Time: 7:30 pm CST
Channel: TSN
Radio: CJOB680/Power 97
The Winnipeg Jets are back in action on Friday evening after a few days off, as the team is off to face the Chicago Blackhawks tonight in Illinois.
After going through a 5 game losing streak, the Jets have rediscovered the ability to win games mainly due to a sudden surge in scoring by their powerplay (4-1 in past 5 games). Despite the recent victories, Winnipeg hasn’t been playing great at even strength so tonight’s contest will give them another chance to create chemistry on their forward units. However, coach Rick Bowness may not have all his players available tonight, as Nicholaj Ehlers missed yesterday’s practice and is considered day-to-day with a nagging injury. From the sounds of it, the speedy Dane is expected to suit up versus the Hawks, but it will really depend on how he feels today. Winnipeg’s morning skate is at 11:30 am, so we may see if Logan Stanley will remain in the lineup or whether we should expect to see the return of Nate Schmidt.
The Jets’ top line have played a big part in the team’s recent wins, with the trio adding a combined 19 points in their past 3 contests: Mark Scheifele (4 pts), Kyle Connor (7 pts), and Gabriel Vilardi (8 pts). With shooting percentages between 17.4% and 14.1%, that line has only been bested by fellow forward Sean Monahan. The newly acquired center has an unsustainable 27.8% shooting since coming over from Montreal, after scoring at a more normal pace with the Habs (12.5%).
The Chicago Blackhawks have had difficulties winning matches lately (1-4 in past 5 games), but that is hardly a new trend for the NHL’s worst team (33 pts). The Hawks did get rookie phenom Connor Bedard back and he has been a large part of their offense since his return (6 pts on CHI’s 8 goals over the past 3 games). Chi-town has been getting fairly good goaltending from starter Petr Mrazek (2.99 GAA/.909%), but the backup position has been less effective with Arvid Soderblom (3.97 GAA/.877%).
Tonight’s game will mark the 4th and final contest of the regular season between the two franchises (3-1 WPG, 2-1 OT CHI, & 2-1 WPG), so let’s see what the data says.
How do you think tonight’s clash will go? Will Winnipeg extend their winning streak to four games or will Bedard ruin our Friday night? Can the Jets score another PP goal vs the Hawks? Enjoy your day and we’ll see you back here when the puck drops.
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