Nicely, the primary day of my holidays ended up in my sleeping in till 10 am after which it took a bit longer earlier than I noticed that the Jets performed this AFTERNOON. So right here is the preview I threw collectively on the final second….I apologize for the late posting, however I assume I’m already in leisure mode. lol
The Winnipeg Jets (24-10-1) are coming off one in all their higher performances in December once they shut out the Minnesota Wild 5-0 on Saturday night. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck (2.07/.927%) wasn’t overly busy, however did make some huge stops on path to his 4th shut out of the 2024-25 marketing campaign. The powerplay was wonderful for the Jets as they picked up a pair of targets, whereas Cole Perfetti had himself a recreation by sniping a objective and including a pair assists.
The Toronto Maple Leafs (21-11-2) additionally final noticed motion on Saturday, once they dropped a 6-3 contest to the New York Islanders. The Buds are lacking their beginning goaltender, Anthony Stolarz (2.15/.927%), who’s having a wonderful season and it additionally seems their prime ahead, Auston Matthews, will miss the conflict in opposition to the Jets this afternoon.
The Winnipeg Jets at present have essentially the most factors within the NHL (49), giving them the #1 seed within the Nationwide Hockey League, however the Toronto Maple Leafs will not be that far behind with 44 pts (sixth place). The Jets’ 128 targets scored this 12 months give them a big benefit over the Leafs’ 106 targets. The True Northers are additionally robust defensively, sitting with 87 targets in opposition to (third least in NHL), whereas the Maple Leafs’ 93 targets allowed places them in a tie for eighth.
The 2 franchises have met as soon as this season, when Toronto handed Winnipeg their first lack of the season (6-4 victory), ending the Jets’ 8 recreation successful streak to begin off the season.
I used to be a bit fearful that immediately’s recreation would solely be obtainable on Prime since it’s a Monday, however in response to my TV information the competition is being aired on TSN3 at 1 pm Central. So that may be a bonus.
Right here is how PuckPedia is predicting Toronto & Winnipeg’s coaches to line up their gamers this afternoon:
Winnipeg has had numerous gamers contribute offensively, with Kyle Connor (43 pts), Mark Scheifele (38), Josh Morrissey (31), Gabriel Vilardi (28), Nikolaj Ehlers (27), and Neal Pionk (26) all getting their names’ on the scoresheet persistently.
Toronto’s key scorers this season embrace Mitch Marner (45 pts), William Nylander (38), John Tavares (32), and Auston Matthews (23).
Alright, lets transfer on to a take a look at how the franchises’ season stats look if you examine them head-to-head and ESPN’s evaluation of the masked males:
I don’t see an entire lot of variations within the groups’ stats above, so the numbers are saying this afternoon’s recreation ought to be a reasonably even one. I used to be a bit stunned to listen to that the Jets have crushed the Minnesota Wild 8 straight video games after Winnipeg’s most up-to-date victory, however the reverse is true for immediately’s conflict, because the Leafs have crushed our Jets in 6 straight contests. It’s important to go all the best way again to December 2021 to discover a Winnipeg win.
So, will the Winnipeg Jets be capable to reap the benefits of key items lacking from the Toronto Maple Leafs?? Or will the Buds proceed to dominate the True Northers by handing them one other loss?
I couldn’t discover a full crew picture to present the BOJA Enhance to for the sport, however the Preview image above will hopefully assist Scott Arniel out-coach his opponent whereas additionally offering a lift to 10 or 12 of the Jets. Right here is hoping the Enhance is highly effective sufficient to cowl your entire crew!!
Whereas there’s solely a pair hours left earlier than puck drop, I hope some AIH members could have an opportunity to supply their prognostications within the remark part.
Merry Christmas, Glad Hannukah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Jolly Diwali, and so on. Wishing the very best to all of you over the vacation season & the upcoming New 12 months.
Go Winnipeg!!!!!
