Game 69: Jets vs Bruins pre-game report

The Jets had the day off after playing three games in four days in a tough Eastern Conference stretch which saw them win twice and lose once, although the loss appears to be the big focus. The expectation is that Josh Morrissey and Pierre-Luc Dubois will be ready to return to the lineup.

The Bruins have now lost two straight (to the Wings and Blackhawks) which seems shocking given this team didn’t look like they’d lose any games this season. They are still a very good hockey team and unfortunately for Winnipeg will be looking to break out in Manitoba this evening.

Skate news:

As per Ken Wiebe of Sportsnet both Josh Morrissey and Pierre-Luc Dubois are taking part in morning skate as expected. The line rushes show that David Gustafasson and Kyle Capobianco come out.

Lineup news:

No Pierre-Luc Dubois for the Jets tonight as per head coach Rick Bowness so David Gustafsson will in fact play.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor – Scheifele – Neiderreiter
Ehlers – Namestnikov- Wheeler
Barron – Lowry – Appleton
Gustafsson – Stenlund – Maënalanen

Morrissey – DeMelo
Dillon – Pionk
Samberg – Schmidt

Hellebuyck
Rittich

Injury news:

Rick Bowness delivered the news following morning skate that veteran forward Sam Gagner had hip surgery and is done for the season.

Betway Odds:

Despite the back-to-back losses Boston, with their impressive 23-8-2 road record and 105 points (only NHL team above 100) are seen by the oddsmakets as the heavy favourites. They have a +100 goal differential. Perhaps the home team will be motivated by a Predators team that is trying to chase them down for a playoff spot. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Players media availability:

Coach media availability:

Topics:

1) Response he wanted to see after sitting Scheifele/Connor (:31)
2) Accountability and players not wanting to do post-game interviews (1:36)
3) More difficult to bench or take away ice time from star players? (2:09)
4) What message does he need them to takeaway from the sitting? (2:54)
5) Players holding each other accountable during this tough stretch (4:06)
6) Does playing top teams help force his team to be more structured? (5:07)
7) Lineup decisions (6:30)
8) Samberg hit last game/play continuing (7:14)
9) What does he appreciate about Patrice Bergeron’s game? (8:44)
10) What is the status of Sam Gagner? (9:50)
11) Team keeping their senses (10:39)

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).