Game 12: Jets vs Stars pre-game report

There weren’t any surprises at practice on Monday as Logan Stanley (slight foot fracture, out 2 weeks), Morgan Barron (wrist surgery, out 4-5 weeks) and Nikolaj Ehlers (could skate by end of the week) all weren’t on the ice. Will Kyle Capobianco get a second game with Winnipeg? Will Jansen Harkins? According to Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet it seemed likely at yesterday’s practice that Dylan Samberg would return to the lineup and Dominic Toninato might remain on the outside looking in.

It is an optional morning skate today.

Skate news:

As per Mitchell Clinton of JetsTV a few players choosing to take the option including “Hellebuyck, Dubois, Lowry, Schmidt, Dillon, and Gagner”.  Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun confirms that the lines and D pairs will be based on how they were last game which means Samberg returns to the lineup.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Appleton
Perfetti-Dubois-Wheeler
Maenalanen-Lowry-Jonsson-Fjallby
Harkins-Gustafsson-Gagner

Morrissey-Pionk
Dillon-Schmidt
Samberg-DeMelo

Hellebuyck
Rittich

Betway Odds:

While it may be early in the season to label this a clash of titans it will be a battle for top spot in the Central with both clubs coming into the game feeling good about themselves. Especially Stars forward Jason Robertson who was named the NHL First Star of the Week after he put up four goals and four assists for Dallas. The slight edge goes to the visitors ahead of puck drop. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Player media availability:

Coach media availability:

1) Stars limiting Jets offensive opportunities last time they played.
2) Can they improve on faceoffs with more help from the wingers?
3) Divisional game/opponent ahead of them
4) Trying to contain the Stars top line.
5) How do they ensure compete is high at puck drop?
6) What will it be like facing his old squad?

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 7 pm CDT.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game interviews from Jets players as well as from head coach Rick Bowness.

You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show. (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button). This season you’ll have a chance to win great schwag including authentic Jets jerseys, hats, etc after every single game (For a variety of ways to enter click here).