VANSTONE: THE JETS ARE FLYING HIGH

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

The Winnipeg Jets are flying high under new head coach Rick Bowness. 

A disappointing 2021-22 season had many believing the Jets were going to blow things up.  

Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler, who was recently stripped of his captaincy, were seen as locker room problems and had their name involved in trade rumours all summer. 

But the Jets kept their core and decided to run it back with a new head coach. The early returns have been promising. 

“Wheeler and Scheifele, coming out of last season, both were perceived as part of the problem,” said Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post Sports Writer and passionate Jets fan on the Rod Pedersen Show Monday. 

“If they don’t have Wheeler and Scheifele this year, they’re not 9-4-1.” 

The topic arose when Pedersen brought up the Jets thrilling comeback win against the Seattle Kraken Sunday night.  

Scheifele and Wheeler were the only goal scorers for Winnipeg in the 3-2 overtime thriller. Wheeler tied the game with four seconds left before Scheifele ended it in the first minute of OT. 

Pedersen was watching the game with his brother the night before, who, according to Pedersen, shouted “that’s why they can’t get rid of him!” When Scheifele scored the winner. 

“Because he snipes,” said Pedersen. “His gift is offence.” 

That it is. Scheifele has been a key offensive player for the Jets his whole career, and has been hot with 10 goals and two assists in 14 games this season. 

“Even in a bad year last year, look at his offensive totals and you don’t think that’s a bad year,” said Vanstone. “His bottoming out is what 99 per cent of players in the league would aspire to be.” 

Wheeler has also been a valuable asset again this season. Even though he lost his captaincy, he has been admirably mature about it. He has four goals and six assists this season. 

“Blake Wheeler is standing up for his teammates like he did when had the C on his sweater,” said Vanstone. “I think it’s so admirable what he’s doing after being singled out during the offseason.” 

Other guys have stepped up as well, such as Pierre-Luc Dubois, who has seven goals and five assists, tied for second in points with Scheifele and Kyle Connor. 

Dubois was another player involved in tons of trade rumours this past year, with many people believing he wanted to jump ship for his hometown Montreal Canadiens. 

The points leader this year is none other than defenceman Josh Morrissey with one goal and 14 apples. Between him and Dubois, no one has blossomed more under Bowness. 

Don’t forget to mention the play of a rejuvenated Connor Hellebuyck, who is fourth in the league in Save % with .935 and third in goals against at 2.08. 

If Bowness can keep these Jets fired up, we might see a team that resembles the 2018 Jets that soared through to the Western Conference. 

Maybe, they can fly even higher. 

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 12 pm ET on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio)

Photo: Winnipeg Jets