It has been simply over 5 weeks because the Winnipeg Jets opened up the 2024-25 Nationwide Hockey League marketing campaign with a match towards the Edmonton Oilers. And one way or the other our squad has solely dropped one contest in all that point!! I do know that I haven’t actually embraced the Jets’ superb begin to the season in my articles up to now, however that’s about to finish.
Winnipeg at the moment sits atop the NHL standings with a 15-1-0 document and 30 factors, giving them a full 3 recreation lead over their nearest competitor (New Jersey who has additionally performed 3 extra video games). The Jets +39 workforce aim differential can also be #1 within the league, a whopping 19 objectives over the closest NHL squad (Carolina Hurricanes). It doesn’t finish there, because the True Northers have additionally scored probably the most objectives this season (73) and their closest rivals have solely 66 (NJ in 19 gms & VEG in 16 gms). In the case of objectives towards this yr, Winnipeg is at the moment sitting with the 2nd lowest whole (34), however the groups round them have performed two much less matches (DAL @ 33 & NYR @ 36). The powerplay additionally offers the Peggers yet one more #1 rating within the statistics, because the Jets’ 42.2% conversion charge is sort of a bit increased than the #2 Colorado Avalanche (33.3%).
This unimaginable begin to the season means the Winnipeg Jets might go .500 for the rest of the season and nonetheless find yourself with 96 pts, which might put them in or simply under a wildcard spot. That could be a enormous benefit with 66 video games nonetheless to return….
Talking of upcoming matches, the Winnipeg Jets (15-1-0) have travelled to Florida for a rematch with the Tampa Bay Lightning (7-6-1) on Thursday night. These two groups have been heading in reverse instructions recently, because the Jets are on an eight recreation successful streak whereas the Bolts have dropped their final 4 outings. The dangerous information for Winnipeg is that Tampa Bay has struggled on the street (3-5-0), however have been formidable when taking part in on the Amalie Area (4-1-1). The graphic under from the Bolts’ fan web site Uncooked Cost exhibits how in another way Andrei Vasilevskiy has performed when at residence versus the street:
The Winnipeg Jets are coping with a pair accidents to defenseman Logan Stanley and ahead David Gustafsson, however these absences shouldn’t affect the workforce’s recreation that a lot. Our Jets have three skaters with at the very least 20 factors in Kyle Connor (22), Mark Scheifele (21), and Nikolaj Ehlers (20), however the offense has been unfold out since there are one other 8 gamers which have at the very least 10 factors.
The Jets’ prime ahead line has been outscoring opponents 9 to 1 over the previous 7 contests and once they try this, Winnipeg can actually roll 4 strains to maintain the strain continuously on their opponent’s protection. Coach Scott Arniel can also be appreciating the standard play the 4th line has been giving the Jets…you’ll be able to’t low cost how necessary it’s to have a backside six that may spend time within the offensive zone irrespective of who’s on the ice towards them.
Too early for the pre-game skate as I’m scripting this, so we’ll assume that PuckPedia is appropriately predicting the lineup under:
The Tampa Bay Lightning are coming in with 4 straight losses, nevertheless they final performed a full week in the past on November seventh. So that’s numerous observe time for a high quality coach like Jon Cooper to get his squad moving into the fitting course. If you mix that with how properly Vasilevskiy performs at residence, our Jets ought to have their fingers full this night.
Even with that point off, the Lightning shall be with no key ahead once they face Winnipeg as Brayden Level remains to be on the shelf, together with former Jet Michael Eyssimont. Tampa’s star Nikita Kucherov is off to his typical high-scoring begin (23 pts), however the Bolts have gotten offense from different gamers as properly (7 skaters with over 11 pts). The lack of Level might make TB’s powerplay much less harmful, as the middle has pocketed 5 of the 8 man-advantage objectives on the yr.
Right here is how PuckPedia is projecting the Lightning teaching workers to line up their gamers on Thursday:
I don’t know whether or not the Jets will begin Eric Comrie or Connor Hellebuyck when the puck drops at 6 pm CST, however it’s potential us followers will get to look at one more nice goalie matchup. After Bucky downing each Jake Oettinger & Igor Shesterkin, he now may need to go toe-to-toe with one other stellar tender in Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Time to take a look at how the 2 franchises examine head-to-head based mostly on this season’s stats and to take a look at ESPN’s overview of the masked males:
Nicely, I’m working out of time earlier than my precise paid employment will get underway for the day….right here’s hoping your Thursday goes properly and ensure to get your ideas/predictions within the remark part for us Arctic Ice Hockey members to take pleasure in.
Go Winnipeg!!
