JETBLAST: GAME 3 ANAHEIM @ WINNIPEG

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JETBLAST

Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks did their job at home, and although they only led for a few minutes of the first two games vs. the Jets 45 minutes on top, the Ducks won both their home games. They say however, a team is not in trouble until they lose at home, so the Ducks still have work to do, and they will be the first to experience the new Whiteout, and the old tradition. While we have already discussed how good the two Ducks stars have been, Perry and Getzlaf, the play of their goaltender has surprised many. Fredrick Andersen was the reason many predicted the Jets to win this series, but so far he has been exactly what the Ducks needed. Nothing spectacular, but very solid,  and with no Jets shooters particularly hot, he is just what the doctor ordered for Anaheim.

Jets

It was a gut punching loss for the Winnipeg Jets. For the second game in a row Winnipeg carried a one goal lead into the third period, only to see it slip away as the Ducks scored consecutive goals. First it was a bad penalty, and with Andrew Ladd in the box the Ducks made the Jets pay, then in the final minute, the Jets got hemmed in, and gave up the winner to Jacob Silverberg, leaving them no time to equalize. The Jets now find themselves in a dire position, down 2-0 to the top team in the West, Winnipeg needs a win, otherwise, going down 3-0, the series is as good as done. The Jets did get a boost with the return of Mathieu Perreault, as well as the insertion of Adam Pardy into the lineup. Perreault looked all right, still clearly batting injury, while Pardy on the other hand was a breath of fresh air to this Jets team. He even managed to score a goal, his first in over 4 years, as the Winnipeg Jets were still the Atlanta Thrashers at that time. Winnipeg will need all that and more from everybody, and combined with a little White noise, the Jets will try and find a win.

Keys to the Game

3rd period: the Jets have taken a lead into the third period in both games this series. Yet they are down 2-0 in games due to being out scored 5-0 in the final period. Plain and simple the Jets need to be better in the final 20 minutes. This team was not good enough to win games in the regular season when they could not put a full sixty together and they are certainly not good enough to be able to do it in the playoffs. Full 60 minutes effort or you are on the brink of elimination.

Oh Captain my Captain: In the playoffs especially you look at your veteran players and your leadership for examples of how to play. For the Jets the clear leader is Andrew Ladd, with two Stanley Cup rings Ladd is the most experienced Jet in playoff terms. The Jets however are not getting what they need from their captain. Ladd has not been average or pedestrian, but actually detrimental to this teams chances to win. Bad penalties, defensive zone turnovers, and no offense. The Jets need better from their leader or this series is already over.

Manage Emotions: It has been nearly nineteen years since the city of Winnipeg has felt NHL playoff atmosphere. Nineteen years since the world has felt the power of White Noise. Monday night crowd is sure to be crazier than ever before and they will supply a major boost to their team, which badly needs one. Many Jets have never experienced a home playoff crowd however, and none have experienced one in Winnipeg. The Jets need to be sure to manage their emotions, and not let the moment get the better of them.

Starting Goalies

Ondrej Pavelec (0-2-0) GAA: 3.08 SV% .917
Frederik Andersen (2-0-0) GAA: 1.50 SV% .946

Injuries

Clitsome, WPG, (Back) out for season
Postma, WPG, (LBI) day-to-day

Gibson, ANA, (Hand) day-to-day
Thompson, ANA, (UBI) day-to-day

Prediction

Jets use the home crowd and get back into the series.
Jets 4 Ducks 2

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