Time: 6:00 CT
TV: TSN 3
Radio: TSN 1290
Introduction:
The Winnipeg Jets open the 2019/20 season with a three game eastern road trip beginning tonight at Madison Square Garden facing the New York Rangers. The Rangers are a team that has undergone more changes than most with second overall draft pick Kaapo Kakko as well as high level free agent additions like Artemi Panarin and old pal Jacob Trouba.
The Jets roll into the Big Apple with a vastly different line up than when they closed the season last May against the eventual champion St. Louis Blues. Four new defencemen in the line up including the surprisingly good Ville Heinola, and the divisive former Ranger Neal Pionk. Notable absences include Dustin Byfuglien who may or may not watch the game tonight from an Earl’s location in Winnipeg (chose a Buff photo for the article to remind him that we miss him), and Bryan Little who is out with a concussion. The good news is Kyle Connor and a seemingly very motivated Patrik Laine both signed new deals in time for game one of the season.
I am really looking forward to this season as a fan. The expectations of the team are lower, which perhaps takes some of the pressure off. This season could go surprisingly well, or horribly wrong. Both will give us lot to talk about as fans.
Go Jets!!!!!!!!!
Random Prediction:
Ville Heinola first NHL regular season point. A primary assist.
WINNIPEG JETS
Forwards
Nikolaj Ehlers – Mark Scheifele – Blake Wheeler
Kyle Connor – Andrew Copp – Patrik Laine
Mathieu Perreault – Adam Lowry – Gabriel Bourque
Mason Appleton – Mark Letestu – Jack Roslovic
Defence
Josh Morrissey – Dmitry Kulikov
Ville Heinola – Neal Pionk
Anthony Bitetto – Tucker Poolman
Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck
Laurent Brossoit
Injuries
C Bryan Little, D Sami Niku, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended), D Nathan Beaulieu
NEW YORK RANGERS
Forwards
Artemi Panarin – Mika Zibanejad- Pavel Buchnevich
Chris Kreider – Ryan Strome – Kaapo Kakko
Vladislav Namestnikov – Brett Howden – Jesper Fast
Brendan Lemieux – Lias Andersson – Brendan Smith
Defence
Brady Skjei – Jacob Trouba
Marc Staal – Anthony DeAngelo
Libor Hajek – Adam Fox
Goalies
Henrik Lundqvist
Alexandar Georgiev
Injuries
None
