Time: 3:00 pm CST
Channel: TSN & Sportsnet
Radio: CJOB680/Power 97
After finding a way to outscore the league leading Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night, our Winnipeg Jets headed east for a stop in the province of Alberta to battle the Calgary Flames on a holiday Monday. At this point of the season, the two franchises are heading in opposite directions as the Jets are on a 3 game winning streak, while the Flames have dropped 3 straight contests.
The True North franchise finally found offense from their powerplay and top line on the weekend, as they accounted for all the goals in the win over the cream of the Pacific Division. Our squad also needed to heavily depend on Connor Hellebuyck to pull out those two points on the west coast, but at this point the starter for tonight is unknown. Winnipeg will be playing the first game of a back-to-back situation this afternoon, so Rick Bowness and the coaching staff will have to decide when to put Laurent Brossoit in between the pipes. The only other real question will be the status of Morgan Barron, who had to leave the previous game with an illness. Will ForgetTeemu’s favourite player (Rasmus Kupari) get back in the lineup??
After being severely tested by Vancouver on Saturday, the Jets’ defense might have a lighter load this afternoon as Calgary has scored only 3 goals in their past 3 matches (shutout twice). Winnipeg’s offense also has a good chance to keep netting pucks, as the Flames have allowed over 4 goals per game during that stretch as well. Hopefully the forward units can continue to build chemistry, as the team is not firing on all cylinders (or should I say lines?). Over the past couple games, the Jets’ bottom six have done their jobs in winning the expected goals battles but Winnipeg has been getting less success from their top six. Kyle Connor’s play since returning from his knee injury has been less than stellar, so hopefully picking up a couple of nice assists versus the Nucks will inspire him to reach new heights. Winnipeg’s 2nd line definitely struggled with the physical play on Saturday (30% of xG), with both Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers disappearing to a certain extent, but at least Sean Monahan gained some confidence with a PP marker.
The Calgary Flames will be looking to get back to winning ways this afternoon after their most recent skid. The franchise’s streakiness must be frustrating for their fans, as they have enjoyed two 4 game winning streaks, but have also had to endure a stretch with 4 straight losses and their current 3 game drought since the calendar flipped to January. It must be tough on the players with all the trade rumours swirling around them, but at least they seemed to get some clarity on the status of defenseman Noah Hanifin (30 pts in 55 gms/+10). With the recent news that he won’t sign an extension with the Flames, it’s just a matter of time before he gets shipped out of Alberta. It also looks like veteran d-man Chris Tanev (12 pts in 52 gms/+10) will also be moved to a playoff contender, but will the tear down continue to include their star goaltender, Jacob Markstrom (2.59 GAA/.913%)? The Flames leading scorers include Nazim Kadri (45 pts), Blake Coleman (43 pts), and Yegor Sharangovich (36 pts).
It will probably be important for Winnipeg to pick up a win over the Flames today since they have another clash against Minnesota on Tuesday in Manitoba (the Wild will also be on a back-to-back). Let’s hope that 4 goal outbreak by the Jets wasn’t a fluke and they can continue to light red lamps in Calgary.
Have any predictions/hopes for today’s contest? Let’s hear your Jets’ goal scorers or final score hunches in the comments section. Have a great day & go Jets!!!
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