The Winnipeg Jets (9-4-0) continue their road trip with a visit to the San Jose Sharks (5-6-3) on Friday evening (9:00 PM Central start). The journey didn’t get off to a great start as the True North offense dried up, allowing the Los Angeles Kings to sideline our club for the second time this year. Interestingly enough, the Sharks will be coming off a big 6-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken, the other NHL team to knock out the Jets this season.
Winnipeg’s top scorers are hardly surprising this season, where they came in first Mark Scheifele (20 pts), Kyle Connor (17), & Gabriel Vilardi (13) lead the attack, along with the star defender Josh Morrissey (11). Of course, the Jets also get excellent goaltending Connor Hellebuyck (0.921%) & Erik Comrie (0.929%).
Youth was key offensively for San Jose in 2025-26, with the first overall pick coming in 2024 Macklin Celebrini (21 pts), 2023 4th overall selection Will Smith (13), and the player finished 7th overall in 2021, Willem Eklund (11), the top three scorers for the Sharks. A number of experienced skaters also contribute as defenders Dmitri Orlov (10) was excellent in his first year in a teal jersey and winger Tyler Toffoli (9) continues to find success on the West Coast.
Here’s how ESPN has the team and goaltender comparison numbers for tonight’s late night game (9:00 PM Central start):
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The “morning“The skate doesn’t start until 1:00 PM Central, so I don’t really have insight into the coach Scott Arniel plans for tonight. Illegal Curve also didn’t mention the rules used during yesterday’s training, so there’s no evidence of that either. Sounds like Lucas Schenn was supposed to play against the Kings, but was a late scratch. Does that mean Colin Molenaar will remain in the lineup for a second straight game? Shall Nikita Chibrikov breaking into the starter unit
So let’s see how PuckPedia predicts the lines for both teams:
WINNIPEG JETS ALIGNING
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SAN JOSE Sharks line up
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The Jets are still missing 4 starters for the game….3 forwards and 1 defenseman: Dylan Samberg, Cole Perfetti, Gustav Nyquist& Morgan Barron. Although the Sharks did not land the second overall pick of the 2025 Entry Draft, Michael Misaand a long-time veteran Logan Couturewho hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2023-2024 season.
Well, that’s about all the pre-game stuff I can handle at the moment. I hope to come back in the afternoon to update all the news from the morning skate, so check back often for updates. I think I’m going to take advantage of the sunny, yet cold weather here in the Peg and take my cat Lambo for a walk. Have a nice day everyone!
Go to Winnipeg!!!!!
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AFTER-GAME INFO
Come back Saturday morning to look at all the stats and see if they match what your eyes were telling you.
Score overview: (courtesy of ESPN)
FINAL SCORE:
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Game Statistics: (courtesy of MoneyPuck)
Expected goals (all):
Expected goals (5on5):
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I’ll post my thoughts on the Jets-Sharks game on Saturday morning after I’ve had time to look at the stats. I’d love for you to come back and read them and share your own thoughts in the comments section.
#Winnipeg #Jets #San #Jose #Sharks