Game Day: Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim, who currently holds first place in the Pacific Division by one point over the Vegas Golden Knights, was blanked 4-0 by the St. Louis Blues on Sunday. After a scoreless first period, things collapsed pretty fast for the Ducks as they allowed three goals in the middle frame followed by an empty-net goal in the third. Ville Husso made 31 saves while Anaheim fell to 35-25-3.
For the Jets, who look to keep their playoff hopes alive, it’s about controlling the things they can control. Since returning from the Olympic break, they’ve picked up at least a point in every game so far (4-0-2) and look to collect their fourth straight win on their eight-game homestand Tuesday night.
“We gained points or gained some traction really in a quick amount of time. We’ve got to keep getting those wins, because it can go the other way,” said Dylan DeMelo following practice Monday. “It’s really bunched up. It’s tight. That’s our goal. It’s great to be able to close that gap, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
In terms of positioning and points in the standings, there are some crucial games that Winnipeg (62) hopes go in their favour Tuesday night. The San Jose Sharks (66) are facing the red-hot Buffalo Sabres, a regulation Sharks loss and a win for Winnipeg would separate the teams by two points. The Seattle Kraken (67) are also facing the Nashville Predators (64), a game you hate to see happen since both are in the wild-card race, but if you’re Winnipeg, you’d want Nashville to win in regulation so Seattle, who currently hold WC2, doesn’t gain any ground.
It’s the final meeting of the season between Winnipeg and Anaheim. Anaheim took the last two games 4-1 on Nov. 9 and 5-4 (OT) on Feb. 27. It’s the Ducks’ first visit to Canada Life Centre this season.
Connor – Scheifele – Vilardi
Perfetti – Lowry – Iafallo
Nyquist – Toews – Rosen
Koepke – Barron – Lambert
Morrissey – DeMelo
Samberg – Salomonsson
Fleury – Bryson
Hellebuyck
Comrie
Up next:
Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. CT on TSN3.