Perfetti stays sharp defensively as he tries to rediscover his offensive game – Winnipeg Free Press

Cole Perfetti understands that fighting through the recession comes with the territory, even if it's unfamiliar territory.

The Winnipeg Jets forward has always said there's more to his game than traditional stats. Perfetti also understands that part of his job is to attack.

Going 10 games without a goal and just one assist was mind-boggling, especially when it coincided with a team-high five-game losing streak. on Saturday.

“Obviously it was a little frustrating for everyone. The team was winless in (five) games, which was disappointing. You're not scoring as a team,” Perfetti said Monday afternoon after the Jets extended practice. “The thing has dried up. Everything works the same. My efforts are (high). You're trying to do the same things and make the right plays and try to do your best every time you're on the ice and try to do your best every play you make.

“Everyone goes through it. Every team goes through it. You try to make it as short as possible and try to come out the other side. I hope it will happen soon.”

The Jets (31-14-5) are back in action on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks (14-32-5).

Perfetti and Gabe Villardi were replaced by Alex Iafallo and Vladislav Namestnikov as Jets coach Rick Bowness cut the bench to three lines while protecting a one-goal lead against the Penguins.

Missing a few turnovers late in the game is an adjustment for Perfetti, whose defensive game is underrated and continues to work in a game away from the puck.

“Everyone goes through it. Every team goes through it. You try to make it as short as possible and try to come out the other side. I hope it happens soon.”– Cole Perfetti

“When you're not producing for the team, you've got to make sure you're not hurting the team like that (on defense),” Perfetti said. “I try to be proud of my defensive performance and try not to give anything to other teams. Hopefully that will affect our offense.”

Even with the recent rough patch, Perfetti is fourth on the Jets in goals (14) and sixth in points (30) in all 50 games this season.

What's unusual about his slump is that it came on Jan. 9 after the first three-point game of his NHL career.

It's often difficult to score in the second half and down the stretch as the intensity increases and teams stick to their defensive structure better. That's why it's so important for Perfetti to get his offensive mojo back, because he needs to be someone the Jets rely on.

It should be noted that his faith has not weakened.

“Sometimes luck is not on your side”– Cole Perfetti

“Sometimes luck just isn't in your hands,” said Perfetti, who has 24 goals and 67 points in 119 NHL games. “We create a lot of chances every game, we still don't score (much). This will change. It is necessary. We played like that at the beginning of the year. We're waiting for that luck to come back just a little bit. You need a little of that.'

Perfetti struggled earlier this season when he scored at least one point in 13 of 15 games and scored 15 points between October 30th and December 2nd. He's a man with great instincts and a vast hockey intelligence, which is something he knows. he leans on in hard times.

“Sometimes you hold your stick, maybe a little bit. Sometimes you double-clutch or second-guess yourself — that's normal,” Perfetti said. “Once (inside) everything is released. I watch my video and I try to do the same things. I feel like I'm playing hard. Pucks don't go into the net.”

Bowness reiterated Monday that the Jets will continue to search for the optimal placement of the forward group following Sean Monahan's arrival, but said he would prefer Perfetti to remain at right wing rather than move him to right wing. .

“We're looking, we're still struggling a little bit with the lines, no question. We'll figure it out,” Bowness said. “If we have to do it at some point, we'll do it. He is more comfortable on the left side than on the right side, we are talking about a young player and we are working with him. Yes, we wouldn't rule it out, but it's not ideal. Leave it like this,” he said.

“Sometimes you hold your stick, maybe a little bit. Sometimes you get hung up twice or second guess yourself – that's normal”– Cole Perfetti

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