Game 61: Jets vs. Kings projected lines

The Jets will be looking to wrap up this homestand with a win against a Los Angeles Kings team that recently traded away Tyler Toffoli and his 18 goals (he led the team in that category) to the Vancouver Canucks.  While L.A. has won two straight they are just 9-21-4 away from the Staples Center so this will be a must win game for a Jets team trying to stay in the playoff race after Arizona, Calgary and Vegas all won on Monday.

For now the projected lineup is simply based on the last game.

Morning Skate:

According to Ken Wiebe of The Athletic Winnipeg it is a semi-optional skate today.  Guys missing according to Ken include: Hellebuyck, Pionk, Sbisa, Ehlers, Roslovic, and Chibisov.  Ken adds that Sami Niku didn’t stay on for extra work so it appears he will be back in the lineup.

Lineup News:

Luca Sbisa is out with an upper-body injury, Sami Niku draws back in.  Same as how it started against Chicago.

Jets Projected Lines & D Pairs:

Copp-Scheifele-Ehlers
Connor-Wheeler-Laine
Harkins-Roslovic-Appleton
Bourque-Shore-Chibisov

Morrissey-Poolman
Kulikov-Pionk
Beaulieu-Niku

Hellebuyck
Brossoit

Audio:

Mark Scheifele

Kyle Connor

Coach Maurice:  Status update on Luca Sbisa.  What can some of the younger players learn from Nathan Beaulieu?  More on the veterans helping the youth.  What did he see from Jack Roslovic at centre?  Goalie plan.  With Mark Scheifele snake bitten does he like the chances he is getting?  Does he need to have a conversation with the player?  What does he see from 55 in the defensive zone?

All audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.

Health Update:

According to head coach Paul Maurice defenceman Luca Sbisa is out at least a week with an upper-body injury.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 7 PM.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game audio from the Jets room as well as from Coach Maurice.