Preview and GDT: Winnipeg Jets vs Buffalo Sabres

Time: 7:00 CT

TV: TSN 3

Radio: TSN 1290

Introduction:

The Winnipeg Jets have 15 games remaining in the regular season to try to claim a wildcard playoff spot. There are basically six teams fighting for two wildcard spots in the Western Conference, including the Nashville Predators who fortunately for the Jets were thrashed last night by the Edmonton Oilers.

In a narrative that has repeated itself all season, the Jets are banged up. Patrik Laine will test out his bruised left foot during a morning skate and may be back in the line up tonight. The good news is that Josh Morrissey returns tonight and will be paired up with Dylan DeMelo, giving the Jets their best top pairing of the season. Mathieu Perreault and Adam Lowry are back practicing in non contact jerseys. Luca Sbisa and Sami Niku will not be returning any time soon.

The Jets played well last Saturday night in a close loss to a very hot Edmonton team. However, the Jets are 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, and moral victories mean nothing at this point in terms of making the playoffs. Buffalo will not make the playoffs this year, and are 5 – 5 in their last 10 games. The Vegas Golden Knights are in Winnipeg Friday night, and the Jets remaining games are against some of the teams they are battling for that last playoff spot. Essentially, tonight’s home game against the Buffalo Sabres is a must win game.

Go Jets!!!!!!!!!

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WINNIPEG JETS

Forwards

Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Blake Wheeler

Jansen Harkin - Andrew Copp – Jack Roslovic

Nikolaj Ehlers - Cody Eakin - Mason Appleton

Gabriel Bourque - Nick Shore - Logan Shaw

Defence

Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo

Dmitry Kulikov - Neal Pionk

Nathan Beaulieu - Tucker Poolman

Goalies

Connor Hellebuyck

Laurent Brossoit

Injuries

D Carl Dahlstrom, D Luca Sbisa, D Sami Niku, F Patrik Laine, F Mathieu Perreault, F Adam Lowry, F Bryan Little, F Mark Letestu, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended)

BUFFALO SABRES

Forwards

Victor Olofsson - Jack Eichel - Sam Reinhart

Jimmy Vesey - Marcus Johansson - Dominik Kahun

Jeff Skinner - Curtis Lazar - Wayne Simmonds

Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larsson - Kyle Okposo

Defence

Rasmus Dahlin - Colin Miller

Brandon Montour - Rasmus Ristolainen

Jake McCabe - Henri Jokiharju

Goalies

Jonas Johansson

Carter Hutton

Injuries

G Linus Ullmark, F Tage Thompson, F Vladimir Sobotka