Game 79: Jets vs Avalanche pre-game report

The Jets will play their final stretch of games starting tonight against the top team in the Western Conference in the Avalanche.

Not that it came as much of a surprise that we learned that Mark Scheifele and Cole Perfetti are both done for the season. In addition Winnipeg interim head coach Dave Lowry indicated that Zach Sanford will not play tonight and Nate Schmidt is a game-time decision.

Skate news:

It was an optional skate this morning but as per Ken Wiebe we do get some insight. He indicated that Nate Schmidt was in a regular uniform which would seem to indicate he will play however Wieber said he stayed on for extra work so perhaps he isn’t quite ready and that Connor Hellebuyck went through his starting routine. Also Zach Sanford is in a non-contact jersey as was Cole Perfetti who came out after the formal part of skate was done.

Lineup news:

Interim head coach Dave Lowry confirms that Nate Schmidt will not be playing tonight. Said he is banged up. Called him day-to-day.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Ehlers-Stastny-Wheeler
Connor-Dubois-Harkins
Barron-Lowry-Appleton
Brooks-Toninato-Svechnikov

Morrissey-DeMelo
Samberg-Dillon
Stanley-Pionk

Hellebuyck
Comrie

Betway Odds:

The Jets come into the game tonight having lost four straight games against some of the top teams in the eastern conference and with a date against the top team in the west, as you might imagine, the odds are against them once again this evening, although give Colorado has lost two straight they aren’t as bad as they could have been. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Player media availability:

Coach media availability:

Topics:

1) Status of Nate Schmidt
2) What can Logan Stanley get from these final few games?
3) What did he think of Dylan Samberg’s return to the lineup?
4) Can Samberg contribute on the penalty kill?
5) Would he look at players in different roles than they have this season?
6) What has stood out about Mason Appleton’s game since he was re-acquired?
7) What he is expected from the Avalanche?

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 6 pm CDT.  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 interim head coach Dave Lowry.

You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show. (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).