Though it was speculated days in advance, it's now official that goaltender Al Montoya will get his second consecutive start for the Winnipeg Jets as Ondrej Pavelec still isn't in game shape after suffering from the flu these past few days.
Noel: Montoya played well. A chance to “get in a groove.” Wants more time for Pavelec’s recovery.
— PATRICK WILLIAMS (@pwilliamsNHL) February 12, 2013
Furthermore, there will be some shifting of the defensive pairings tonight as Dustin Byfuglien makes his long-anticipated return from a lower-body injury tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. It is anticipated that Big Buff will spell in for Grant Clitsome, who will miss his first action of the year.
#NHLJets game day skate, looks like Clitsome healthy scratch. No Bogosian. Pairings are 33-39, 6-25, 5-4, Extra 44-24 .@680cjob
— Jim Toth (@JimTothCJOB) February 12, 2013
So it appears as though Byfuglien will be reunited with long-time partner Tobias Enstrom while Zach Redmond will be rewarded for his recent play drawing second pairing duties with Ron Hainsey. To top it off, the third pairing will feature Mark Stuart and Paul Postma.
Also, keep an eye on Anthony Peluso who is being reported as a game-time decision for tonight's contest.
