How good are the Winnipeg Jets this season? Actually good is the reply. They’re at present tied with the additionally stunning Washington Capitals to guide the NHL with 63 factors. For the Jets, Kyle Connor‘s offensive manufacturing is one purpose for the group’s success. He’s been one pressure behind the group’s success, which isn’t to say there haven’t been others. Whereas goaltender Connor Hellebuyck can be receiving raves for his nice goaltending, most individuals are getting used to his heroics within the internet. His greatness has develop into a bit ho-hum.
Nevertheless, maybe it’s additionally time to debate how a lot Connor’s offensive expertise matter to the group and why he deserves a spot within the Hart Trophy dialog.
Offensive Excellence on Show
Connor’s numbers this season are outstanding. However that’s common. Aside from the COVID-19-shortened season, he’s scored 30 targets each season he’s performed. He may not hit the 50-goal mark this season, however he might drive up beside his greatest season ever when he scored 47 targets. Proper now, he has 26 targets and 59 factors in 45 video games.
Final evening, in his team’s 6-1 win over the Canucks, he scored three first-period targets (a Pure Hat Trick) in lower than seven minutes (6:38 to be actual). It was his sixth profession hat trick, and with it, he grabbed the fourth spot in Jets/Atlanta Thrashers historical past for scoring. He handed teammate Nikolaj Ehlers.
Connor appears to like to place up massive video games. In his profession, he now has 9 four-point video games. This feat ties him with Vyacheslav Kozlov for fourth-most within the franchise’s historical past. Solely Ilya Kovalchuk, Blake Wheeler, and teammate Mark Scheifele have extra.
He Has Confirmed He’s Pivotal to Workforce Success
Connor’s contributions have been key to the Jets’ success this season. His 20 power-play factors showcase his significance on particular groups, whereas his 149 photographs on objective present an aggressive offensive mindset. His plus-9 ranking underlines his accountable two-way play, proving he’s not only a scorer but additionally contributes defensively.
Whereas Hellebuyck has been phenomenal in objective, Connor has been the offensive engine pushing the Jets ahead. His constant manufacturing relieves strain on the protection and permits the group to play confidently.
Connor Is Starting to Rise to the Stage of the Competitors
The Hart Trophy is awarded to essentially the most precious participant on their group, and Connor’s impression is hard to disregard. His management on the ice has been vital in key moments, notably in video games the place the Jets wanted a spark. That hat trick in opposition to Vancouver? That is one other instance of how he can shift momentum and clinch victories.
Whereas Hellebuyck is a unbelievable candidate for the Vezina Trophy, the Hart Trophy favors skaters, not goalies. Along with his constant scoring and talent to rise to the event, Connor stands toe-to-toe with the league’s elite forwards.
Two Units of Star Energy on the Jets
With Connor and Hellebuyck, the Jets have two gamers who might declare awards this season. Not solely does that make video games thrilling for Winnipeg followers, it has created an elite group in Winnipeg. Because the season progresses, will Connor proceed producing and gaining additional consideration for the Hart Trophy? There’s a very good likelihood, and he has the type of group round him that will contribute to that risk.
Associated: Jets and Blackhawks Finalize Commerce: Kuzmin for Phillips
