Both the Winnipeg Jets & Dallas Stars continue to pick up wins, making the race for the Central Division title even tighter as the franchises are separated by only 4 points. So when the True Northers take the ice in California tonight, they will be hoping to continue to put the pressure on the Stars by notching another victory.
Based on a quick review of Winnipeg’s schedule this season, I found a total of 5 NHL teams that the Jets haven’t been able to beat this year. Our club will definitely lose two of those head-to-head match ups, as they only play the Columbus Blue Jackets & Detroit Red Wings once and those contests already ended in losses. Tonight’s clash with Los Angeles will give the True Northers a chance to even the season series with the West Coasters, who currently hold a 2-0-0 record over the Jets. And upcoming matches against the Vegas Golden Knights (2-0-0 vs WPG) and the Anaheim Duck (2-0-0 record vs WPG) will give Winnipeg the chance to even those series as well. The Jets did lose an OT match against each of those squads, so can improve their overall records to 1-1-1 with three big wins versus those franchises.
The Jets (51-19-4) have won their last three games while limiting the opposition to 2 goals or less, as they have recently re-discovered their stellar defensive play. The franchise with the least goals against in the NHL also possesses a proficient offense (3rd best) which has been boosted by a top 5 powerplay. Winnipeg is still without the services of Gabriel Vilardi, Neal Pionk, & Rasmus Kupari and now back up goalie Eric Comrie has joined that group. As a result, management has recalled forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan & tender Chris Driedger to join the team for it’s 3 game West Coast swing.
The Kings (41-23-9) are coming off a 8-1 thumping of the San Jose Sharks, but had previously been shut down by the Toronto Maple Leafs (3-1 L) & Colorado Avalanche (4-0 L). Los Angeles is once again one of the better defensive teams in the league (2nd best), but their offense has been less impressive (20th in NHL). LA is not without injury woes of their own and that has forced them to go with a 11 forward & 7 defensemen split the past couple contests. Forwards Alex Laferriere (35 pts), Tanner Jeannot (13 pts), & Alex Turcotte (23 pts) are all questionable for tonight’s battle with the Jets.
Here is how PuckPedia is predicting the coaching staff’s to line up the players when puck drops at 9:30 Central:
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Running out of time before my work day kicks off…..so let us jump right into the Jets & Kings’ season statistics to see how they match up head-to-head, as well as reviewing ESPN’s graphic showing the potential starting goaltenders.
With Dallas nipping at their heels, it appears that Winnipeg needs to keep piling up the wins to keep a hold of the Central Division title.
Will they be able to finally find a way to beat a great defensive club like Los Angeles? Which Jets will step up in California? Predictions of the match’s outcome? Feel free to share your thoughts, hopes, & concerns in the Comment section.
Go Winnipeg!!!!!!
