Time: 7:30 PM CST
Channel: TSN3
Radio: CJOB
The Winnipeg Jets are playing another game against the Chicago Blackhawks in a world where two teams could not be further apart. One team has been steadily improving while anchored by the excellent play of their starting goalie while the other team is seemingly stuck in a weird world where even talented young players are not wanted anymore.
The Jets will be starting David Rittich tonight. While Connor Hellebuyck has played back to backs well at times, this is also load management with him to keep him fresh for the remainder of the season. While winning games in December is important, the Jets are not slumping and having a fresh Hellebuyck to close out the season could prove vital.
On the other hand, the Blackhawks are bad. They have not been good for a while now and they have yet to fully embrace a proper rebuild. From trading away good young players to not committing to moving older players for assets, the Blackhawks have embraced middling to bad results.
I do believe the Jets lineup will remain rough the same minus a swap or two due to injury. This has been the Jets MO for a while now and the results back it up. Their task tonight is to play with intensity and win. That’s it.
