The Jets six goals allowed in Edmonton were the highest of the season. Over the past two seasons, Winnipeg has responded to poor games well, posting an 8-0-2 record following games where they allow 5-plus goals, including a record of 3-0-1 this season. At some point, Winnipeg has to start playing with confidence.
“Confidence is a funny word. At the end of the day, you get hesitant when you don’t have it, you slow down when you don’t have it, and you think too much when you don’t have it,” said Arniel.
“And I think when you’re feeling good about it, you’re very instinctive, you’re very reactive, and you’re very quick about what you do and I think that hockey is so fast that, if you’re not playing that way or you’re not doing it that way, you’re back on your heels.”
Alex Iafallo hasn’t had to deal with this much adversity during the regular season since becoming a Jet. But he does have some familiarity with some in-season team struggles in his time in Los Angeles.
“Oh, yeah, I think a couple times, early on, you can’t string some wins together. So, you got to look back to hard work. And doing it together, communication obviously goes a long way,” said Iafallo.
“And when you start in the D zone, I think that’s the stepping stone, work hard in there, get it out, and then make the offensive plays that you can.”
The Jets will play their eighth Central Division matchup of the season when they battle the Dallas Stars on Tuesday. So far this season, Winnipeg has posted a 4-3-0 record against Central Division opponents including a loss to Dallas in their season opener on Oct. 9. Last season, the Jets posted a 19-7-0 record within their own division.
“Obviously the stretch we’ve been on hasn’t gone how we’d like it to go. But there’s still so much season left,” said Adam Lowry.
“Not that you have ample time – we want to right the ship and get going in the right direction. But we’re still in the mix. Even with how poorly the results have gone over the last bit, we’re still right there.”
Jonathan Toews continues to work his way through the grind of the regular season, the veteran forward who has three goals and nine points through 28 games says he’s slowly getting to where he wants to be.
“It’s getting better and better. And even if you come in the best shape of your life. Obviously, it’s always going to be an adjustment when you’re playing this many games with the travel that we’ve had,” said Toews.
“So I think that’s half a battle is, what are you doing on days between games, and what are you doing leading up to games to get ready for the next one.”
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 CT.
