The Winnipeg Jets are playing the New York Islanders for the second time in six days and are looking to avenge their last meeting where the Jets simply stunk. They were scored on early and often by the potent Islanders power play. Steve Mason was in goal for the Jets and although he put up a valiant effort, it was not enough to save the team from themselves.
The Jets have to be conscience of the always dangerous John Taveres, but they also have to watch out for players like Josh Bailey and Anders Lee who are dangerous in their own right. The Islanders also have former Edmonton Oiler Jordan Eberle who is a strong player in his own right.
Defensively, the Islanders have a solid group that changed a few years ago when they made plays for Johnny Boychuck and Nick Leddy. Outside of those two, Calvin De Hann is a big piece of the puzzle. They traded Travis Hamonic this off-season and that has possibly made the Islanders better as Hamonic has struggled mightily in Calgary.
As for the Jets, thy enter game one of no Mark Scheifele with Shawn Matthias taking his spot in the lineup. Blake Wheeler will be centering the first line flanked by Mathieu Perreault and Kyle Connor. Look for the second line to take on more responsibility to help Wheeler out as he adjusts to centre. The third line looks to be staying in tact with the fourth line losing Perreault and adding Matthias. Marko Dano will also be given a shot at some point according to Paul Maurice.
The Jets are hoping to get on a bit of a roll post-break before they have both their week off and the All-Star Break. There is no Olympic Break this year.
