The Winnipeg Jets were absolutely embarrassed on home ice to open the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and fingers can be pointed in multiple directions, but it all comes down to the fact that Paul Maurice has been unable to institute discipline and structure into his team.

Maurice signed a multi-year extension to remain the Jets' head coach prior to the season, so his job appears to be safe, but if he fails to make some adjustments, the Jets will once again be on the outside looking in when it comes to the Western Conference playoff picture - despite boasting one of the league's most talented rosters.

Poor special teams and peewee caliber defensive zone structure were the two most glaring issues in Winnipeg's 7-2 loss to the Leafs - and it's been this way as long as Maurice has been behind the Jets' bench.

Last season, only the Ducks and Flames were shorthanded more often than the Jets, who owned the fifth-worst penalty kill in the league. On Wednesday against Toronto, they found themselves shorthanded on four occasions, and surrendered two power play goals.

Then there's the power play. You'd think a unit featuring Patrik Laine, Dustin Byfuglien, and Mark Scheifele would be among the most dangerous in the league, but last year they boasted the 18th-most efficient power play. Only three playoff teams - Chicago, Ottawa, and San Jose - were worse with the man advantage. On Wednesday night, their power play was 0-for-8.

While the special teams were atrocious, their defensive zone structure would have made any Jets fan want to throw up. Here are a few examples:

On Toronto's third goal of the night, William Nylander is somehow left all alone in front. Multiple Jets players aren't moving their feet and are caught watching the play.

On Toronto's fourth goal, the numbers are in the Jets' favor, but both Jacob Trouba and Dustin Byfuglien attack the puck carrier Auston Matthews, and nobody picks up Patrick Marleau.

On Marleau's second goal, there's four Jets players on the screen, and not one of them is anywhere close to covering Marleau, the only Leaf that's a threat to score in this scenario.

To dive into the numbers a little bit, Toronto completed 11 passes to the slot at even strength, while the Jets completed just two, per Mike Kelly. As any player, coach, or fan knows, the majority of goals are scored from the slot. Either Maurice isn't hammering on his guys to clog up the middle of the ice in the defensive zone, or the Jets simply don't listen.

Obviously the occasional save from Steve Mason wouldn't have hurt, but it's hard to point the blame at him given the quality of scoring chances Toronto was generating.

In the end, it's on the head coach to make adjustments, and if Maurice is unable to do so, one of the league's most talented rosters from top to bottom will be wasted once again.

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