WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The MTS Centre was at nearly full capacity, but by the sound of the building, you'd have thought it was overfilled. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting Colorado Avalanche by a score of 5-3 this afternoon. The Avs are one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and boast such stars as Sydney Crosby, Loui Eriksson, and Ryan Kesler, so to many, today's victory seemed like a stunner, but not if you ask General Manager Sean Croft.
"Stone Cold Steve Austin retired from wrestling and didn't perform here last month with WWE, so I'm not quite sure where you saw any stunners in this building," said Croft after the game. "We're a good hockey club, and we've had struggles just like anyone else, but to say that we are stunning anyone is a bit insulting."
Paul MacLean seemed to feel the same way.
"Every time we win, you all act like it was an act of God," barked MacLean during his press conference. "How do I feel? I feel like we executed a game plan. I feel like we were prepared. The difference between today and a loss was execution and being on the same page. The same can be said for any team in this league."
When the question of whether or not beating a back-up goaltender had anything to do with today's win, Sean Croft was nothing short of candid with his answer.
"You talk about Cam Talbot like he is the "you" of goaltending, because what you are insinuating is that he is a throwaway, or maybe that's just how I'm interpreting it," said Croft. "Cam is a talented goalie, and is going to be a star here soon, give me a break."
The comment got quite a laugh out of the room once everyone realized it was the anonymous hockey writer, "Seklund" who had asked the question. True North Sports and Entertainment Chairman Mark Chipman was questioned by the media following Sean Croft's press conference in regards to his GM's comments.
"If it had been any other writer, I think we would have had to pull him aside for a conversation, but as soon as we saw who it was, we decided to buy him a beer instead. That said, we certainly see his passion, but perhaps the candidness should be toned back a bit next time," chuckled Chipman.
The truth of the matter is that Croft, and to an extent MacLean, are acting as the mouthpieces for the players. It has become evident that they are trying to not only keep their players focused, but also playing for a cause. They have the locker room buying into the notion that they can play well, and that they are playing for the right guys.
"If Sean got fined for what he said, we'd pay the tab," said Travis Zajac.
Jets Captain Andrew Ladd had a similar passion when he spoke about their head coach.
"We would run into a blaming brick wall covered in barb-wire for Coach MacLean," said Ladd. "He believes in us, and we believe in him."
Last week, Sean Croft pulled Paul MacLean into his office following a loss to the Boston Bruins. While we do not know exactly what was said, we realistically don't believe that much was left to the imagination. What was crystal clear though, was that these players want to play for Paul MacLean.
"He believed in me when I don't think anyone else did," said Nathan Gerbe, who got off to an ugly start to the year. "I was hurt, and I wasn't getting on the score sheet, but Coach MacLean stuck with me and I'm starting to feel it."
Another player who is feeling it is newcomer Mikhail Grabovski. In 18 games, the versatile forward has 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists). He added two assists today, and seems to be heating up when the team needs him the most.
"We are 4 points out of the playoffs, so it is time for us to bear down and really start finding ways to win," said Grabovski.
Today's game saw the best of the Jets, a team who, according to most at least, had their backs against the wall, and came out on top, thanks to none other but their captain, Andrew Ladd, who scored his first hat trick of the season. In fact, he almost scored 4 goals today, but hit the post in the first period. Today also saw another first, and it was for Brock Nelson, who scored his first NsHL goal.
"It would have been nice to beat a goalie, but I'll take it," joked Nelson after his open netter.
The Jets take a day off before hosting the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.
Jay Trotter
Jet Fuel
