Time: 6:30 PM CST
Channel: Sportsnet
Radio: TSN1290
The Winnipeg Jets are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs again this game and if they play as well as they did last game, it will all come down to the goaltending. Last time the Jets played the Leafs, Connor Hellebuyck was porous and it lost the Jets the game. If he can be better, the Jets have a chance at winning the game.
Patrik Laine was excellent the last time these two teams played. Beyond scoring, he was taking lots of good shots and was a threat whenever he was on the ice. Along with his linemates Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, he will once again need to step in a big way against the Leafs. It seems like this is the type of game Laine loves, so this should go well.
The Jets will also probably have Sami Niku in the lineup again. While Niku is not polished defensively, he is a capable puck-mover. Against the Leafs in Toronto, Paul Maurice is probably going to watch Niku’s match-up closely and make sure he is not on the ice against the Tavares or Matthews lines too much. If this matching starts taking over the game, the Jets should just drop it.
Prediction
Same as last time. Be on your game, Jets.
