Stalled Take-Off

WINNIPEG JETS

2016-17 record: 40-35-7 (87 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Blake Wheeler

It seems that no matter what the Winnipeg Jets try to do, there's always something that undermines their chances at making the playoffs. This time, it was goaltending. For all of the scoring that the Jets did, it almost always seemed that they needed all of it just to offset the goals that were being given up. With a new starter and improved blue line depth, they hope that the problem is solved on some level.

Offensively, Patrik Laine was exactly what the Jets hoped for and more, as he led the team in goals and helped elevate the numbers of Mark Schiefele and Nikolaj Ehlers. Though injuries wreaked havoc with Bryan Little and Matthieu Perreault, both put up decent numbers alongside Blake Wheeler. Bottom forward depth could be improved, but if Kyle Connor can stick with the NHL team, then it may take care of itself. The blue line has decent depth, but it was tested last season when Tyler Myers was in and out of the lineup for various reasons. Adding Dmitry Kulikov should help, as should an emerging Josh Morrissey. Dustin Byfuglien remains the top offensive option from the blue line. Goaltending was a major problem, as Connor Hellebuyck was not ready for the full-time starting job, and neither Michael Hutchinson nor Ondrej Pavelec were viable backup options. Now, Steve Mason assumes the starting job, and while he also has something to prove, he should push Hellebuyck to be better. The season before, both special teams units were horrible. Last season, the power play improved to the middle of the pack, a byproduct of the team's improved offense. However, the penalty kill was almost as bad as it was the season before, and as was the case before, staying out of the box might be a good idea, as the Jets were one of the most short-handed teams in the league.

Prediction: 6th in the Central Division

Once again, the Jets have a lineup that can compete with any team on most nights. However, the same problems are rearing their ugly heads, as they not only play in a tough Central Division, but also have questions about their penalty kill and it remains to be seen if Mason can in fact, improve the team's abysmal goaltending.