By: Rob Brent | February 16, 2019 | 12:00pm
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets and Springfield Jr. Blues faced off Friday night in Janesville with big time playoff implications. The Jr. Blues looked to match the Jets’ points in the standings, while Janesville tried to pad their lead. Unfortunately the Jr. Blues would come away with the 3-0 win setting up an even more important match up tonight. Catch up on how Friday night played out with our three keys to the game.
LATE PERIOD GOALS GROUND JETS
The Jets and Jr. Blues played a tight opening period Friday night, and just as it seemed the game would go into the second frame tied, the Jr. Blues found the back of the net. This goal came at 17:29 of the first period. Instead of having to deal with a tie game, the Jets went into the second period down a goal. The second period played out much as the first had with both teams struggling to find offense. Once again, the Jr. Blues extended their lead late in the period. After a skirmish that sent the Jets to the penalty box, Springfield slammed home a powerplay goal at 18:23 of the second period. Late period goals can be back breakers, and the Jets gave up two of them Friday night. The game easily could have gone into the third period with no goals on the board, but instead Janesville left themselves in a hole they could not climb out of.
SHOT SHORTAGE
For the second straight contest, the Jets were unable to produce much offense in the way of putting pucks on net. Although they had escaped Chippewa last Saturday with a win, they would not be so lucky on this night. When the final buzzer sounded, Janesville had only managed to put 19 shots on goal. Springfield goaltender Jack Williams was up to the task, stopping all 19 shots. The Michigan State commit has been heating up as of late with this being his second straight shutout. The Jets offense has to get more pucks on net if they want to beat Williams tonight.
STREAK BUSTED
The Jets had entered the night on a three game winning streak that had included beating Springfield once, and Chippewa twice. That came to an end tonight, as Janesville was not able to continue the habits that had earned them the winning streak. a Jets penalty kill that had been sterling gave up a powerplay goal, the offense could not put on much sustained pressure. One positive that can be taken away is that the Springfield offense also did not apply much pressure, only putting 21 shots on goal. Janesville will look to get back into their winning habits tonight.
MOVING FORWARD
The Jets and Jr. Blues now sit tied in the divisional standings with 50 points a piece. Tonight’s match up is crucial to the Jets’ playoff push. Janesville will look to correct last night’s mistakes and get back to winning ways.
MIDWEST DIVISION STANDINGS
GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | |
MNM | 44 | 28 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 58 |
FAI | 44 | 25 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 55 |
JNE | 44 | 23 | 17 | 2 | 2 | 50 |
SPR | 44 | 23 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 50 |
KNR | 44 | 16 | 23 | 3 | 2 | 37 |
CHP | 46 | 15 | 28 | 2 | 1 | 33 |
Cheer on the Jets in one of the most important games of their season tonight in Janesville. Tickets can be bought Online or at any Lions Quick Mart Location