Time: 6:30 pm CST
Channel: SportsNet
Radio: CJOB680/Power 97
Seems the preview is up to me today. Okay, here’s what I came up with………..
With only two games left before they get to open their Christmas gifts, the Winnipeg Jets will be hosting the Detroit Red Wings tonight at the Canada Life Centre. Coming in to tonight’s clash, the Jets’ record is 18-9-3 (39 pts) and they are sitting in the Central’s 3rd spot, just a point off division leaders Dallas & Colorado. Winnipeg is 14th in the NHL for goals scored and an impressive 3rd place in least amount of goals against.
The Red Wings’ 15-12-4 record (34 pts) is good enough for 5th in the Atlantic Division and the franchise currently sits just outside of a wildcard spot. Detroit is a high-scoring team (5th in NHL in goals scored), but are middle of the pack defensively (17th most goals against). The fans in attendance on Wednesday will get to see some familiar faces, as defenseman Chiarot and forward Copp make their returns to Manitoba.
Both teams are dealing with injuries, as Winnipeg will be missing players like Connor, Kupari, & Heinola, while Detroit will be without goaltenders Husso & Lyon, as well as forward Kostin. The Jets did get a bit of good news with Kupari shedding the non-contact jersey in practice and Bowness saying that they expect him back after the holidays.
Here’s how the two teams match up:
GOALS FOR/GAME: Detroit – 3.55 / Winnipeg – 3.30
GOALS AGAINST/GAME: Detroit – 3.19 / Winnipeg – 2.60
SHOTS FOR/GAME: Detroit – 30.2 / Winnipeg – 30.7
SHOTS AGAINST/GAME: Detroit – 31.4 / Winnipeg – 28.9
POWERPLAY: Detroit – 22.1% / Winnipeg – 16.7%
PENALTY KILLING: Detroit – 78.4% / Winnipeg – 73.9%
The Winnipeg Jets have allowed 3 goals or less in their last 13 contests while the Detroit Red Wings have only scored 4 goals in their last 3 games (all losses). So that would suggest this should be a very winnable game for the home team, but they will need to stay out of the penalty box to avoid the Wings’ top 15 powerplay.
Unless a surprise illness or injury pops up, I expect the only change might occur in net, as it was circulated that Brossoit was expected to play one of the next two games. Not sure you want him to go against a very good Boston Bruins team, so Winnipeg may give Hellebuyck a rest tonight.
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