The Kid Is Still Alright

Despite watching their 3-1 lead in Toronto evaporate faster than you could blink, the Winnipeg Jets can take away alot of positives from the game against the Leafs Wednesday night.

First of all, they came out of the gate and took the play for the most part to the Leafs for the most of the game until the final 11 minutes of the third.

They also did take it pretty hard to the Leafs at times in overtime, but their first shootout was not a success as both Kyle Wellwood and Bryan Little could not cash in on James Reimer.

Positives include another spectacular game by Ondrej Pavelec, who was on top of his game once again and needs to continue his stellar play in order for the Jets to contend deep into the season.

Positives include the Jets first two power play goals of the season - the first by Tobias Enstrom at 9:49 of the first as the Jets finally capitalized on their size in front of the opposing team's net.

Positives also include Mark Scheifele finally potting his first career NHL goal as close as he could to his hometown of Kitchener with family and friends in attendance.

His power play marker at 7:53 of the second put the Jets up 3-1 at that point and it was a trademark Scheifele goal - waiting with his stick on the ice for a big, juicy rebound.

It was very reminiscent of Scheifele during the pre-season and it may be an indication that he may have finally gotten over being starstruck for his first five games of the season and may make a rally in the next four games to make the case to stay long term this season.

Whatever happens, the kid is still alright. Never have Jets fans lost their zeal for him and his play.

He is this generation's Dale Hawerchuk, despite not having the numbers in junior or the number of years to develop as the former Jets captain "Ducky".

If he sticks, he's still alright.

If he goes back to Barrie for the year, he's still alright.

Jets fans can wait, but let's just make sure everyone knows that the kid is still alright.