Time: 7:00 CT
TV: TSN 3
Radio: TSN 1290
Introduction:
Ten games into the season the Winnipeg Jets are a .500 team with five wins, five losses. Viewed in isolation, that’s a pretty pedestrian record. Given the player personnel challenges the Jets have faced this season, I’d say it’s pretty impressive.
Their last game was a home overtime win on Sunday night against the hottest team in the league, the Edmonton Oilers. I was at the previous home loss against the New York Islanders and left thinking that the Oilers potent forwards might put up double digits against the Jets. Fortunately, I was wrong. Connor Hellebuyck recorded his first shut out of the season, and the Jets patchwork defense withstood the storm. Overall team defense, solid goaltending (for the most part) and the Jets forwards creating chances in the offensive zone seems to be the formula the Jets have to follow.
The LA Kings struggle keeping teams off the scoreboard, as they are tied for the worst goals against average in the NHL. The Kings currently sit at the bottom of the Pacific division at 3 – 5, but are coming off of a win against arch rival, Calgary Flames. Even at this early stage of the season rumors are flying about the Kings trying to off load some contracts like Jonathan Quick and Ilya Kovalchuk. Drew Doughty is still their leader on the ice and in terms of inciting Hatfield/McCoy type feuds with the Tkatchuk clan, specifically Matthew Tkachuk. Side note, when did throwing a perfectly executed hip check become grounds to start a near bench clearing brawl? Watch some old clips of Denis Potvin, Brad Park or Lars Erik Sjoberg Calgary Flames players. That was called hockey back then.
There is very little room for error with this year’s Jets team so they really need to take care of business at home against a team lower in the standings. Go Jets!
Frenemy Blog:
Random Prediction:
Bryan Little … he scoooorrreeessss!
Final note: We at AIH wish Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk a full, quick recovery, and wish the best for him and his family through this difficult time. Best. Jet. Ever. Love number 10.
