Preview: Winnipeg Jets vs Nashville Prey

Time: 7:00 PM CDT

Channel: TSN3, FS-TN, TVAS

Radio: TSN1290

Now this is the story all about how, the Jets goalie situation flipped turned upside down

And I’d like to take a minute, just sit right there

I’ll tell you how Connor Hellebuyck became the best Jet in the air.

In Commerce Township, Michigan, born and raised, on a hockey rink Connor spent most of his days.

Catching and blocking and stacking the pads

Playing some shinny with all of his lads

When a couple of scouts, with an eye for the good

Saw Connor playing in his neighbourhood.

They’d give him a shot, and show him the ropes,

That’s how Connor came to play with the (Odessa) Jackalopes.

In the NAHL, Connor stood on his head

Wanna try to score on Hellebuyck? He’ll put you to bed

Doing his best to keep pucks out of nets,

He impressed the right people with a team called the Jets.

With a great save percentage, and formidable size,

A pick in the draft became his top prize.

But he wouldn’t let his ego get too big or swell

So he headed off to college at the UMass Lowell.

Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

In the Hockey East Conference he was often the victor,

And earned an award named after Mike Richter.

Having put up high stats that were off of the maps,

He turned pro with a team called the St. John’s IceCaps.

So now Connor’s a pro, and he’s well on his way.

All-Star in his first year? Yea you know he’s okay.

Fine tuning his game where it had places to grow,

Proving to the brass that he belonged in the show.

In 2015, that’s when Connor let loose,

Starting with a team in the Peg called the Moose.

When Pavvy went down, ole Connor came up,

And began a quest with an end goal of Lord Stanley’s Cup

Connor put up great numbers in his rookie season

“He’s gonna be great,” said anybody with reason.

And despite a little setback called the sophomore struggle

Connor showed us this year he’s more magic than muggle.

Connor’s been breaking records from the days of the Thrash,

As a pending RFA, he’s about to get cash.

Is he a franchise goalie? Well it’s a pretty safe bet

He’ll be breaking way more records as a Winnipeg Jet.

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Winnipeg Jets: 41-18-10

Stat Leaders:

Goals: Patrik Laine (41)

Assists: Blake Wheeler (59)

Points: Wheeler (76)

Goalie Stat Leaders:

Wins: Connor Hellebuyck (35)

Goals Against Average: Hellebuyck (2.39)

Save Percentage: Hellebuyck (.923)

Minutes: Hellebuyck (3,364)

Special Teams: PP 24.1% (2nd), PK 82.8% (6th)

Nashville Predators: 44-14-10

Stat Leaders:

Goals: Viktor Arvidsson (25)

Assists: P.K. Subban, Roman Josi (35)

Points: Arvidsson (51)

Goalie Stat Leaders:

Wins: Pekka Rinne (37)

Goals Against Average: Rinne (2.28)

Save Percentage: Rinne (.928)

Minutes: Rinne (2,974)

Special Teams: PP 21.8% (6th), PK 82.2% (11th)

PREDICTION: PREDS 3 JETS 2

OPPONENT’S BLOG: ON THE FORECHECK