The Winnipeg Jets play recently has mirrored the erratic climate town has been having lately. Lower than 10 days in the past, the Peg was basking within the glory of +3 levels Celsius temperatures and now we’re mired in a deep freeze with the thermometer studying -30 levels Celsius. That’s fairly a swing.
The climate in Winnipeg is as inconsistent because the Jets’ efforts, as we simply noticed them appear to be a PeeWee squad stuffed with stone-handed kids towards the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets (4-1 L) just for them to observe that up with an explosion of offense towards the Boston Bruins (8-1 W). Polar reverse performances, little doubt.
Rookie Nikita Chibrikov shortly labored his manner into the hearts of Winnipeg Jets’ followers, as he picked up an help & a aim to get his NHL totals as much as 3 factors in 2 profession contests. The 21 yr previous Russian has a great mixture of offensive skills and grit, which ought to enable him to play up and down the lineup if he can come to phrases with the defensive expectations within the NHL. One other large a part of the offensive output final recreation was the play of the Jets’ high line, as Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, & Gabriel Vilardi had a mixed 11 pictures, 4 objectives, & 4 assists within the beat down of the Bruins.
Primarily based on at present’s morning skate, Winnipeg’s teaching employees will solely be swapping speedy Rasmus Kupari in for David Gustafsson, who’s at present in concussion protocol. Right here is how PuckPedia is predicting Vegas and Winnipeg to line up their gamers tonight:
The Winnipeg Jets (21-9-0) are nonetheless lacking key items in defenseman Dylan Samberg & ahead Nikolaj Ehlers (who has resumed skating), so they might possible be thought of underdogs towards the visiting Vegas Golden Knights (18-7-3) this Thursday night. The Knights lately acquired star ahead Mark Stone again from damage, so they’re at present capable of subject one thing near one of the best squad when the puck drops on the Canada Life Centre.
Vegas final performed on December sixth, so they are going to be properly rested and coming in on a 3 recreation successful streak. Jack Eichel has been excellent this season (39 pts in 28 gms), however the Knights are additionally getting constant contributions from Ivan Barbashev (28 in 28), Mark Stone (22 in 14), Shea Theodore (22 in 27), & Tomas Hertl (21 in 28).
Winnipeg can be icing some excessive scoring gamers, with Kyle Connor (36 pts in 30 gms) and Mark Scheifele (34 in 30) main the best way. Different key Jets embrace Josh Morrissey (27 in 30), Nikolaj Ehlers (25 in 24), Neal Pionk (24 in 30), & Gabriel Vilardi (22 in 30).
Under is how the groups examine primarily based on this season’s performances and ESPN’s have a look at the potential beginning goaltenders:
The above stats present two squads which have performed very properly to begin the season, with not a lot separating the 2 Western Convention franchises. Winnipeg has a slight edge in web (when do they not with Connor Hellebuyck in between the pipes), however Vegas’ tenders have put up respectable numbers in 2024-25 to date.
The Jets dropped the primary assembly of the season in a tough fought 4-3 loss to the Knights in Vegas, so Winnipeg will probably be seeking to even the collection tonight on the CLC. Because the Golden Knights entered the NHL, they’ve amassed a 10-8 common season file towards the Jets (8-2 within the playoffs), so this can be a workforce that persistently causes the True Northers issue.
Will our squad get one other win tonight? Can the Jets’ #1 line proceed to place pucks within the web with obvious ease? Will Cole Perfetti & Vladislav Namestnikov discover success in back-to-back contests with rookie Nikita Chibrikov’s energetic play?
Lets hear your predictions and ideas within the remark part. Take pleasure in your day & keep heat!!
Go Winnipeg!!!!
