Today’s contest will give the True North ownership group the opportunity to celebrate the retirement of Bryan Little in front of the faithful Winnipeg Jets crowd. The long-time Atlanta Thrasher-Winnipeg Jet will wrap up his 16 year NHL career with a pre-game ceremony this afternoon, though an unfortunate injury led to Little only suiting up for 13 campaigns in the big league. The 12th overall selection of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft had a solid career as he amassed 217 goals & 304 assists for 521 points in a Thrashers/Jets uniform, so I will happy to cheer him on as he enters the next step in his life. Thanks for the memories, Bryan!!
Once the pre-game celebrations are out of the way, the Canada Life Centre will host the hometown Jets as they take on the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins. Winnipeg has started the 2024-25 campaign off strong with 4 straight victories and a +13 goal differential, while Pittsburgh has split their six early games (3-3-0) and a -4 goal differential.
The True North franchise has been getting balanced scoring in the early part of the season, with the Jets currently having 10 skaters averaging at least 0.75 pts per game (graphic courtesy of ESPN). Currently Mark Scheifele is leading the way, but Nikolaj Ehlers, Neal Pionk, & Josh Morrissey are right behind.
I am assuming that head coach Scott Arniel won’t be messing with the starting lineup until Winnipeg drops a contest, so it is not shocking that the Jets will look the same this Sunday afternoon. Here is how PuckPedia has the Jets’ looking against the Pens:
The Pittsburgh Penguins were suggested to be a “bubble” team when it comes to the playoffs this season and early signs are that prediction is likely going to be correct. Despite having stars like Sidney Crosby (6 pts) & Evgeni Malkin (11 pts), the Pens have beaten 3 of last year’s non-playoff teams (DET, MTL, BUF) but have lost when facing 2023-24’s better squads (NYR, TOR, CAR).
Former Winnipeg prospect Rutger McGroarty won’t be in the lineup for the Penguins on Sunday, as the prospect has been sent down to the AHL. Through two AHL contests with Wilkes-Barre, the young forward has picked up a slashing penalty and a -1 rating, but hasn’t managed a shot on net or any points yet.
Here is how Pittsburgh will likely deploy their players tonight (via PuckPedia):
Now that we’ve seen the lineups, let’s compare how the two franchises match up head-to-head:
Now that you have all the data….how do you see today’s game playing out?? Will the Winnipeg Jets extend their unbeaten streak to 5 or did they use up all their offense against the San Jose Sharks?
Before I sign off for the time being, I thought I would include a little update on the Jets’ prospects not playing in the NHL currently. The table below outlines the production of all players Winnipeg currently has the contract rights to:
Well, that is all I can come up with at this point, since my stomach is growling for some breakfast and I probably should start raking the leaves before it gets too cold in the Peg. Enjoy your Sunday!!!
