“Playful Resilience: How ‘Mature’ Jets Are Redefining Victory”

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The Jets remain undefeated in regulation (21-0-1) when ahead after two periods of competitive play, approaching Tuesday night’s encounter against the Vancouver Canucks.

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“This group has really matured now,” Connor Hellebuyck stated. “We’re all enjoying winning, and we collectively recognize that triumph is how you have fun in this league. It’s not the tough days, it’s not the struggle days; it’s the wins that make you relish the moment. And you ensure you appreciate it. Everyone in this locker room is beginning to understand what their individual game entails, and how their success correlates with the team’s success.”

The only smudge on an otherwise unblemished record occurred during the December 12 home matchup against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Jets held a 1-0 advantage entering the last period but fell 3-2 in overtime when Ivan Barbashev scored against Connor Hellebuyck at 3:47.

On Saturday, the Jets effectively contained the Colorado Avalanche, permitting only seven shots in the final period. Three of those shots occurred during a power play in the third period. The Jets secured a 3-0 victory.

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The Avalanche possess the third highest goals for statistic in the Western Conference with 147. The Knights have 148, while the Jets tally stands at 156.

“We don’t even view it as a third period (statistic),” head coach Scott Arniel commented. “We push hard to take the lead in games, and then it’s about the style of play, whether in the second period, restricting the opposing team from finding their rhythm. In the third period, our team usually performs exceptionally well when we’re ahead, showing resilience in how we play.”

The puck drops at 7 p.m.

Pomp and circumstance

Before the game against the Avalanche, the Jets celebrated Hellebuyck for reaching 500 games played, achieving 300 wins, and securing 40 shutouts.

The team honored Hellebuyck by presenting him with a silver goalie stick, a commemorative puck, and a framed piece of artwork, while the NHL also contributed by providing a gold stick to mark his achievement of being the third-fastest goalie to attain 300 wins.

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The practice on Monday marked the initial opportunity to gauge the goalie’s reaction to the tribute.

“It was quite the experience, pretty amazing,” he remarked. “The whole event was fantastic. The fans made it special. I anticipated they would.”

So, did anything particularly catch your eye? Did something stand out amid the celebration and recognition for such elite accomplishments?

“There’s really nothing I can identify,” the goalie stated. “Just the entirety of it. I felt like I was merely an observer. It took a full day for me to fully process everything and absorb it all. I’m incredibly thankful for everyone around me; they did an amazing job.”

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Here come the Canucks

The Vancouver team visits for the first time this season, coming off a 3-0 victory over the Maple Leafs on Saturday evening. This win against Toronto ended a four-game losing streak.

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Two of those setbacks occurred in overtime. The Canucks have participated in a league-leading 10 extra frame matches.

“I believe they have been involved in numerous contests with a significant number of overtime and shootout losses,” Adam Lowry remarked. “Easily, they could have altered the outcome of some of those. When I examine their team overall, when they are fit, they possess remarkable depth upfront like Petterson and Miller, bringing in Jake DeBrusk and then Quinn Hughes, an exceptional defender who can skate and plays substantial minutes.”

The Van City team is 12-5-4 in away games and 7-8-6 at their home venue.

“They have the second-best road performance in the league,” Arniel observed. “They are competing effectively. I know they are on an extended trip and secured one in Toronto under challenging conditions after their late arrival. They remain a commendable hockey squad. They have some skilled players, and like any competitor, you must be at your peak.”

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The Canucks faced a 2-0 defeat against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The post-game flight to Toronto was cancelled due to slick conditions in the Raleigh area. The Canucks remained overnight and reached Toronto around 11 a.m. CST. They received a police escort from the airport to the team hotel. The team arrived at their accommodations at approximately 1 p.m.

Injuries

Vladislav Namestnikov was missing from practice on Monday morning.

The forward sustained a lower-body injury during the second period of the 2-1 OT defeat to the Los Angeles Kings on Friday. He briefly left the game before returning to complete his shift. He registered 14:47 of ice time.

The Russian forward did not participate on Saturday. He has played in 43 games this season, contributing nine goals and 11 assists.

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He is classified as day-to-day.

“We are going to monitor how he feels each day,” Arniel stated.

Haydn Fleury participated in regular practice on Monday, donning a full contact jersey.

The 28-year-old defenseman was injured during the second period of the Dec. 23 match against the Leafs.

“He needs to do some additional (conditioning), and perhaps we will see by Thursday or possibly by the weekend,” Arniel mentioned. “I am not certain yet. (Monday) was his first day going all out.”

Forward Colin Miller continues to skate individually.

“He is nearing a return to practice with us,” Arniel noted. “He must get cleared to ensure everything is alright.”

Miller suffered a fractured larynx when he was struck by the puck during the first period of the Jan. 4 game against Detroit.

The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native has 34 extended skating sessions with the Jets this season, notching two goals and six assists.

Arniel did not provide a specific timeline for Miller’s comeback.

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