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Preview: Jets against Kitty Cats

Today the Jets are in Florida to take on the Panthers and it should hopefully go well for them. In the spirit of remaining positive, I am trying to be optimistic about them winning this game and getting those two pretty points.

Keys to the Game

Winnipeg Jets

Obviously the glaring issue for the Jets last game was that after mounting a very exciting comeback late in the third, the puck slipped past Ondrej Pavelec and the game was lost. Tonight, if he’s in, I hope to see that not happen again. If Michael Hutchinson is in, I hope to not have to watch the Panthers score 4 goals on him. Last game had some issues, goaltending being one of them, and if they’re to get past the Kitty Cats tonight, they’ll need a solid goalie in the net.

Also, speaking of goalies, Paul Maurice was a wee bit ominous when he was asked who would be starting this game. Mr. Lawless reported this:

"Yeah, I’ve got my guy picked and I’ll tell you tomorrow," he said. "I don’t know that if you have the other scenarios go a different way and we win that game – is that a more difficult decision? I don’t feel it’s a pretty difficult one right now. I’m pretty clear on who’s starting."The comment is like a double rainbow. What does it mean?!?!

Beyond the goalies and the usual "don't take stupid penalties," there's not much else to say really.

Oh wait. I thought of something:

I adore what Tyler Myers has brought to the team. I love that he is playing like a completely different guy than he was with Buffalo. I’m happy he got this opportunity. Bogosian who? Kane what?

That's it.

That's all.

Florida Panthers

The Goalie Situation: So, the Panthers have found themselves in a big of a goalie nightmare as well. Both Roberto Luongo and Al Montoya are out with injury and the all of the goaltending responsibilities have fallen on the shoulders of Dan Ellis who was recalled from San Antonio to fill in. Ellis has played a grand total of two games so far this season for the Panthers and has both lost one and won one. He’s no new kid on the block though as he’s 34 years old and has played for multiple teams in the past. His last outing in net proves that while he’s up from the AHL, he’s not to be taken lightly and the Jets should remember that.

In addition to this little bit of interesting goalie news, the Panthers recently held a contest to offer a fan the chance to play as back-up in one of their upcoming games. That is very good marketing and is also a way of taking some lemons and making lemonade. Goalies injured? Fanbase sad? Hold a fun contest! Sadly, we will not get to see the prize winner tonight as according to twitter, the few chosen will have a try out on Monday.

Player to Boo Mercilessly

Probably Dan Ellis.

Prediction

Jets win 3-2, but it takes a shootout to finish it. Michael Hutchinson starts in net and is pretty stellar, but a couple of ugly goals sneak past him. Dan Ellis is no slouch, but a few get through. Michael Frolik scores a goal.Tyler Myers and Dustin Byfuglien team up somehow to form their own version of the Bash Brothers. Jiri Tlusty and Lee Stempniak go for frozen yogurt after the game.

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