The Jets are closing out what has been a disastrous road trip this evening in Montreal, having lost the first three games of this four-game swing and, oh yeah, the six games that preceded it as well. Nine straight losses and no signs of things turning around. There is no joy in Joyland right now.
The problems aren’t exactly difficult to identify. The Jets have been outscored 37-16 during this nine-game slide, struggling to generate offence while giving up goals at an alarming rate. Their power play has gone ice cold, failing to provide a much-needed spark, while an ineffective penalty kill continues to compound their problems. When you’re getting outscored at five-on-five and losing the special teams battle, it’s awfully difficult to find a way to win hockey games.
Meanwhile, things couldn’t be going much better for their opponent. The Canadiens have won five straight games, are the NHL’s best team when it comes to protecting a lead and have welcomed top centre Nick Suzuki back into the lineup. About the only silver lining for Winnipeg is that Montreal somehow owns the league’s worst power play, although their penalty kill has been considerably better, sitting 11th overall. Whether the Jets can take advantage of those struggles with the man advantage is another question entirely.
Skate news:
As per Mitchell Clinton, defenceman Josh Morrissey remains in yellow, non-contact this morning. He also indicated that Dawson Mercer is a participant after taking practice off on Monday although he said it’s an optional so we’ll have to wait and see what coach says.
Jets projected lines & D pairs:
Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
Perfetti-Lowry-Iafallo
Niederreiter-Barron-Bjorck
Koepke-Lambert-Rosen
Samberg-Pionk
Ferraro-Salomonsson
Fleury-DeMelo
Skinner
Canadiens projected lines & D pairs:
Caufield – Suzuki – Slafkovsky
Kreider – Evans – Anderson
Bolduc – Danault – Texier
F. Xhekaj – Newhook – Kapanen / Beck
Hutson – Dobson
Guhle – Carrier
A. Xhekaj – Engström
Fowler
As per the Habs practice report they only had the lines from yesterday. The Canadiens confirmed this morning it will be Fowler in net.
Players media availability:
To follow.
Coach media availability:
To follow.
Odds:
The Jets wrap up their four-game road trip in Montreal looking to put an end to a nine-game losing streak (0-7-2). They’ll face a Canadiens team that has plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into this matchup, particularly given Winnipeg’s recent struggles. After being shut out in Carolina, the Jets will need to find some offence while tightening things up defensively if they hope to avoid a tenth consecutive defeat.. For the latest Winnipeg Jets hockey odds, visit NHL betting site Betway.
Up Next:
Join us for the Daily Dose of Illegal Curve Hockey at 3 PM CDT on our YouTube channel as we get you set for tonight’s action. Puck drop is at 7 PM CDT. Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action. You can join us on our YouTube channel for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show around 9:40 PM CDT as we discuss and analyze the results of the game.
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