Coming off a huge win against the Avalanche on Friday night, the Jets are home again today to take on the Anaheim Ducks. This will be short and sweet as I am struggling with some sort of cold/flu/SARS/what have you.
Keys to the Game
Winnipeg Jets
1) Keep doing what you're doing: Things are starting to click with the Jets and as long as they play their game and play it well, they shouldn't be challenged by the Ducks too much. The few last games wins were refreshing changes for the Jets, and has hopefully inspired the team to keep things going they way they are.
2) Now that everyone pretty much knows that Michael Hutchinson is amazing, the focus for this game will be on whether or not Ondrej Pavelec can be just as amazing. The oft-maligned goalie should be in today and now that the kid behind him is seemingly playing better than himself, it’s up to Pavelec to show what he can do. The Ducks are aware of the goalie that Pavelec can be. Kyle Shohara of NHL.com reports this statement from Nate Thompson:
"He’s one of those goalies who can scramble to make the big save," said Thompson. "He’s one of those goalies who battles out there. Over the years I’ve played against him, he really plays hard in net. You have to make sure you have second and third chances. You have to create traffic."
Hopefully Pavelec can play and be as intimidating today as Thompson believes him to be.
3) Don't get mumps. Seriously.
Anaheim Ducks
1) Getting pucks in deep and utilizing the Jets defense's penchant for taking mental pauses on the ice will be important. While the Jets defense has been better these past few games, capitalizing on their tendency to completely shut down and forget that hockey is happening will get the Ducks past Pavelec.
2) The Ducks are also facing an injury in one of their top players, Corey Perry. While the loss of one guy shouldn't necessarily indicate that they're going to absolutely blow the game, the focus on the depth of the team is important. Getting all four lines rolling and not making mistakes will be key.
3) Unleash Ilya Bryzgalov: Okay, that’s not going to happen, I know. A girl can dream though, right?
Player to Boo Mercilessly
Always Ryan Getzlaf. Always.
Prediction
Jets win 3-2. Why not?
