Game 63: Jets vs Oilers pre-game report

The Jets slide continued last night in Edmonton as they dropped the first game post-Trade Deadline by a final score of 6-3 which, quite frankly, was a final result which flattered the visitors. Undisciplined penalties and disengaged play saw the Oilers take it to Winnipeg.

David Gustafsson returned to the lineup for the first time since January 10th and had an assist in the loss. There remains a question mark surrounding the health of Pierre-Luc Dubois who left practice earlier this week with a nagging injury which has kept him out of the lineup for the last two games. He was doubtful for last night anyways as per Rick Bowness but potentially could play tonight.

The other question marks is whether Dylan Samberg returns to the lineup and whether newly acquired Vladislav Namestnikov can play.

Skate news:

No skate as the Jets played last night. For now the lines and D pairs are the same as last night. Rick Bowness is set to speak at 4:15 pm so we will get more info at that time.

Update from coach:

Coach Rick Bowness confirmed: Connor Hellebuyck starts. Kyle Capobianco & Dylan Samberg draw in Logan Stanley & Nate Schmidt out (both healthy). Vladislav Namestnikov makes Jets debut and he will play with Lowry and Barron.

Seems likely Stenlund goes between Ehlers and Niederreiter and Kuhlman comes out but he wouldn’t confirm. Stay tuned for warm-ip.

Warm-up:

Bit of a shuffler to top six. Wheeler and Scheifele split up. Kuhlman is indeed out tonight.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Niederreiter
Ehlers-Stenlund-Wheeler
Barron-Lowry-Namestnikov
Maenalanen Gustafsson Jonsson-Fjallby

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Capobianco

Hellebuyck
Rittich

Betway Odds:

Given the current state of these two teams with the Oilers feeling good about themselves having played a tight game against the Bruins before smoking the Leafs and Jets they are the heavy favourites in tonight’s re-match in Winnipeg. It is likely to be a surly Manitoba crowd so perhaps that gives the home team a boost. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Coach media availability:

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 6:00 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).