Game 55: Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Blackhawks pre-game report

The Jets even strength play has dipped while their play with the man advantage has improved which equals four wins in their last five games as they continue to dance with the Stars and Avalanche for top three spots in the Central division. Winnipeg was off on Wednesday and then practiced on Thursday before they journeyed to Chicago for a quick, one-game road trip.

At the other end of the division and at the bottom of the entire NHL are the Blackhawks who  are sitting with just 33 points this season. They are 17 points back of a Coyotes team who have lost six straight games and are 0-10-1 in their last 11 games.

Obviously any team can beat any team in the NHL on any given night but the disparity between these two clubs is stark. The Jets have scored 46 more goals (while playing three less games) and have given up (brace yourselves) 74 less goals against.

Now the projected lines are based on yesterday’s practice in Winnipeg which did not feature Nikolaj Ehlers who Rick Bowness did say he expects to play tonight. Also Nate Schmidt was back alongside Dylan Samberg on Thursday. Seems reasonable to assume that if Ehlers does play then Morgan Barron likely returns with Rasmus Kupari coming back out.

Morning Skate:

According to Mitchell Clinton of the Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers is one of the skaters taking part in the optional morning skate. Good sign he’ll be available.

After skating players spoke, including Ehlers, who told Mitch he’s “playing tonight”.

Warm-up:

As per Mitch no Nate Schmidt tnt as Logan Stanley remains in. Also Morgan Barron comes back in for Rasmus Kupari. Also notable is Cole Perfetti on the 4th line with Alex Iaffalo jumping to 2nd.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
Iafallo-Monahan-Ehlers
Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
Perfetti-Namestnikov-Barron

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Stanley

Hellebuyck
Brossoit

Coach media:

To follow.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 7:30 pm CST.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action. You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show. (Please be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).