After being bloodied and battered in Minnesota, the Winnipeg Jets return to action with 16 fewer players on the roster. The second round of cuts is in and there are now just a handful of players battling for somewhat defined roles on the roster. The winner of these battles will become clearer with each passing game. Who will stand out? Who will make an impact? Will this be the last game for any of the remaining players?
Puck drops at 7:00C CST at the MTS Centre and can be seen on TSN3.
Keys to the Game
Winnipeg Jets
Burmi is a little ladd linemate. Alexander Burmistrov looks to get his first taste of action on the Winnipeg Jets top line. Burmistrov is likely being placed in this position with defense at the top of mind, but the recent returnee has the speed, skill and forechecking ability to make an offensive impact there. Will that start tonight. Any sign of chemistry from tonight's lines could lead to a longer look as we near the season.
Guess who’s back? Speaking of Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little, this will be their first in game action this pre-season. Will they be rusty or will they be ready to rock? The rust must be knocked off.
Follow the lines. The first line isn’t the only one in flux. Nic Petan, JC Lipon and Thomas Raffl appear to be fighting for the same roster spot. Each of these players brings a different look. Who makes the team will depend largely on performance and how the line performs in these pre-season games. Who will get the first chance? Who will make the most of it? What the Jets’ 4th line will look like is still very much up in the air.
Ottawa Senators
I think about centaurs every time I hear this team's name, so they should probably pony-up and play.
Player to Boo Mercilessly
Anybody but Eric O`Dell. Definitely boo Bobby Ryan.
Prediction
The Jets earn their first win of the pre-season by a mark of 6-2.
