It’s now been three consecutive games. No, not three consecutive wins, that could happen Tuesday, but with the failure we’ve seen in the Winnipeg Jets attempt of that before, there’s a foregone conclusion that won’t happen without its hardships. We are talking about Blake Wheeler. Three straight games he’s gone tumbling hard into the far boards, and coming up with an unsettling look on his face. The looks on Jets fans were just as grueling, as if they were watching replays of the Jets penalty kill against the Florida Panthers, or more appropriately the look on a kids face with no presents under their Christmas Tree.
The thought of Blake Wheeler, the Winnipeg Jets captain, best player, and most influential voice not coming up from one of those incidents would be heartbreaking. Just as the Jets attempt their way back up the Central Division standings, all could be lost from one collision. We saw what playing a little care-free did to Connor McDavid last season, and to the Edmonton Oilers playoff chances. The same instigators will be after Wheeler.
Blake Wheeler takes an unnecessary blow – Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
Wheeler has to be careful himself. Finishing sixth in points isn’t the best way to continue your status as an underrated scoring power forward. Opposition no longer takes his presence lightly, and for good reason. Despite having trouble finding the back of the net as of late, Wheeler’s line is always the first line. His puck possession, personal drive, and offensive instincts lead him to success. Thus he must air on the side of caution. Not change his aggressive approach that got him here, but be careful. He doesn’t need to force himself into a high-risk spot on the ice.
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But going in the other direction, the Jets have to protect their captain. Anyone who decides to take a run at “Wheels” should be getting a run of fists in the face from Chris Thorburn. That’s why he’s in the lineup anyways. As much as the skilled played are taking over the game of hockey from the “grinders” and the “work their butt-offers”, we still need to see the Jets protecting their biggest asset.
