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GameDay Preview: Jets host the Rangers

Now is not an ideal time to slump, but alas here we are. After an improbable run put the Winnipeg Jets back into the playoff picture, a bout of yucky puck luck has removed them. A number of the Winnipeg Jets top offensive players can't buy a goal right now. The Rangers haven't fared much better – being held to a single goal in each of their last two outings. Will the Jets rebound or will the Rangers pick up two must have points to keep themselves in the Eastern Conference playoff picture?

Keys to the Game

Winnipeg Jets

Score more goals. The Jets have been snake bit in their last couple outings. Kane and Wheeler specifically have been unable to find twine. This duo is supposed to carry a good chunk of the offensive load. A goal, any goal from these two will go a long way.

Don't be PIM heads. Enough with the penalties already. The Jets have been bit by a number of bad calls of late, but this makes playing a clean game that much more important. Don't give the refs any real PIMs and create a margin for error.

Moar goalie. Despite looking to fight the puck all night, Ondrej Pavelec made a lot of save versus the Vancouver Canucks. The Jets need more of this. Much has been made of the team's goaltending woes and for good reason. Let's hope there is no such reason in the post game talk.

New York Rangers

Gnash and Nash. The Rangers have a couple former point per game players in Rick Nash and Brad Richards, but neither guy is coring at an elite level this year. The Rangs are scoring by committee. That said, it wouldn't hurt for one of their big guns the step up and pot a goal.

Hunky-dory. Cam Talbot started the Rags last game, that points to Henrik Lundqvist starting tonight. Goaltending is important. He is still very good at goaltending. The Rags will need good goaltending to win, hence they will need Hunkvist to be on point.

Specialer special team. Both squads in tonight's game have top end penalty kill units, but the Rangers powerplay has been far more successful than the Jets'. Win at special teams, win the game. If the Rags can eek out a one or two goal edge while up a man they may win. #math

Player to Boo Mercilessly

Rick Nash – I dislike Rick Nash, so you should boo him

Prediction

Jets 4

Rags 3

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