GDT: Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights

Time: 7:00 CT

TV: TSN 3

Radio: TSN 1290

Introduction:

With a 3 -1 home ice victory on Tuesday evening against the Buffalo Sabres, the Winnipeg Jets crept into the final Wildcard playoff spot. Alas, in a playoff race this tight, that position was short lived as both the Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks moved past the Jets into the final playoff spots based on games played on Wednesday and Thursday. The Jets are once again in familiar territory – a game that technically is not a must win game, but might as well be. Dropping two points at home in a playoff race this close may end up being the difference between a playoff spot or not on April 4.

I certainly do not expect the Jets to go 14 – 0 for the remainder of the regular season, but, it would sure help if they did. One game at a time though. I would have never expected Vegas games to generate such interest when they entered the NHL in 2017. However, thanks to being eliminated by the Golden Knights in the 2017-18 Western Conference Finals, they have become one of the Jets arch rivals. In the sick bay update, Mathieu Perreault looks like he is ready to return this evening. Adam Lowry is progressing but will not play tonight.

The Golden Knights are red hot at present – 9 – 1 in their last 10 games, and sit in first place in the Pacific Division. They are rightly considered a Stanley Cup favorite coming out of the Western Conference. The Jets will need continued Vezina level play from team MVP (I’m calling it now) Connor Hellebuyck, as well as their top five forwards to keep scoring. I like what I saw last game from the Jets, so I’m optimistic that this will be an intense, playoff type victory for the Jets.

Go Jets!!!!!!!!!

Frenemy Blog:

knightsonice.com

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 - Mathieu Perreault

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 Adam Lowry, F Bryan Little, F Mark Letestu, D Dustin Byfuglien (suspended)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS

Forwards

Jonathan Marchessault - Paul Stastny - Reilly Smith

Max Pacioretty - William Karlsson - Nicolas Roy

Chandler Stephenson - Nick Cousins - Brandon Pirri

William Carrier - Tomas Nosek - Ryan Reaves

Defence

Brayden McNabb - Nate Schmidt

Alec Martinez - Shea Theodore

Nick Holden - Zach Whitecloud

Goalies

Robin Lehner

Marc-Andre Fleury

Injuries

F Mark Stone, F Alex Tuch