The Winnipeg Jets began off their “Mother’s journey” with a win over the San Jose Sharks, largely thanks their powerplay and the sniping talents of Kyle Connor (9 photographs & 2 targets). In truth the True Northers’ whole prime line was very noticeable within the late evening conflict, combining for 18 photographs and eight factors versus the Sharks. The youthful power of Winnipeg’s opponents brought about the crew some difficulties and resulted within the recreation not being determined till the ultimate minutes (1:13 left when Adam Lowry deflected dwelling the last word successful objective). In a back-to-back state of affairs, the Jets must get proper again to work tonight in one other late begin (9 pm Central).
Winnipeg (23-9-1) didn’t must journey far to get to the Honda Middle in Anaheim (11-14-4), so not less than they need to be nicely rested to face off in opposition to a Geese’ squad that hasn’t performed since Saturday. The Jets have been stable on the street (12-6-0), but they’ve gone 0-2-0 within the second half of back-to-back conditions (4-1 losses to NSH & CLM). Anaheim has had a document of 5-9-1 this yr enjoying of their dwelling area and just lately ended a 5 recreation dropping streak with an OT win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Whereas I’ve seen no official affirmation of both squad’s roster plans for the sport, I’m assuming that Eric Comrie shall be in web and there’s a slight chance that Nikolaj Ehlers makes his return this night. Right here is how PuckPedia is at present projecting the 2 franchises to lineup their gamers:
The Winnipeg Jets have been choosing up wins extra constantly these days (5 of final 7) and that’s largely due to an uptick in objective scoring. Kyle Connor is nearly scoring at a 100 pt tempo after final evening’s efficiency, placing up 40 pts in 33 video games this yr. Mark Scheifele just isn’t far behind with 37 pts and Josh Morrissey is main the defenseman offensively with 30 pts. Many different Jets are getting their names on the scoresheet constantly, with a complete of 12 skaters with not less than 11 pts. In all probability not shocking contemplating that Winnipeg leads the NHL with 121 targets scored in 2024-25.
The Anaheim Geese then again have had a tough time placing pucks by opposing goalies, with their 71 targets the bottom complete in the whole league. The Californians have acquired wonderful goaltending from Lukas Dostal and John Gibson (see ESPN comparability beneath for the numbers) serving to them to be tied for twelfth in least quantity of targets in opposition to (90). The Geese are lacking Trevor Zegras, who just lately underwent a surgical process, however in any other case have their full roster to deploy in opposition to the Jets. Whereas Anaheim does have 11 gamers with not less than 10 factors, solely Troy Terry has reached the 20’s (24).
Okay, time to maneuver onto the stats and take a look at Winnipeg & Anaheim’s numbers head-to-head, plus ESPN’s take a look at the goalies within the graphics beneath.
From the numbers above, it looks as if this can be a excellent recreation to begin a backup goaltender…dealing with a low scoring Geese’ crew that additionally has hassle killing penalties. Sounds excellent for the NHL’s highest scoring squad that additionally occurs to have the league’s finest powerplay, proper?
I simply noticed affirmation that Anaheim shall be enjoying Lukas Dostal tonight in opposition to the Jets, so Winnipeg’s gamers could have their work lower out for them because the 24 yr previous Czech has been enjoying fantastically this season.
Alright…you’ve gotten all (okay, most of) the data that you must accurately predict how tonight’s recreation between the Anaheim Geese & Winnipeg Jets will play out. Lets hear your ideas within the remark part.
LATEST NEWS: The Jets have positioned Dylan Coghlan on waivers as we speak, making it appear doubtless that Nikolaj Ehlers shall be returning to the lineup. It additionally alerts that rookie Nikita Chibrikov shall be sticking with the large membership for some time longer.
Go Winnipeg!!!!
