Time: 7:00 PM CDT
Channel: TSN3
Radio: TSN1290
It is finally the Winnipeg Jets home opener. After spending their first four games on the road, the Jets get to open their home schedule against their divisional rivals, the Minnesota Wild. The Wild have only played two games this season, scoring four goals and allowing nine. They lost both their games.
The Jets won their last game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a rag-tag defence that somehow managed to hold together. They should have Josh Morrissey back for this game and possibly Dmitry Kulikov as well. One player they will not have back is Dustin Byfuglien who is still away from the team contemplating his future with the game.
The Jets have been productive up front and one player who might have surprised in that area is Patrik Laine. Laine looks like a completely different player from last season. He is fully engaged on defence and has started passing more which will open up opportunities for him to score more goals in the future. He is also on the top line now which was all he ever wanted.
Finally, Connor Hellebuyck looked better against the Penguins. While one game can be a blip in the radar, it is nice to see him look like the goalie he could be instead of one who was struggling.
Prediction:
The Minnesota Wild bore us all to sleep.
