Time: 6:00 pm CST
Channel: TSN
Radio: CJOB680/Power 97
Looks like I’m going to have a lot of work to do in March with so many games for the Jets this month (16 games in 29 days). That’s quite a few Previews & Recaps to do, so my apologies if some of my articles show up later than they should at times (like today’s).
After the Winnipeg Jets had one of the more impressive comeback victories in team history yesterday against the Hurricanes, the squad is back at it on Sunday evening. The Jets erased a three goal deficit in the 3rd period by scoring 5 straight, allowing them to go 1-1 on the road trip and giving them the chance to finish with a positive record today in Buffalo. With the win, Winnipeg holds onto the 6th best record in the NHL as they continue to battle the Stars and Avalanche for the Central Division’s top spot.
The Buffalo Sabres just lit up the Golden Knights last night, dropping one of the better teams in the NHL by a 7-2 score, and have been playing well lately. The team from upper New York has picked up wins in 6 of their past 8 games as they try to claw their way back into the wildcard race. At this point of the season, Buffalo has their work cut out for them to make the post-season as they are tied for the 10th worst record in the league. Coming into today’s battle, the Sabres are 10 pts back of a wildcard spot (with 2 games in hand), so they will have to get extremely hot to pass the 5 or 6 teams needed to grab a place in the Show.
News from Winnipeg’s coaching staff indicates that Gabriel Vilardi has returned to Manitoba for further evaluation of his upper body injury, so the talented winger will be missing at least one more game. I haven’t found any information about the potential returns of Brenden Dillon or Cole Perfetti to the Jets’ lineup, so we will have to wait until closer to the game to see who suits up. Some players on today’s visiting team have been playing very well lately, such as Josh Morrissey (14 pts in past 8 games), Sean Monahan (7 goals & an assist in past 8), Mark Scheifele (6 pts in past 4), Nikolaj Ehlers (7 pts in past 6), and Kyle Connor (6 goals in last 6 games & 12 pts in past 8). Winnipeg’s backup Laurent Brossoit will be in the net against the Sabres, putting his 9-4-2 record on the line (2.26 GAA/.922%). Here are the Jets’ top scorers (courtesy of ESPN):
According to ESPN’s game page, the Buffalo Sabres aren’t dealing with any key injuries coming into today’s game. Entering Sunday’s action, star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (46 pts) and potential trade deadline target Casey Mittelstadt (47 pts) are leading the New Yorkers’ in scoring, while goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has given Buffalo above average tending (19-15-6/2.44 GAA/.914%). I am not sure if the Jets will see UPL tonight, since he played last night versus Vegas, so tending duties may fall on former Winnipeg draft pick Eric Comrie (1-6-0/3.87 GAA/.868%). Of course, the Sabres have other weapons as well: Alex Tuch (40 pts), Jeff Skinner (39 pts), Dylan Cozens (38 pts), JJ Peterka (37 pts), Tage Thompson (35 pts), and young Owen Power (23 pts).
The Buffalo Sabres have a team goal differential of -1 entering Sunday’s match, while the Winnipeg Jets are a +40 in 2023-24. The home team today has a 14-16-1 record at the KeyBank Center, whereas the visitors are 17-9-3 on the road.
If you want to see things from Buffalo’s perspective, check out the Game Preview at Die By The Blade:
Two franchises in the second game of back-to-back situations, so we’ll see what impact that has on today’s melee. I believe Winnipeg is undefeated in such circumstances this season, so let’s hope that continues today. Enjoy your Sunday and join us to chat about the game after your supper.
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