The Winnipeg Jets have returned to Manitoba after a disappointing effort in California noticed them drop a sport to the lowly Anaheim Geese. Regardless of again up goalie’s Eric Comrie glorious efficiency within the match, the True Northers have been introduced down by a defensive zone giveaway very late within the sport.
Because of the loss, Winnipeg now has a report of 23-10-1 on the 12 months and subsequent up on the schedule is their division rivals, the Minnesota Wild (20-9-4). The Saturday evening conflict (6 pm Central) includes the highest two franchises within the Central Division, who’re each at the moment sitting within the prime 5 of your entire Nationwide Hockey League. You’ll suppose that will imply each groups are enjoying actually nice hockey proper now….however that’s not the case.
The Wild have dropped their final 3 contests, together with a 2-1 loss to the Utah Hockey Membership final evening. Minnesota has failed to attain 3 objectives in 4 of their final 5 video games, leading to a 1-4-0 report in that span. The Jets have had higher ends in their previous 5 (3-1-1), however the on-ice performances have left rather a lot to be desired in just a few of these contests.
With the information that Winnipeg will probably be lacking Logan Stanley for the following couple of video games, meaning Ville Heinola will get one other likelihood to impress the teaching employees. In any other case, I don’t anticipate every other modifications moreover the return of Connor Hellebuyck to the crease. The one unknown issue is that David Gustafsson is now out of concussion protocol and will probably draw again into the lineup.
Minnesota is coping with much more harm woes….with gamers like Joel Eriksson-Ek, Yakov Trenin, Jakub Lauko, & Jacob Middleton banged up. Right here is how PuckPedia was predicting the beginning rosters this morning:
Sniper Kyle Connor has been main the way in which for the Winnipeg Jets this 12 months, with a group main 19 objectives and 42 factors as he continues to be on tempo for his first 100 level season. Different key offensive contributors are Mark Scheifele (38 pts), Josh Morrissey (30), Gabriel Vilardi (28), Nikolaj Ehlers (26), Neal Pionk (24), Cole Perfetti (20), & Adam Lowry (20).
The Minnesota Wild have a famous person of their very own, with Kirill Kaprizov lighting up the league with 49 pts in 32 video games. The offense hasn’t come as simply for the remainder of the group, with solely younger Matt Boldy (30 pts) and Marco Rossi (27) surpassing the 20 level mark.
Under is how the 2 squads look head-to-head based mostly on this season’s stats, together with ESPN’s evaluation of the potential goaltenders:
The Wild are coming in with out the #1 goaltender being obtainable (Filip Gustavsson), a slew of different accidents, and on the second half of a back-to-back state of affairs….so all indicators level to the Jets being in a great spot to steal 2 factors from their divisional rival. However because you by no means actually know what Winnipeg squad will present up for every sport, I assume that we must tune on this night to see the way it all performs out. If you’re questioning how the groups have finished head-to-head this 12 months, the Jets picked up a 2-1 OT win over the Wild early within the season (in WPG) after which added a 4-1 victory in late November (in MIN).
I apologize for the late posting of the Preview article, however hopefully there’s nonetheless loads of time for AIH members to get of their prognostications for tonight’s battle. Whereas there are many Jets within the Preview photograph, my fundamental intent of the BOJA Enhance was on assistant coach Davis Payne…..so I’m playing on the powerplay enjoying a key position at the moment.
Benefit from the weekend!!
Go Winnipeg!!!
