Time: 7:00 CT
TV: TSN 3
Radio: TSN 1290
Introduction:
The Winnipeg Jets currently sit one point out of a playoff spot in the Western conference behind the Edmonton Oilers, and have a record of 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. Home has been anything but sweet for the Jets this season as they are struggling to use Bell MTS Place to their advantage, with a home record of 10-10-2. Tucker Poolman is out for at least the next couple of games, and Bryan Little is back practicing, but not close to returning to game action at this time. The Jets kept things close in the last two games, losing both by one goal margins, on the road in Boston, and at home to Nashville.
It looks like Andrew Copp has been promoted to the second line in place of Jack Roslovic. I like Roslovic, but, I’m interested to see how Copp fits with Nikolaj Ehlers and Blake Wheeler. They could be a very challenging line for opposing teams to play against – speed, grit, defensive acumen – I like it! Number one fan favourite, and Jets representative on the NHL’s all-flow hairstyle team, Sami Niku, remains in the line up teamed with Anthony Bitetto. According to Paul Maurice Luca Sbisa was a “healthy” scratch last game, and it looks like he’s going to sit again tonight. I’m not sure how Bitetto has risen above him on the depth chart, but, I’m not the coach.
The Vancouver Canucks are currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL with a record of 8-2 in their last 10 games. Bo Horvat and Elias Pettersson have been creating offense of late, and Jacob Markstrom has been solid in goal for the Canucks. The Jets have beaten the Canucks the last nine times they have met. Hopefully history will repeat and the Jets come out with a well needed victory.
Go Jets!!!!!!!!!
Frenemy Blog:
WINNIPEG JETS
Forwards
Forwards
Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Patrik Laine
Andrew Copp – Blake Wheeler – Nikolaj Ehlers
Mathieu Perreault – Adam Lowry – Jack Roslovic
Jansen Harkins – Nick Shore – Mason Appleton
Defence
Josh Morrissey – Neal Pionk
Luca Sbisa – Dmitry Kulikov
Anthony Bitetto – Sami Niku
Goalies
Connor Hellebuyck
Laurent Brossoit
Injuries
F Bryan Little, D Nathan Beaulieu, D Tucker Poolman, F Mark Letestu, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended)
VANCOUVER CANUCKS
Forwards
J.T. Miller – Elias Pettersson – Jake Virtanen
Tanner Pearson – Bo Horvat – Loui Eriksson
Antoine Roussel – Adam Gaudette – Brock Boeser
Tim Schaller – Jay Beagle – Tyler Motte
Defence
Alex Edler – Troy Stecher
Quinn Hughes – Chris Tanev
Oscar Fantenberg – Tyler Myers
Goalies
Jacob Markstrom
Thatcher Demko
Injuries
F Micheal Ferland, F Tyler Graovac, F Josh Leivo, F Brandon Sutter