GDT: Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights

Time: 9:00 CST

TV: TSN 3

Radio: TSN 1290

Introduction:

I called for a statement game on Wednesday night and it happened. Unfortunately, the statement was made by the Colorado Avalanche, not the Jets. So, tonight, I will be specific. The Jets need to come out and play a statement game. The top players like Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Jacob Trouba, Josh Morrissey have to play like top players. They have to lead this team by example. They need to treat this with the intensity of a playoff game.

If there is a silver lining, it is that the Jets are on the road while struggling. Perhaps bonding over buffet dinners in Vegas might turn into a players only meeting where one of the leaders on the Jets gives the pat on the back/kick in the butt that everyone on this team needs to get back on track. Late surprising big news for the Jets - Nikolaj Ehlers is in! His speed and puck handling was truly missed. Not exactly sure where he will be playing but, Brendan Lemieux will be sitting out.

Vegas – we know first hand how tough they are to beat at home. They are not playing at the level they were at in last year’s playoffs, but, they are still the type of team that proves difficult for the Jets to beat – quick; tough; pesky; solid goaltending. The Jets need this one.

Random Prediction:

Big night for the third line. Adam Lowry is not happy. Andrew Copp plays well with him and Brandon Tanev. They will be disruptive.

WINNIPEG JETS

Forwards

Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Blake Wheeler

Mathieu Perreault – Bryan Little - Patrik Laine

Andrew Copp - Adam Lowry - Brandon Tanev

Nikolaj Ehlers - Jack Roslovic - Mason Appleton

Defence

Josh Morrissey - Jacob Trouba

Ben Chiarot - Sami Niku

Dmitry Kulikov - Tyler Myers

Goalies

Connor Hellebuyck

Laurent Brossoit

Injuries

D Dustin Byfuglien (ankle, day-to-day), D Joe Morrow (lower body, week-to-week)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Forwards

Jonathan Marchessault - William Karlsson - Reilly Smith

Brandon Pirri - Paul Stastny - Alex Tuch

Max Pacioretty - Cody Eakin - Oscar Lindberg

Tomas Nosek - Pierre-Edouard Bellemare - Ryan Reaves

Defence

Nate Schmidt - Deryk Engelland

Brayden McNabb - Shea Theodore

Jon Merrill - Nick Holden

Goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury

Malcolm Subban

Injuries

C Erik Haula (lower body, IR), RW Ryan Carpenter (undisclosed, day-to-day)