The Winnipeg Jets were able to even up their series with the Dallas Stars on Friday when the hockey club played their most impressive outing of the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck picked up his 4th career post-season shutout and Bucky will need to keep up a high level of play if the True Northers want to steal a game or two from the Stars at the American Airlines Center. Another key player for the Jets was speedy Nikolaj Ehlers, who exploded with a 3 point outing while showing that he is fully recovered from his late season injury.
Dallas has been very good in their home barn in the playoffs with a 3-1 record and will enter action on Sunday on a three game winning streak at the AAC. Winnipeg, on the other hand, will be searching for their first road victory of the post-season after dropping all three contests in St. Louis in Round 1.
Since today’s match will kick off shortly after 3:30 pm Central today, the two franchises likely won’t have much of a pre-game practice so we might have to wait for the puck drop to confirm whether the lineups are as PuckPedia is predicting below. Word on the street is saying that Dallas’ star defenseman Miro Heiskanen is still not ready to return for Game 3, so it is very possible the two squads go with the same rosters.
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The Winnipeg Jets had their best game of the post-season after getting back their full compliment of skaters from injuries and will be hoping they can continue that style of play in Games 3 & 4 in Texas. Slowly the True Northers’ playoff statistics are improving as they hold the advantage in many of the categories in the Playoff Match Up graphic below. Of course there are still areas to work on, as the Dallas Stars continue to have an edge in save percentage, face-off wins, and special team play.
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The other 3 playoff series are sitting with 2-1 records and after today, one of Winnipeg or Dallas will hold that same advantage. Will the True Northers finally pick up a win on the road in the playoffs? Can the Jets contain sniper Mikko Rantanen for a second straight game? Which Winnipeg players will put up key performances in Game 3?
As always, would love to hear your thoughts, predictions, & fears about the upcoming match in the Comment section below. Enjoy the lovely weather in Manitoba (and hopefully where ever you are reading this as well).
Go Winnipeg!!!!!!!!!!!
***11 exclamation marks for the 11 wins the Jets need to lift the Cup.***
