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Preview: Anaheim Ducks @ Winnipeg Jets

Dec 18, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Winnipeg Jets celebrate the goal scored by center Mark Scheifele (55) against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Winnipeg Jets’ third longest winning streak on the season was brought to an end on New Year’s Eve when our squad dropped a 5-2 decision to the Colorado Avalanche. So the team will be looking to restart the winning ways as they prepare to kick off an eight game home stand. As a result, the Canada Life Centre will be frequently hosting the Jets to open up 2025, with things getting underway tonight at 7 pm Central against the Anaheim Ducks.

Winnipeg (27-11-1) remains with the most points in the National Hockey League at this point in time, while Anaheim (15-17-4) is tied for the 6th lowest ranking in the league. The Jets are coming in on a one game losing streak and the Ducks have knocked off two quality opponents in their last 2 contests (EDM/NJ). Offensively, it is our squad that has the huge advantage (51 more goals scored) over Anaheim, with the teams sitting at opposite ends of the spectrum (1st & 32nd in the NHL). Things are tighter on the defensive side of things, with Winnipeg’s 96 GA giving them the league’s 3rd lowest total and Anaheim’s 111 slotting them into a tie for 13th.

Since the Jets won’t take their pre-game skate until 10:30 am, there are no hints if there will be any line changes from Scott Arniel & the coaching staff. On the injury front, it appears that Dylan Samberg is nearing a return but I haven’t gotten the sense that this will occur tonight so far. Another defender, Haydn Fleury, and forward Mason Appleton will be on the sidelines longer. Possibly the biggest thing to keep an eye on is the status of Dylan DeMelo, who left the last game with an apparent injury and we will have to wait to see if that keeps him out of the lineup.

The Ducks are fairly healthy at this point, with the only regular starter missing being forward Brock McGinn. Here is what PuckPedia is predicting the starting rosters to look like at this point:

Today’s Jets-Ducks contest represents the second meeting between the two Western Conference franchises, with Anaheim earning a 3-2 victory in the first clash on Dec 18th. It will also mark the return of a couple former Winnipeg Jets, with Jacob Trouba & Jansen Harkins returning to their 1st NHL city. The final game between the teams will occur on April 16th, which will also be their last game of the regular season too.

Here are the two franchises’ top offensive performers in 2024-25….

Winnipeg Jets: 

Kyle Connor (51 pts), Mark Scheifele (44), Gabriel Vilardi (35), Josh Morrissey (34), Nikolaj Ehlers (32), Neal Pionk (26), Cole Perfetti (23), Adam Lowry (21), & Nino Niederreiter (20).

Anaheim Ducks:

Troy Terry (28 pts), Ryan Strome (19), & Frank Vatrano (19).

Well, I am back to work today after an enjoyable break, so I should be getting to that. I will leave it to you all to review the stats and make your predictions in the comment section below.

Connor Hellebuyck will likely get the chance to pick up his 300th career win against the Ducks. Here is hoping the Jets can start the New Year off with a bang!!

Go Winnipeg!!!!!

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