Accustomed to top-six billing, forwards Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers will need to embrace third-line work tonight to make amends for some shoddy play of late.
The young Europeans, occasional linemates during the 2017-18 season as well as the season before, and best pals away from the rink, have dropped a rung and will flank dependable checking centre Andrew Copp when the Jets host the Colorado Avalanche at 7 p.m.
Neither has been out of sight lately in an offensive capacity — each has two goals in the club's last six games — but a more pressing concern is some casual and careless defensive play.