The Predators come into Winnipeg having lost two straight games to the Oilers and Flames, while the Jets are coming off a big win in Chicago; improving their record under Paul Maurice to 6-1.
Are you ready to drink the Kool Aid?
(Photoshop credit to the wonderful Melissa Martin of the Winnipeg Free Press. Follow her at @DoubleEmMartin)
What you need to know:
- This game will be just another chapter in the battle of two of the more promising young blue-liners in the NHL. Jacob Trouba has one point fewer (18) than Seth Jones despite playing 17 games fewer. The two defensemen are basically the same age with Trouba being 8 month’s Jones’ senior. Given what they have shown so far in their careers, it’s very likely that they will end up being one of the cornerstones for each franchise in the future for this divisional rivalry.
- This is the final game of a four game road trip for the Predators. I’m sure they are eager to get home as this trip has not gone as well as they hoped. If the Jets are able to get off to a quick start, they may be able to break the will of the Preds and come away with an easy win.
- A win tonight for the Jets would tie the season series between these teams at two games a piece. It’s always good to hold the tiebreaker over a divisional opponent, so a win tonight is essential if they wish to gain the tiebreaker over Nashville.
- Carter Hutton suffered his first loss in five games against the Oilers. He’ll be looking to bounce back with a strong performance tonight as he gets the call for the Preds
In honour of Rick Rypien the Jets will wear these jersey’s in the warm up tonight.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>The Rick Rypien jerseys that will be worn during tonight's warmup. <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BellLetsTaIk&src=hash”>#BellLetsTaIk</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/search?q=%23HockeyTalks&src=hash”>#HockeyTalks</a> <a href=”http://t.co/wEFRPDTorE”>pic.twitter.com/wEFRPDTorE</a></p>— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) <a href=”https://twitter.com/NHLJets/statuses/428185608817606656″>January 28, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Today is Bell Let's Talk day. If you haven't read TJ's incredible piece yesterday then I strongly encourage you do so. To find out what you can do to support these great causes, check out Bell Let's Talk day or Project 11.
Player to boo mercilessly:
Seth Jones. YOU'RE NO TROUBA, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP CLAP CLAP
**UPDATE! Evander Kane will be out until the Olympic break due to an infection in his hand**
