Jets say Byfuglien doesn’t owe them apology for suspension
Dustin Byfuglien’s four-game suspension for cross-checking the New York Rangers’ J.T. Miller in the back of the head couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time. The Winnipeg Jets have five games remaining, and currently sit on the outside of the playoff bubble prior to their game vs. the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.
As Buff goes, so go the Jets: He’s a point-per-game player in their 33 wins in which he’s appeared (12 goals, 21 assists) vs. 12 points in 35 losses or overtime losses.
Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice said he did the crime, and now must do the time. Via the Sun:
“(Rangers head coach) Alain Vigneault wanted the electric chair, and I've got a lot more time for Dustin than that,” Maurice said. “So we will always be a little agitated by what we feel is the unfairness of it. From my point of view, though, you can hand out heavier suspensions on all these events. The players will make the adjustment.
“The tough part is being consistent with it. And it is tough. It's not an easy thing to get to. So we take the four games. We did something we shouldn't do, and we pay the price and move on.”
That said, Maurice was clear that the team wasn’t disappointed in Byfuglien, and that he didn’t owe them anything but his best effort in the season finale against the Calgary Flames:
“It wasn't a situation where he said, 'I'm going to cross check this guy in the back of the neck and see if I can get away with it.' He threw a cross check that went way too high on a guy that was on his way down and it cost us.
“So what Dustin Byfuglien owes this team is for that Calgary game to be the best game that he can possibly play.”
Or in Stuart Smalley terms: To be the best Dustin he can be ...
The Jets will enter play on Saturday with 90 points, tied with the Kings in points but four back in ROW; and one point behind the Calgary Flames, although trailing in ROW (38-32).
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