can't. - Connor Hrabchak
Nyquist, who signed a one year deal with the Jets during the summer, has just 12 points (1G, 11A) in 49 games and almost certainly won't be back next year in Winnipeg.
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