A Look Ahead: Jets Look to Rebound on Road Trip

The Winnipeg Jets finished out this past week without a single win and will look to rebound as they hit the road as the final weeks of the season loom.

Though the Jets showed a lot of spark and energy in the week prior to this past one, they appear to have run out of fuel. They’ve surrendered 13 goals over their last three games and averaged just two goals a game over that span. Additionally, they haven’t stepped up to truly capitalize on their opportunity, and appeared sluggish and outplayed.

With the team looking to prove their full potential, the Jets are looking forward to this upcoming road trip which has them heading east to take on some teams that are not only fighting for their postseason lives, but are experiencing struggles.

 

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY SportsThe Jets will get to take on the Predators, who just recently busted out of a four-game losing skid Saturday against San Jose. Nashville currently sits seventh in the Western Conference and appears to be regaining their stride. Ryan Johansen scored Saturday, and James Neal is starting to get back into the swing of things.

Both teams split their season series so far, each taking a win during their home-and-home series in November. Pekka Rinne was the hero of the first matchup, backstopping the Preds to a 5-1 victory. However, on the second go-around, the Jets shut out the Predators 3-0, with Connor Hellebuyck making 42 saves in the effort.

Winnipeg should get an easier matchup Tuesday when they face the struggling New Jersey Devils, who have lost nine straight games. With Taylor Hall and company failing to find their offensive edge, as well as Cory Schneider appearing a bit rusty between the pipes, Winnipeg has to take advantage of the Devils’ hardships.

This is the second time the Jets will rendezvous with the Devils; they last met Nov. 29, 2016, with the Jets taking a 3-2 win. Patrik Laine was a force to be reckoned with, and managed a goal and assist, as well as three shots and a plus-1 rating. Hopefully, Winnipeg has more in the arsenal Tuesday.

The New York Islanders seem to be finding their touch of late, and appear to be advancing in their pursuit of the playoffs. However, they still have an inconsistent record and are 3-3 through their last six games.

Prior to playing the Jets, the Isles have a home-and-home matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes. It is possible that both teams would be shaking some fatigue, as both squads are playing their third game in four nights.

In their one matchup this season on New Year’s Eve, New York dominated with a 6-2 win over Winnipeg. This time around, the Jets will try to find their offensive edge and turn the tables on the Islanders.

This is probably the biggest game that Winnipeg needs to worry about this week. Minnesota has been dominant and is proving their potential as Cup contenders when the postseason comes.

All of the Wild’s pieces are working together, and payers like Eric Staal are stepping up and doing their part. The Jets will have to stay sharp on the backend if they want a victory against the best team in the Western Conference. Minnesota leads the season series, 2-0, with a 4-2 win over Winnipeg on Feb. 7 and a 6-5 victory on Feb. 28.