Evaluation time. The playoffs are gone as is a good chunk of the Winnipeg Jets lineup. Out will be captain Andrew Ladd, powerplay monster Dustin Byfuglien, top pairing D man Zach Bogosian and fan favorite Devin Setoguchi (lol). In will be AHL regulars Carl Klingberg, Patrice Cormier, Zach Redmond and Michael Hutchinson.
The Bruins on the other hand are trucking along with most of their normal squad and getting ready for what they hope will be a long playoff run. All they have to play for at this point is guaranteed home ice advantage through the Stanley Cup finals.
Keys to the Game
Winnipeg Jets
Startsy and Hutch. Michael Hutchinson gets the start versus the team that drafted him. After a light work load in his first NHL action, Hutch will likely see quite a bit more rubber. He will need to be sharp for the Jets to have a chance tonight.
Farm Good. The Jets have called up a lot of the top end players from their farm team and they will be asking them to play a solid game against one of the NHL's best. Cormier and Klingberg are capable of bringing big energy. Big energy will be a must.
Have fun. There is nothing else to play for beyond fun and pride. Hockey is a game. Hockey is supposed to be fun. Have fun.
Boston Bruins
Don't get hurt. Playing tentative isn't the answer, but staying healthy is a priority. There is some talk that Patrice Bergeron may sit, but regardless of who does or doesn't dress – finishing healthy will be key.
Bruin hockey. The Bruins are a deep team with four quality lines. They are a challenge for a healthy Jets squad, nevermind a shelled out AHL squad. This doesn't change even if they are without hockey God Patrice Bergeron. If the Bruins play Bruin hockey they will likely come out on top.
Let me Rask you a question. While the Jets crease is full of question marks, the Bruins are rock solid and stocked for the future. Tuukka Rask is special. He doesn't have many off nights. If Rask shows up in tip top form, the Bruins will be a tough out.
Player to Boo Mercilessly
Milan Lucic because he nearly as annoying as Brad Marchand, but three times the size.
Prediction
Jets 3
Bruins 2
