The Winnipeg Jets’ Claude Noel gets our vote for the NHL coach facing the greatest amount of pressure these days.

Going into tonight’s game at the Chicago Blackhawks, the Jets have two regulation wins in their last 14 games. They did post a big win against the Detroit Red Wings in their last outing. They would like to build on that win, but the Blackhawks just beat them 5-1 in Winnipeg on Saturday.

But it’s certainly fair to say that the Jets were hoping to bolt from the gate with more gallop than they have.

The impression that Noel could be on the heat seat is strengthened by the fact that he was only given a one-year extension last summer. Plus, history tells us that NHL coaches will always pay a price first when a team doesn’t meet expectations.

The Jets are in their third season in Winnipeg, and they still don’t look like a playoff team.

Peter Laviolette, recently fired by the Philadelphia Flyers, is available, along with others with NHL experience, such as Guy Boucher. He was fired by the Tampa Bay Lightning last season, but it wasn’t long ago that he was considered the hottest coaching prospect in the American Hockey League.

Why the Jets haven’t yet looked like a playoff team:

1. Disappointing offense: The Jets are averaging 2.31 goals a game. The Nashville Predators (2.21) are the only Western Conference team scoring less. The Sharks are scoring almost a goal and a half per game more than the Jets.

2. Power play deficiency: With Dustin Byfuglien’s scary shot from point and the skill available, the Jets’ power play should be better than 29th.

3. Small things matters: The Jets are among the league’s worst faceoff teams, winning only 45.2% of their draws.

4. Confidence problem? The Jets are 2-6 in their last eight one-goal games. They have only one win against a Western Conference team that is currently in a playoff spot.

5. Looking for a savior: Backup goalie Al Montoya has better numbers than starter Ondrej Pavelec. Byfuglien doesn’t have a goal yet. Devin Setoguchi is on an 11-goal pace. Important rookie Jacob Trouba has missed eight games with a neck injury.

Based on what I saw at #NHLJets practice yesterday & extra discussion Wade Flaherty was having with Pavelec, Al Montoya starts tonight — Jim Toth (@JimTothCJOB) November 6, 2013

Your Wednesday Night Rivalry Game

NBC Sports Network will feature the Pittsburgh Penguins playing the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby has six points in seven games, and that’s like a slump to him.

“Ryan McDonagh and Dan Girardi are going to have to play huge games to shut down Crosby,” said NBC’s Pierre McGuire. “It’s important to force Crosby to play more defense than offense, so the Rangers really need to manage the puck when he is on the ice.”

Your games tonight

Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, 7:30

Winnipeg at Chicago, 8

Nashville at Colorado, 9:30

Phoenix at Anaheim, 10

Follow the rest of USA TODAY Sports’ in-depth NHL coverage at nhl.usatoday.com.