It seems the dreary wearies have taken over Jets land. The Winter has one of the coldest in years. People are cooped up and stir crazy. To top it all off the Winnipeg Jets are struggling. There is no reprieve. There is no joy. The Jets are currently on a three game losing streak and looking to turn things around. Tampa Bay on the other hand continues to roll. With or without Steven Stamkos they win games. These teams meet tonight in the frosted wasteland of Winnipeg.
Keys to the Game:
Winnipeg Jets
Finding traction on the Pavment: Ondrej Pavelec is on on of his worst runs as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. He isn't stopping pucks and he isn't winning games. Regardless of the goalie debate and whether or not he is the long term answer – he needs to play well tonight.
Apple tunrovers: Apple turnovers are yummy. Turnovers that apple on goals against suck. The Jets need to tidy up their D zone play. They also need to do a better job of reducing shots against. The 39 shots they allowed vs the Penguins needs to be an aberration.
Young gunning: Evander Kane, Mark Scheifele and Michael Frolik have been a force of late. Part of the reason they are able to do this is because Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler taking on the opposition's top lines. When you are being sheltered you have to win in your minutes. The kids have been and they need to keep it up.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Drown the Jets in the Depth: The Jets bottom 6 remains a problem. The Jokinen line has suffered since Chris Thorburn was added to the wing and the 4th line has been killed a number of nights. Goals from unexpected places are always a bonus.
Lindback like cooked crack: Ben Bishop has been a beast for the Lightning. His save percentage (.938) currently ranks 2nd among qualified NHL starters. Anders Lindback ranks 70th overall with a .883. That is insanity. Lindback is horrible. He needs to be better or the Lightning won't win many.
Mad Marty: Martin St. Louis is not going to Sochi. He is mad about this. Ride his rage!
Player to boo Mercilessly
Martin St. Louis – Poke the bear!!
Prediction
Jets 4
Lightning 3
