The Winnipeg Jets’ losing streak has now extended to ten games and the task of ending that deficit will not be made easy by Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers visiting our city. When they get into action, the Oilers are tied for the 12th best record in the NHL, as well as the 5th most goals scored (145) and 5th most goals against (145). The True Northers, on the other hand, have the 7th fewest goals scored (118) and are tied for the 14th fewest goals conceded (130).
Edmonton has gone 6-4-0 in their last ten games, including a 3-1 win over Winnipeg on December 29. The Oilers are dealing with some injuries, with newly acquired goaltender Tristan Jarryveteran forward Adam Henriqueand defender Jake Wallman on injured reserve. The Jets’ only injury is to the defenseman Haydn Fleurywho suffered a broken nose, a back injury and a possible concussion while sliding heavily into the boards against the Golden Knights.
Because they placed Fleury on IR, the Jets opened up a roster spot and they opted to call up 22-year-old Danny Zhilkin. After a pair of partial seasons with Manitoba, where the Russian-born forward struggled to make an impact offensively, Zhilkin has taken his game to the next level this year, playing as a top-six center on the low-scoring Moose. While 14 points in 30 games doesn’t scream a fantastic campaign, it is only 6 points behind the team leader David Gustafsson’s 20. The centerman has NHL-quality speed and can play a responsible two-way style of hockey, so it will be interesting to see how he fares in his NHL debut, centering the Jets’ 4th line with Then cabbage & Tanner Pearson on the wings.
Tonight’s match at the Canada Life Center kicks off at 7pm Central and here’s how the two clubs’ stats compare so far, via ESPN‘S comparison numbers of team and goalkeeper:
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The above numbers pretty much speak for themselves… but Edmonton’s 33.9% power play conversion rate should hopefully remind Winnipeg to stay off the beaten path tonight. The Jets should get some scoring opportunities tonight against one of the worst defensive clubs in the league, but the Oilers have the firepower to create an offense against the home team… so the goalies should probably prepare for a good amount of rubber tonight.
WINNIPEG JETS ALIGNING
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EDMONTON OILERS IN LINE
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A few veterans scratched by coach Scott Arniel for tonight’s game, with Vladislav Namestnikov & Gustav Nyquist is expected to watch from the press box tonight. I’m not sure there’s enough room up there for all the players who deserve a scratch, but I’ll be happy to see Vladdy up there based on his recent performance.
The Manitoba Moose will also be in action tonight as they will look to fend off the 4th-place team from the AHL’s Central Divisions when they visit the Milwaukee Admirals. The loss of Zhilkin will force them to change their top six and it will be interesting to see if that is the case Brayden Yager or Brad Lambert will take his place higher up in the lineup. In other news for the minor league affiliate, as they sent prospect Jacob Julien to the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL for his first taste of professional hockey. The young forward suffered an injury in pre-season and after missing half the season, he is about to take his first steps towards what he hopes will eventually be a bottom-six role in the NHL.
Go Winnipeg Jets!!!!!
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AFTER-GAME INFO
Score overview: (courtesy of ESPN)
FINAL SCORE: Edmonton Oil Companies 4 Winnipeg Jets 3
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Game Statistics: (courtesy of MoneyPuck)
Expected goals (all): EDM 3.48 WPG 1.77
Expected goals (5on5): EDM 2.99 WPG 1.60
The top 2 forward lines had about 12 minutes of ice time at 5 on 5, while the Ropes unit saw about 10 minutes. Zhilkin only got 6 minutes in his NHL debut with the 4th line and another shift to almost reach the 7 minute mark (although they won the goal battle 1-0). The Scheifele line scored a few goals, but also allowed the same number of passes Hellebuyck.
The top three defensive duos all played more than 10 minutes of even play, while the bottom two duos played an average of just 5 minutes. The supposed shutdown link of Samberg–The Melo was eventually beaten up, allowing Edmonton two goals. Morrissey–Pionk were on the ice for a pair of Winnipeg goals, but also gave up 1. The towering combination of Stanley–Schenn lost the xG battle, but finished with a +1 in the goals for/against department.
Another negative GSAE rating for Hellebuyck….if he doesn’t look at it, he’ll let Winnipeg’s woes cost him the starting job for the US in the Olympics.
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BOJA’S thoughts after the game:
I don’t have much to say after yet another Winnipeg Jets collapse, extending their losing streak to 11 games. Why don’t we start the second half of the season with a defeat after the team’s performance in the first part?
The True Northers stormed out of the gate and looked the better club for twenty minutes. After that it was all Edmonton as our club failed to get ten shots on their goaltender in the final 40 minutes of action. So it wasn’t surprising that the Oilers eventually overcame their two-goal deficit and tied the game. Then, of course, Winnipeg had to finish the job by taking an immediate penalty and awarding the game winner on one of the best power plays the NHL has ever seen.
No rest for the club (or me)…..because they will be at it again on Friday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
#Edmonton #Oilers #Winnipeg #Jets