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Winnipeg Jets vs Vancouver Canucks is really Nikolaj Ehlers vs Jake Virtanen

After an up and down opening game the Winnipeg Jets band of prospects will try to string together a more consistent team game and the top guns will aim to assert themselves offensively against the best the Vancouver Canucks have to offer.

The puck drops at 4:00 pm CST and can be viewed on jets.nhl.com.

Projected Lineups

Winnipeg Jets

Brendan Lemieux – Nic Petan – Nikolaj Ehlers

Axel BlomqvistRyan OlsenJimmy Lodge

Chase De LeoAndrew CoppScott Kosmachuk

Jiri Frink – Jansen Harkins – Matteo Gennaro

Josh MorrisseyNelson Nogier

Brennan Serville – Jan Kostalek

Aaron Harstad – Marcus Karlstrom

Vancouver Canucks

Jake Virtanen… instead of Nikolaj Ehlers.

Players to Watch

Nic an Nik… again. Against the Flames, the Jets top two forward prospects flashed some of their highlight real abilities, but weren’t able to convert them into scoring chances apart from one powerplay. They will look to showcase more at evens.

Brendan Lemieux scored the Jets’ lone goal and earned high praise from Winnipeg Jets coach, Paul Maurice for his strong, agitating presence. Many in the media have suggested this kid has a shot at making the team this year – and while it would be unorthodox move based on the teams history with prospects – another strong showing could help his case.

Manitoba Moose Head Coach, Keith McCambridge, said Ryan Olsen was the best player on the ice in game one of the tournament. Olsen had a rough first season as a pro, but he looked fast and he appeared to be on a mission on Friday night. Olsen spent most of last year playing a depth role for the St. John’s IceCaps. A few more strong showings could help him move up that depth chart and potentially sneak into the mix for NHL call-ups.

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