Dallas Stars playoff morning after: The Jets offensive zone reverse and rim release

The Winnipeg Jets put together a pretty dominant Game 2 performance, crushing the Dallas Stars 4-0 in a game that felt even more lopsided than the final tally.

The series is tied heading back to Dallas, and now it’s on the Stars to adjust from game-to-game, which tends to be more or Pete DeBoer’s strength than in-game alterations.

And like we talked about face-offs after Game 1, I want to look at something on a micro level from Game 2 that the Stars should probably study on video before Game 3.

When the Jets are playing well and creating extended zone time, they are extremely good at re-purposing pressure and playing to space. In hockey coach terms, they are very good at rim release and reverses.

Hockey is a game of positioning and races, and sometimes the best decision to win a race can be completely moving the position for everyone.

That’s what happened on Adam Lowry’s goal that made it 3-0 and put the game out of reach in the second period.

Here was the final result of the goal, but I want to pull you back a little bit earlier on the play to understand how the Jets moved the point of attack to create the shot from the point.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME FOR ADAM LOWRY ✅

He gives the @NHLJets a three-goal lead part way through the second period! #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/SntBTXPwYU

— NHL (@NHL) May 10, 2025

First let’s start with a screen grab to set your focus.

Adam Lowry is in the corner, circle, and the puck has been rimmed around to a battle area where the Jets will be outnumbered 3-on-2. There’s a quick shoulder check here by Lowry, who realizes that this is a losing battle, but with a quick rim around and reverse the other direction, the Jets will have numbers or at least an equal battle for the puck.

This is where Nino Niedereiter reads the play well and recognizes this. You’ll notice on the video he sees Lowry in the corner and doesn’t cheat toward the middle of the ice or the corner, instead he goes toward the boards for the rim around.

Ok, let’s roll the tape now.

It’s a pretty simple play, a quick change of scenery in one shift, but it’s the change of direction that eventually creates a 3-0 goal in the playoffs.

From a Stars perspective, it’s something to talk about before Game 3, because the Jets love this reverse and movement out of battles in the corner. Don’t give up on battles on the corner, but the Stars opposite side defender needs to cognizant of the quick reverse that Winnipeg will attempt.