Too busy today to complete a full Winnipeg Jets’ preview for tonight’s game, so here is an abbreviated version…
NSH Predators @ WPG Jets
Start Time: 7 pm Central – Canada Life Centre
Winnipeg (28-28-10) is in 27th place in the NHL with 66 points on the season, scoring 188 Goals For (26th) and allowing 202 Goals Against (11th). Mark Scheifele leads the Jets with 31 goals, 51 assists, and 82 points. Kyle Connor is tied for the goal scoring lead as well.
Nashville (29-28-9) is in 26th place in the NHL with 67 points on the season, scoring 195 Goals For (22nd) and allowing 225 Goals Against (27th). Ryan O’Reilly leads the Predators with 39 assists & 61 points, while Steven Stamkos has the most goals scored (31).
Here is how the two clubs’ year-to-date stats compare when you look at the head-to-head data, via ESPN‘s team & goaltender comparison numbers:
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The Preds are actually a decent team at 5 on 5, holding a 50.12% Expected Goals rate for the season (16th in NHL). That is compared to the True Northers’ 47.47% Expected Goals rate (25th).
However, the teams’ fortunes have reversed in the past 20 games, with Winnipeg’s 50.17% xG’s (15th in NHL) ahead of Nashville’s 49.18% xG’s (20th in NHL). The Preds have been particularly poor over their last 10 contests, with a 43.76% xG’s rating giving them the 5th worst number in that span.
Based on the morning skates today, here are the line up projections for both clubs via PuckPedia based on the most recent games:
WINNIPEG JETS LINE UP
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NASHVILLE PREDATORS LINE UP
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The only possible change that I can see coming for Winnipeg might be the return of defenseman Neal Pionk from injury. He was spotted wearing a non-contact jersey today and did participate is some of the line rushes during practice. So it is possible the Jets’ number of games lost to injury for their top 4 defenders might stay at 47 for the season. Have a good day everyone!!
Go Winnipeg Jets!!!!!
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POST-GAME INFO
Scoring Summary: (courtesy of ESPN)
FINAL SCORE:
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Game Stats: (courtesy of MoneyPuck)
Expected Goals (all):
Expected Goals (5on5):
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