The Winnipeg Jets have earned respectable grades in a mid-season report card issued by Sportsnet.ca.
“Paul Maurice’s club has shocked the league in the first half of 2014-15,” read the report, published last week. “With improved goaltending and a more resilient group in general, the Jets have been able to cling to a playoff spot despite a myriad of injuries.”
The report calls the emergence of netminder Michael Hutchinson the team’s best surprise. Winnipeg “could not have seen this kind of breakout coming from Hutchinson.”
The lackluster development of forward Evander Kane – from whom much is expected – is cited as the biggest disappointment.
Jets’ forwards earned a collective grade of C, with the blueliners getting a B+. Goaltending earned an A, thanks to Hutchinson.
The report gives an A to coach Maurice, who “has done a heck of a job” despite “a below-average offence and a banged-up blue line.”
