The Winnipeg Jets got their star goalie back for their final game…and then Connor Hellebuyck & company went on to play their best game of this year’s NHL campaign. The True Northers completely controlled the proceedings of the game against the Washington Capitals as they cruised to an easy victory, completely confusing a fanbase that hasn’t seen such a game since last season.
After divesting a franchise from the American capital, the Jets (15-15-1) will face the club from the Canadian capital when the Ottawa Senators (14-13-4) come to Manitoba. Neither of these teams have been playing great hockey lately, with Winnipeg 3-6-1 in their last ten games and the Sens slightly worse at 3-7-0. So it’s not surprising that they find themselves at the bottom of the table, with the Jets tied for fifth and the Senators tied for seventh. Despite these rankings, neither club is that far away from a wildcard spot at the moment, as they only need to get 2 or 3 wins over the current holders.
With Bucky returning from injury, the True Northers are fully healthy for the first time in the 2025-2026 season. Ottawa can’t say the same, though, as they will be without a few key players up front Shane Pinto & defender Thomas Chabot.
Let’s look more at today’s match (6:30 PM Central start) by checking in on Winnipeg and Ottawa seasons via ESPN‘S comparison numbers of team and goalkeeper:
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The overall team data indicates that Winnipeg and Ottawa are fairly evenly matched, although the Jets were slightly better defensively. This is mainly due to the play of Hellebuyck, because the Jets have an advantage between the pipes. Both clubs have an advantage in the special teams department, with the Senators being deadlier on the power play and the Jets being more efficient when they beat a man.
Continue with check-out PuckPedia‘S Predicted lineups for tonight’s match, which are based on the club’s last games, because I’m writing this very early:
WINNIPEG JETS ALIGNING
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OTTAWA SENATORS ARE IN A LIST
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Will the Jets start Hellebuyck again even though he just returned from knee surgery? Or will they bring him back in and come along Erik Comrie net? Would like to see Lucas Schenn visit the press box for a game and give Colin Molenaar still a start….but don’t know if coach Scott Arniel will touch on everything after the team’s performance against Washington.
He probably should too if you get the information from The Five Hohl after the Capitals game, which showed that the Logan Stanley & Schenn clutch allowed 65% of the expected goals Winnipeg allowed at 5-on-5.
What do you expect to see tonight? Will we see the True Northers put in a solid performance or will it be a return of the uninspired, error-filled play we’ve seen too often this season?
Go to Winnipeg!!!!!
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AFTER-GAME INFO
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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BOJA’S thoughts after the game:
The post-game information will be added approximately one hour after the end of tonight’s Jets-Sens game. Hopefully the stats are as enjoyable to watch as the Caps’ games.
#Ottawa #Senators #Winnipeg #Jets