Game 9: Winnipeg Jets vs New York Rangers pre-game report

The Jets returned to Manitoba with three of four points from their road trip. While that was solid they did surrender a 3-1 lead on Saturday night to leave Montreal with just a single point after they lost in a shootout. The only expected change would be the return of Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes after he was given the night off against the Habs.

Of course the big focus today will be the return of former Jets captain Blake Wheeler, who was bought out by Winnipeg this summer, and subsequently joined the Rangers on a one-year deal.

Skate news:

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck going through his starter routine this morning at Canada Life. No changes to the lines or D pairs.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Scheifele-Iafallo
Perfetti-Namestnikov-Ehlers
Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
Barron-Kupari-Gustafsson

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Schmidt

Hellebuyck
Brossoit

Player pre-game interviews:

Coach pre-game interview:

Betway Odds:

The Blueshirts have been rolling during their five-game road trip which began with a win in Seattle and then Western Canada as they defeated Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver to give themselves four wins in a row. They sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a 6-2-0 record and a +9 goal differential. Winnipeg would be well advised to stay out of the penalty box given New York has the 2nd best PP in the NHL right now at 34.5%. Not surprisingly the oddsmakers give the edge in this one to the visitors. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 6:30 pm CDT.  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. (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).