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JGD 39: Jets Look to Close Out 2016 on a High Note
Dec 31, 2016, 15:00 ESTUpdated: Invalid DateTime
The Winnipeg Jets look to exit 2016 and enter 2017 on a high note as they play game 39. But to do so, they will have to face a familiar face in a New Years Eve show down with Andrew Ladd and the New York Islanders.
The Islanders look like a shell of the team from 2015-16. What was once a promising team now looks like a team in need of a rebuild, again. The Islanders are making suspect lineup decisions, they waived Jaroslav Halak and are playing 3rd liners with John Tavares.
The Jets, however, are a team on the upswing of a rebuild, with consistency being the key. If they can put together a strong 60 minute game (cliche alert), then the Jets should easily be able to win this match up.
Lineups
Winnipeg Jets (17-18-3)
| Defensive Pairings | |
|---|---|
Unfortunately the injury bug has struck again and in a big way. Marko Dano went down into the boards against Columbus and left with a lower body injury. Andrew Copp has been recalled as a result.
Jacob Trouba enters the game with 6 points in his last 8 games. Patrik Laine will be looking for number 20 tonight as well.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start in net tonight.
New York Islanders (14-15-6)
| Defensive Pairings | |
|---|---|
The Islanders have waived Halak. Repeat that in your head because that is mind boggling and a headline that no one expected to see in 2016. Thomas Greiss and JF Berube will be splitting the crease from now on.
Andrew Ladd has not performed well, just 7 goals and 4 assists in 35 games, placing him on the fourth line.
Look to Tavares to do Tavares things tonight.
Predictions
Game Prediction: Patrik Laine will score 2 goals tonight, putting him over 20. The Jets will top the Islanders 4-2.
Obvious Prediction: John Tavares will score both of the Islanders’ goals, it’s just what he does.
Not So Obvious Prediction: Dustin Byfuglien will give Andrew Ladd the track suit he forgot when he was traded, which was the real reason Ladd was traded by the way.