Less than 24 hours a after closing out a 1-0 shootout victory over the New York Rangers, the Winnipeg Jets take the ice in a tough divisional match up. The Chicago Blackhawks remain one of the best teams in the league and early Stanley Cup favorites. The Hawks also played last night, dropping their game 3-2 to Toronto. James Riemer stole that game with 45 saves.
Thoughts
Winnipeg Jets
Steal some more. The Winnipeg Jets were thoroughly outplayed by the Rangers, but won on the back of strong goaltending. They will likely need more of the same tonight. Whoever start for the Jets is likely to be busy.
Too Pimmy. A strong penalty kill can't bail a team out every night. Rather than relying on the PK, how about a few fewer PIMs?
Top of the line up. One of the biggest differences between the NHL's good and elite teams is the top lines and top defensive pairs. The Winnipeg Jets will need to try to at least break even versus the likes of Jonathan Toews or they could be in for a long night. It is a tough task, but it is hard to win without winning that matchup.
Chicago Blackhawks
Take em deep. Chicago boast one of the deepest rosters in the NHL. They can easily roll four lines and they ask their 4th line to take on some of the most difficult defensive assignments. Despite the tough minutes, the Hawks bottom six still produces. The Jets on the other hand are getting no production from the bottom of their roster. If the Hawks bottom six can put up some points the Jets are unlikely to match.
Tire em out. The Jets ran with a shortened bench last night, so they may be a little tired. The Jets also feature a fourth line that cannot be trusted a regular shift. Pushing the pace and rolling four lines should be advantageous to the Hawks.
Player to Boo Mercilessly
Boo Kris Versteeg as hard as you can.
Prediction
Jets 5 Hawks 4 in a wide open goal fest, because why not.
