The Winnipeg Jets dropped their ninth consecutive game, getting shut out 7-0 by the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. “Embarrassing,” was how head coach Scott Arniel described the performance after the lopsided loss, but he said he wasn’t thinking about his job security.The loss raised new questions about Winnipeg’s direction, especially after the Hurricanes scored five goals against Stuart Skinner before adding two more against replacement goaltender Clay Stevenson. Arniel also urged his players to take responsibility for their performances.
Scott Arniel responds after Winnipeg Jets’ loss to Carolina Hurricanes
Scott Arniel acknowledged the severity of the Winnipeg Jets’ 7-0 loss but said his immediate responsibility was getting the team ready rather than worrying about his job as head coach.The loss to the defending Stanley Cup champions was the ninth straight for Winnipeg. The result also put more focus on the coaching staff, as the team could not find a response during a tough stretch.The Winnipeg Jets couldn’t stay within striking distance of the Carolina Hurricanes all Sunday. The Hurricanes got off to an early start, putting a lot of pressure on Winnipeg’s goaltending and making it a one-sided affair.Stuart Skinner was replaced after allowing five on 17 shots. Clay Stevenson came on in relief but gave up two more goals before the final whistle, and the Jets fell 7-0. Arniel was not discounting the performance when he spoke after the game.He called the loss an “embarrassing” one for the organization and said he understood the disappointment around the team’s performance. It was a particularly disturbing loss as it was Winnipeg’s ninth consecutive loss.“Not on my mind,” he said. “I’ve been in this game a long, long time; that’s beyond my control. My job is to get these players ready to go.”His answer suggested he wasn’t letting speculation about his future get in the way of the immediate challenge of improving Winnipeg’s performances. But Arniel also understood that once the games started, having the team ready was not all that mattered.
Why did Scott Arniel demand more responsibility from players?
The coaching staff is working on preparing the players, but he expects the team to take responsibility during the games, Arniel said.“I’m doing everything I possibly can with my coaching staff to get these guys ready to go, but once the puck drops… these guys also have to take some responsibility as well,” he said.The commentary was about the players’ performance as Winnipeg tries to break its losing streak. The head coach took responsibility for preparation, but his comments made it clear that execution on the ice matters, too.
Could Winnipeg Jets consider a coaching change ?
The nine-game losing streak and the magnitude of Sunday’s loss should only lead to more questions about the team’s coaching situation. But Arniel’s comments alone don’t prove Winnipeg is preparing to make a change.The Jets’ immediate task is to regroup on the ice and end the losing streak. Another poor showing could crank up the pressure on the organization to think about how it does things.Arniel, for now, has said publicly he is focused on getting the players ready. How that strategy shakes out will be a major subplot in upcoming NHL updates.