A Little Animated

Paul Maurice is usually pretty reserved. He doesn't get too high nor does he get too low when it comes to his emotions surrounding the game of hockey. He's a very thoughtful coach in terms of not showing his hand or his emotions in front of the press very often. The fact that the Winnipeg Jets have played very poorly thus far into the season have a few cracks showing in Maurice, though, and he let off some steam yesterday at a reporter in Winnipeg after he ran the players through a rather uneventful practice.

When asked about the leadership on the team, Maurice bristled at the question, stating that he was to whom the players are accountable. When pressed for more, Maurice responded that the players were also accountable to the leadership in this Jets group. However, when pressed further about being accountable to the fans, Maurice responded with a statement that had not yet been seen in Winnipeg.

"It's not the players' job to tell YOU about it," he said. "I don't have to open this book up to you and tell you everything that goes on in the room. I can make you cry in the [expletive] room. Listen, I understand you have to work with what you're given and I appreciate that. But the accountability in the room is fine. We deal with our problems directly."

Wow. I guess Maurice answered the question of who the players are accountable to in the previous questions enough for his liking.

There's no denying that the Jets have played some uninspired hockey thus far. They don't score goals, they don't seem to understand where the offensive zone is for the most part, and the opposing goal is treated like an egg in that the Jets simply don't want to direct pucks in that direction. Maurice can coach the team to shoot at every opportunity, but the players still have to do their jobs on the ice.

While everyone around the Jets franchise has yet to hit the panic button, a loss to the lowly Carolina Hurricanes tomorrow night might be the spark that sets off the powder keg in Winnipeg. Paul Maurice's influence on this team is seen every now and then, but he may have a direct influence on who stays ad goes if the Jets lay another egg against Carolina like they did against Calgary.

Frustration is growing amongst the fans, and now the cracks are showing on the franchise's happy face. Changes may be inevitable if the Jets don't change their ways.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!