Jets' unusual morning move raises questions ahead of Avalanche clash
Photo credit: Edit from Mile High Hockey
The Jets were supposed to hold a morning practice today, but it was abruptly canceled with no reason being given, as the team prepares to face the Avalanche.
The Winnipeg Jets are caught up in the thick of a difficult stretch of play. Following a 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, they have fallen 11 times in the last 14 outings, garnering only eight points out of a possible 28.
What Scott Arniel wants from his group during this slump
"We've been saying that for a while," Arniel said. "That's part of your job. That's what you get paid for. Show up. Do your job. And you know what? We have to do it more consistently, with more bodies and more people.
"It doesn't get any easier."
- Scott Arniel
"It doesn't get any easier."
- Scott Arniel
During this series, Winnipeg is scoring an average of 2.43 goals per contest, including wins by scores of 5-1 against the Nashville Predators on November 29 and 5-1 against the Washington Capitals last week. They have averaged 1.82 goals per game in the 11 losses.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, returning after a one-month recovery from knee surgery, has been playing in top fashion with his .939 save percentage and 1.65 GAA in three games despite his team going 1-1-1 in those games.
Why the practice cancellation was deemed as unusual
The Jets were scheduled to practice this afternoon, but canceled the session, despite earlier lamenting of a lack of practice time.
Despite this, no one is as eager as Jets insider Mike McIntyre to hear what Arniel will have to say at tomorrow's morning skate session regarding this cancellation.
Next up, the Jets travel to face the best of the Western Conference and entire NHL, the Colorado Avalanche, on Friday in the second leg of a three-game road trip just prior to the holiday break.
Currently ranked sixth in their division, the Jets are just five points out of a wild-card spot, but were hoping to regain their mojo from a year ago when they won the Presidents' Trophy.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 18 | 177 ANSWERS Jets' unusual morning move raises questions ahead of Avalanche clash Are you surprised the Jets cancelled their practice amidst their struggles? | ||
| Yes | 100 | 56.5 % |
| No | 77 | 43.5 % |
| List of polls | ||