Introduction:
The Winnipeg Jets were the most active team in terms of making deals at the trade deadline. The first game following the trade deadline ended in a surprising home loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. Brand new Jets Kevin Hayes and Nathan Beaulieu made their debuts. Hayes looks as advertised – strong 5 on 5 player and deft passer. Beaulieu was thrust into the spotlight replacing the Jets best defenseman Josh Morrissey, partnered with Jacob Trouba. Those are large skates to fill, and he looked understandably rusty, but overall showed some promise. It looks like the Jets coaching staff is going to give him an opportunity to play. The Jets have lost two in a row and have only won three times in their last ten games. The scorching hot St. Louis Blues are now only four points behind the Jets in the standings.
Nashville was also busy at the trade deadline acquiring Wayne Simmonds and Mikael Granlund. Nashville was shut out by the Blues on Tuesday night and has also been struggling as of late. Nashville continues to lead the Central Division, but also is looking over their shoulders at the Blues. Expect a playoff style atmosphere and game at Bell MTS Centre.
Frenemy Blog:
| Winnipeg Jets | Nashville Predators |
|---|---|
| Record: 37 22 4 | Record: 37 24 5 |
| Last Ten Games: 3 6 1 | Last Ten Games: 4 5 1 |
| Who Is Hot: Patrik Laine has been woken from his hibernation by playing on the top line. | Who Is Hot: Roman Josi is quietly having what looks like will turn into a career season for points. |
| Who is Not: Tough to pick on the defense given the injuries. However, the team defense overall has to be better. | Who Is Not: Kyle Turris currently has 20 points in 41 games. |
| Keep an Eye On: The new Jets. Kevin Hayes, Nathan Bealieu and possibly Bogdan Kiselevich. | Keep an Eye On: Wayne Simmonds. I was really hoping that he would not be traded to a Central Division team. When he is healthy, he is a tough player to play against. |
