The Vancouver Canucks have fallen apart. The team is struggling, having won two of their last fourteen games games. The Jets haven't fared much better, winning just two of their last eight. Two teams that were firmly in the playoff mix, after the Olympic break are now all but out of it, but the season isn't over and the games must go on.
Keys to the Game
Winnipeg Jets
Four lines maybe. The Winnipeg Jets have recalled Eric O`Dell from the St. John's IceCaps and early indications are he will be centering the fourth line. The Canucks are not a deep team. If the fourth line was ever going to get ice it would be at home versus a team with depth issues.
Ondrej the guy ant. The Winnipeg Jets starting lineup continues to be infested with Ondrej Pavelec. Despite a decent showing by backup Al Montoya, it looks like Pav will go again today. Ondrej got pulled less than half way through his last outing after allowing 5 goals on 20 shots. That can't happen if the Jets are going to pull out a win.
Buff the door down. Dustin Byfuglien had perhaps his strongest game as a Winnipeg Jets forward versus Colorado. Byfuglien has been invisible in many outings, but he was strong on Monday night. The Jets will need more of this Buff.
Vancouver Canucks
Come let me make up for the things you Lack. The Nucks need to bring sexy back between the pipes. After a season with perhaps the best goalie tandem in the NHL, the Canuks are riding the talented – yet unproved – Eddie Lack. The newly anointed starter has seen some growing pains. Goaltending is always important. The Nucks will need a strong showing from Eddie.
Forget. The Canucks allowed SEVEN goals in the third period of their last outing. It won't be easy, but they have to leave that game behind and focus on today.
Twin powered turbo. Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin have long been the driving force behind the Vancouver Canucks. They are struggling this year. Flat out, they need the Sedin's to play well if they wanna win.
Player to Boo Mercilessly
John Tortorella isn't a player, but he needs to be booed. Tort-or-ell-a. Tort-or-ell-a.
Prediction
Jets 5
Nucks 4
