Preview & GDT - Jets vs Flames

The Winnipeg Jets start a quick mid December, 2 game road trip to Alberta, which will first see the team square off against the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.  The Jets are coming off a disappointing 2-1 home loss against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, and see their record fall to 13-14-3. The Jets were forced to fight off a power play late in the third period, which saw the Rangers' Hayes score the go ahead goal and eventual game winner. As a matter of fact, both goals scored against the Jets came as a result of power plays, and that the Jets and the coaching staff have admitted that disciplined play and the PK and PP special teams needs some work. Solid goal tending by Micheal Hutchinson and the return of center Mark Scheifele on an otherwise injury depleted team wasn't enough to propel the Jets past the Rangers and gain a much needed two points. Here's hoping the Jets can capitalize on their solid road play as of late, as last weekend's two game road trip thru Illinois and Missouri saw the Jets come away with 4 points.

Where, When and How

Calgary Saddledome

Saturday, December 10th, 9pm CST

TV: CBC, SN

Radio: TSN 1290

It appears that Dano has been promoted to the top line, while Stafford joins Perreault in the coach's doghouse and mans the fourth line with perennial Thorburn. Burmistrov and Stuart are scratches, while Hutchinson gets the start after his solid performance against the Rangers. With it being a back to back weekend, Hellebuyck will likely get the start tomorrow against the Oilers.

Winnipeg Jets Projected Lineup, as per Brian Munz of TSN1290:

Dano-Scheifele-Wheeler

Ehlers-Little-Laine

Copp-Lowry-Tanev

Stafford-Perreault-Thorburn

Morrissey-Byfuglien

Enstrom-Trouba

Chariot-Postma

Hutchinson

Power Play - 15%

Penalty Kill - 78.9%

Out west, the Calgary Flames are coming off a 2-1 over time road win against the Arizona Coyotes. The red hot Flames (15-13-2) are currently in the midst of a 5 game win streak, and hope to continue it against the Jets on Saturday night. The Flames have been getting solid goaltending from Johnson as of late, and it seems he's comfortably taken the #1 spot away from Elliot.  The return of Johnny Hockey and defensive play/offensive flair from the blueline has helped to fan the Flames.

Calgary Flames Projected Lineup, as per Brian Munz of TSN1290:

Gaudreau-Bennett-Chaisson

Ferland-Monahan-Brouwer

Tkachuk-Backlund-Frolik

Bouma-Stajan-Hathaway

Giordano-Hamilton

Brodie-Wideman

Jokipakka-England

Johnson

Power Play - 14%

Penalty Kill - 78.9%