Our hometown club has played three games since the 4 Nations break concluded and while the Winnipeg Jets aren’t playing their best hockey, they have added to the 8 game winning streak they had going. At least the True Northers latest victory didn’t require a last minute tying goal & extra time for the Jets to pull out a win. In case you missed it, Winnipeg capitalized on a couple 1st period mistakes by the Ottawa Senators to skate to a 4-1 victory last night, extending their franchise-record streak to 11 games. Just six shy of matching the National Hockey League’s record of 17 set by the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins.
With a win tonight over the Nashville Predators, the Winnipeg Jets could go undefeated for the entire month of February. I guess this version of the team is saying “no” to the usual winter slump.
Winnipeg (42-14-3) has used the recent hot streak to keep hold of the #1 spot in the NHL, currently 3 points above the Washington Capitals, and to extend their lead in the Central Division (11 pts up on the Dallas Stars). A road record of 19-9-0 this season puts the Jets as one of the league’s best teams away from their home arena.
Nashville (20-30-7) were the clear winners of the off-season according to the media, but things haven’t unfolded as well as expected as the Predators find themselves holding the NHL’s 3rd worst record at this point of the season. Despite the advanced stats saying the Preds are playing fairly well in recent matches, subpar goaltending and terrible shooting percentages have led to a 2-8-0 record over the past 10 games. The hockey club from Music City hasn’t had much success in Bridgestone Arena this year with their 6-18-4 record tying them with the Chicago Blackhawks for the NHL’s worst.
As expected for franchises separated by 29 spots in the standings, there are also huge differences in the goals scored & allowed categories. Winnipeg has netted 65 more goals this season, while Nashville has allowed 50 more than the Jets have. The Jets & Predators have played twice so far this season, splitting the series with home wins, and tonight’s winner will earn the head-to-head bragging rights for 2024-25.
Still way too early to be sure of the lineups for tonight, but here is what PuckPedia is predicting:
Now those lines aren’t set in stone by any means, as the Winnipeg Jets could get bottom sixer Morgan Barron back tonight and the Nashville Predators have a bunch of injured players, including star defender Roman Josi, who may or may not be ready to return.
I fully expect back up goaltender Eric Comrie to get the start since Connor Hellebuyck was his typical stellar self in last night’s win over the Senators. Comrie has won his last 3 starts, all during this current hot streak, and Winnipeg finally seems to be providing him with enough goal support. Here is hoping that trend continues this evening.
Okay, time for Arctic Ice Hockey’s Match Up graphic comparing the Jets & Preds’ season stats and ESPN’s look at the goalies:
I am running out of time before my actual work day gets started, so better wrap this up quickly. Will the Jets be able to extend their streak to 12 against their division rivals? Can Winnipeg play their first complete game since the 4 Nations break? Who will stand out tonight for the True Northers?
Lets hear your thoughts, predictions, or whatever in the Comment section below. Have a great day.
Go Winnipeg!!!!!!
