The Winnipeg Jets return home on a two-game win streak to battle the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second half of a back-to-back.
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The Jets picked up all four available points during their two-game mini-road trip, beating the Buffalo Sabres and the Chicago Blackhawks. Against the Sabres, Adam Lowry scored the overtime winner off of a fortunate bounce.
The Jets dominated the Blackhawks in a game they were expected to win. Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t too busy stopping 12 of the 14 shots he faced. The Jets ended the first period down 2-1 but held the Blackhawks to just six shots in the second and third periods en route to a comfortable win.
This evening’s test against the Blue Jackets won’t be as straightforward as yesterday’s game. The Blue Jackets are a young team that have struggled on the road this season, with a 3-9-2 record, but have young players who could steal a game on any given night. The Jets have been dominant at home, with a 9-2-0 record, which should help favour them tonight.
The Blue Jackets throw a lot of pucks on goal, averaging the third most shots per game and the eighth most goals per game. The weak point for this young roster is defensively. They currently sit 30th in the NHL in goals allowed per game and are 29th in power play percentage, killing just 71.4% of their penalties. The Jets’ third-ranked power play can take advantage of this and separate themselves in today’s game.
Gabriel Vilardi ended his dry spell and recorded goals in back-to-back games and young winger Cole Perfetti is looking to do the same. He’s gone four games without a point since he netted two goals against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Puck drop is at 5:00 P.M. CST at Canada Life Centre.
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