Game 52: Jets vs Blues pre-game report

The last time these two clubs met in early December the Jets sat 1st in the Central while the Blues were 6th. Six weeks later Winnipeg is sitting in 2nd while St. Louis remains in that sixth spot. Both teams are mired in losing streaks with the Jets currently at three games while the Blues are at four straight without a win.

Winnipeg remains without Dylan DeMelo who is dealing with a lower-body issue while Mason Appleton could potentially be ready to return. Given four days ago David Gustafsson needed “three or four days off” it would seem to make sense that he’ll return after the All-Star break. For now the lines are based on how last game started.

Skate news:

As per Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun no line rushes this morning. He indicated that Connor Hellebuyck did starter’s routine, that Mason Appleton remains in a non-contact and that it is possible that Kyle Capobianco draws in for Logan Stanley. He added that Stanley stayed on for extra work and Capobianco did not and the D pairs have been updated to reflect that.

Lineup news:

Jets bench boss Rick Bowness confirms that Kyle Capobianco draws in for Logan Stanley. Same forwards for Winnipeg.

Health news:

Rick Bowness says the Jets expect Mason Appleton to play on the 12th. He expects David Gustafsson to skate again on the 9th.

Warm-up skate:

Axel Jonsson-Fjallby skated as an extra but there were some line and D pair changes.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Kuhlman
Barron-Dubois-Maenalanen
Perfetti-Lowry-Wheeler
Ehlers-Stenlund-Gagner

Morrissey-Pionk
Dillon-Schmidt
Samberg-Capobianco

Hellebuyck
Rittich

Betway Odds:

While they’ve hit a bit of a slide of late the Jets home record remains formidable at 17-8-0 while the Blues counter with a 13-12-1 record on the road. Interestingly the goal differential for these two clubs is vastly different with Winnipeg boasting a +27 while St. Louis is at the opposite end of that spectrum sitting at -27. For now the home team are the heavy favourites in the only game to be played this evening.. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Players media availability:

Coach media availability:

Topics:

1) What they are facing in the Blues?
2) Two teams on losing streaks (:35)
3) Higher energy/last day of school feel? (1:12)
4) Update on Mason Appleton/David Gustafsson (1:53)
5) His thoughts on the passing of Bobby Hull (2:36)
6) Did he have much interaction with him during his career? (3:23)
7) Hull’s legacy when you balance on vs off ice (3:49)

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 7:00 pm CST.  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).