Game 25: Winnipeg Jets vs Colorado Avalanche pre-game report

With Vlad Namestnikov not skating on Wednesday and with the comments from head coach Rick Bowness on Tuesday it seems unlikely the veteran forward will play tonight.

The team had Logan Stanley paired with Dylan Samberg yesterday at practice so that could be notable if they go back to 12/6 from 11/7. It could mean veteran defenceman Nate Schmidt sits for a third straight game while it might mean that Declan Chisholm doesn’t get a third game in a row.

Morning skate news:

As per Mitchell Clinton of the Jets it looks like no changes for Winnipeg at morning skate in Denver. He also confirmed that Vlad Namestnikov wasn’t on the ice to start the skate but did join later in the morning.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Ehlers
Perfetti-Vilardi-Iafallo
Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
Barron-Gustafsson-AJF

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Stanley

Hellebuyck
Brossoit

Coach media:

Tips:

The NHL has made embedding videos more difficult this season. You need to “Accept All Cookies” and then you’ll have to scroll down a little in their window to see the video.

Topics:

1) What goes into decision to play Logan Stanley?
2) Does he feel Stanley matches up well vs Avs? (:45)
3) Is Vlad Namestnikov an option for Sunday? (1:27)
4) Brenden Dillon getting 2nd pp reps (1:39)
5) Defencemen contributing offensively (2:31)
6) Facing off against the Avs (3:44)
7) Emphasis on structure (4:40)

Betway Odds:

The Avalanche have been lights out at Ball Arena this season going 9-2-0 at home which has helped them position themselves at the top of the Central division. The Jets have been a good road team this season (6-3-1) and have won their last two games. Colorado has scored a lot more goals than Winnipeg this season but they’ve also given up more. The oddsmakers are giving a big edge to the home team. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 8 pm CST.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action. Reminder that tonight you can join us for a special live edition of the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show at Boston Pizza on Taylor Avenue or if you’re unable to attend in person be sure to join us in the chat. (Please be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).