Preview:
The Winnipeg Jets head to the “Big D” in search of confidence and positivity as they visit the Dallas Stars in a #ConferenceIII showdown. Having dropped two straight in extra-time, the Jets could possibly find some positives in those results if they looked hard. Then again, a 2-5-2 record since opening the season with a pair of wins certainly doesn’t breed positivity.
Claude Noel has been quoted as calling the Jets a “Jekyll and Hyde” team, so it’s anybodies guess as to which version skates out of the visitors dressing room and onto the American Airlines Center ice. With another game tomorrow against the scorching-hot Colorado Avalanche, the Jets will be in tough if they don’t pick up a positive result tonight.
Keys to the Game:
Winnipeg Jets
- Less Turnovers – The Jets have at times looked like a competent team lately, driving the play forward and hemming their opposition in their ends for stretches. However, this is usually undone by a major gaffe that ends up in their own net. Since Ondrej Pavelec is complaining about turnovers instead of stopping them, eliminating them completely may be the only answer.
- Win Special Teams Battle -The Jets haven't scored a powerplay goal in 19-straight attempts over 5 games. They might want to improve on that.
- Stay Positive – The mood in the dressing room seems to be less than optimum, so it'll be interesting to see if the Jets can remain positive during these trying times. A win today would certainly boost the moral of the troops.
Dallas Stars
- Let the top line roll – Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin ripped apart the Jets early this season at the MTS Centre, and these two stud forwards are likely licking their chops at the prospects of playing the Jets again already.
- Defend Big D – The Stars have struggled on the road, but are 3-1-0 at home on the year so they’ll be looking for the home-rink boost tonight against a Jets squad who have only played three times on the road so far this year (1-1-1).
- Take advantage of the return of Lehtonen – The Stars have stuggled in the absence of their starting netminder, but his return should be a big boost. Kari Lehtonen has earned all 3 wins for Dallas this year, and his 0.956 sv% and 1.41 GAA are amongst the best in the league.
Player to Boo:
Jamie and Jordie Benn – Because there are simply too many J. Benn’s on the Stars.
Prediction:
Winnipeg 2
Dallas 4
