The preseason continues. Tonight the Winnipeg Jets host the Edmonton Oilers. Neither team played well a year ago and as a result, both teams are dressing a nice chunk of young talent. There are roster spots to be had and the kids are being given a chance.
In Winnipeg, eyes will be on Adam Lowry and recent top picks Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan and Nikolaj Ehlers. Edmonton fans will be watching Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl among others. Who will make a case to stay with the big club? Tune in and find out.
The game starts at 7:00 CT and can be seen regionally on TSN3. You can also listen to the action on TSN 1290.
Some Things
Winnipeg Jets
Kids Fest. While it is possible that one or two of Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan and Nikolaj Ehlers will stick deep into the preseason, and perhaps a little beyond, it is unlikely that Jets fans will get to see much more of the trio. The team needs to dress their NHL regulars. Of course, there is a caveat. If a kid plays well, it may be hard to send them down. Every shift, every decision and every puck battle could play into the team’s decision on these kids. Who will shine?
Much Hutch. Michael Hutchinson is battling for an NHL backup job, well theoretically anyways. Kevin Cheveldayoff said the job wouldn’t be gifted and insisted on a two-way deal, but the team hasn’t brought in any competition. That could change. The window is still open to add, but a few more strong showings from Hutch could end those thoughts.
Kan Scheif Wheel? Winnipeg Jets fans are set to get their first glimpse (this year) of what could be their new top line. This line will feature sophomore stud, Mark Scheifele centring Evander Kane and Blake Wheeler. Kane and Wheeler are proved commodities at the NHL level. They are both easily among the top 30 scorers – at their respective positions – over the last three years. Scheifele is less proven. If he can keep up, he could be in a big year. Today is the first taste.
Edmonton Oilers
Helloooo Nurse. If asked to describe the Oilers defense with a single word, I’m not sure many words fit better than “s***.” They need help on the back end. Enter, Darnell Nurse. Nurse was drafted 7th overall in 2013. He is the only top pick that the Oilers have used on a defender. He is also the only recent Oilers first rounder that was sent back to junior for his 18 year old season. How much more patience will the Oilers have? How much of an impact can Nurse make? Perhaps we get some answers today.
Yak Yak Yak Yak. Former first overall pick Nail Yakupov struggled last year – like a lot. People are mad. Fans are frustrated. The word “bust” has been tossed around. This is a wild turn of events considering how much he produced as a rookie. Whether or not he can rebound and appease his M.A.A.D City will be a big storyline for this and perhaps many more years.
Mother******* Act Like I Forgot About Drai. Josh Morrissey former teammate and close friends Leon Draisaitl aims to start the 2014-15 season centring the Edmonton Oilers second line. He is extremely skilled and a joy to watch. He also has NHL size. How will he look? Can he fill the massive shoes that the Oilers left open for him.
Player to Boo Mercilessly
Yakupov or Yakimov – Either. Perhaps both. Confuse them.
Final Score Prediction
Jets: 3
Oilers: 1
