Introduction:
The Winnipeg Jets are coming off of victory over the Colorado Avalanche by a very 1980’s NHL type score of 7 – 4. It was an odd game as Connor Hellebuyck looked sharp at times early in the game, and then, not so much later in the game. The Jets had opportunities to put the game away a number of times, but, allowed an inferior opponent to claw back into the game. A victory is a victory at this point in the season, and the Jets look to keep that going against the Minnesota Wild.
The Wild are our closest geographical rival and always seem up for games against their Central Division neighbour. The Wild were shut out 4 – 0 in Boston on Tuesday night. The last time these two teams met in St. Paul the Wild channelled their inner Charlestown Chiefs beating the Jets by playing “old time hockey”. The Wild also came into the Bell MTS Centre December 29 and beat the Jets handily. Hopefully the Jets can give the fans that travelled down for some hockey and Mall of America action something to cheer about.
Frenemy Blog:
| Winnipeg Jets | Minnesota Wild |
|---|---|
| Record: 27 13 2 | Record: 21 18 3 |
| Last Ten Games: 6 4 | Last Ten Games: 4 5 1 |
| Who Is Hot: Blake Wheeler is second in the NHL in assists. | Who Is Hot: Zach Parise may have an excessive contract, but he is having a very good season. |
| Who is Not: Patrick Laine. Three goals in his last 18 games. | Who Is Not: Nino Niederreiter has still not taken the offensive leap that Wild fans have been hoping for. |
| Keep an Eye On: The Jets third and fourth lines. This is the type of game where we will need them to play physical and contribute. | Keep an Eye On: The Wild playing a very physical game especially with Dustin Byfuglien out of the line up. |
