JGD 14: Jets Hope Not To Get Star Struck

After a difficult  3-game road trip that saw them go 1-1-1, the Winnipeg Jets return home to face the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, before heading back out on a mini two game road trip. The two teams had a home-and-home series in late October with the home teams winning both encounters.

Head coach Paul Maurice has been forced to juggle his lines, due to the fact that four forwards are on injured-reserve. Don’t be surprised to see Patrik Laine join Mark Scheifele and Nikolaj Ehlers on the top line. That trio was responsible for both goals and generating the majority of scoring opportunities against the New York Rangers on Sunday night. 

Kyle Connor and Nic Petan may also see time together as well. Both are offensively gifted with creativity and skill to spare. If the Jets need a goal at some point, then don’t be surprised if Connor and Petan join forces.

There could be a big change to the D corps. As everyone knows by now, Jacob Trouba signed a two-year deal thus ending his dispute with management. It’s uncertain whether Trouba will be ready for this game but if he’s inserted into the lineup, look for him to be placed alongside Toby Enstrom while Paul Postma will pair up with Ben Chiarot leaving Julian Melchiori the odd man out.

The Jets defence has struggled so far this season so Trouba’s return should be welcomed with open arms.

There’s been lots of chatter about the Jets goalies, most of it isn’t good. However, these are young keepers and there’s still time to turn things around. But the turnaround needs to happen soon or the season is in jeopardy. Connor Hellebuyck’s best game was against Dallas back on October 27 so expect him to get the start.

Like the Jets, the Stars have injury issues as well. Patrick Sharp, Jiri Hudler and Ales Hemsky are all out of the lineup with various ailments. Head coach Lindy Ruff has tinkered his lineup trying to find the right combinations while waiting to get players healthy. 

Tyler Seguin has been a Jet killer since arriving in Dallas. He’s scored in both meetings this season while last year, he recorded 6 points (3G, 3A) in 5 meetings. If the Jets want to succeed against Dallas, keeping Seguin off the scoresheet is top priority.

The Stars blueline remains an issue. Dan Hamhuis has yet to score this season while John Klingberg has the worst possession numbers of the Stars defence. The Stars defence is vulnerable to a strong forecheck so the Jets should use their speed to pressure the Stars D into turnovers. It can be done.

It looks like Antti Niemi has won the starting job in Dallas this season. The Finnish born netminder however only has a .900 save percentage. He was very good when the Stars beat the Jets back on October 25 but was average at best in the return match two nights later. Niemi’s inconsistency could prove to be beneficial for the Jets but goalies are funny creatures. 

Game Prediction: Both teams are battling injuries but the possible return of Trouba should give the Jets an extra boost. Jets win 5-3.

Obvious Prediction: There will be a mixed reaction to Trouba’s return by the MTS Centre crowd but if he scores a goal, all will be forgiven.

Not So Obvious Prediction: The game won’t be completed because the US election results will lead to armageddon.