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Game 3 Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Winnipeg Jets

Time: 8:00 PM CST

Channel: Sportsnet

After losing game two in the dying seconds, the Winnipeg Jets look to get back into their first round series against the Anaheim Ducks. The game is pivotal in more ways than one because the Jets have yet to lose at home, and one of the most popular sayings in hockey is that a team is not in trouble in the playoffs until they do that.

For the Jets to win they need to go back to what was working for them in the regular season. It is important that they do not get caught up in the moment and try to hit everything that moves because no matter what the media tries to tell fans, the Jets are good when they are exiting and entering the zone with control. If they Jets get back to doing these little things, they will be better for it.

Another problem area for the Jets has been their second line. Drew Stafford has done well scoring-wise since coming over in a trade from the Buffalo Sabres, but his defensive deficiencies make him a bad fit a long with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. An easy fix for this line would be to move Mathieu Perreault into that spot and shift Stafford down a line. Although this may not fix everything, letting broken lines stay together for the sake of “chemistry” is a bad idea. It is broke, so try to fix it.

The Jets power play is another area of concern and has been on and off all year. The best thing they can do is simplify their tactics and throw the puck at the net at every opportunity. It may not work, but it may also test Frederik Andersen and force him into making saves and letting one in.

This game is a huge game for the Jets and Winnipeg. National media is here from Canada and the United States. Let's hope the Jets play like they can and not like they have been for the past two games.

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