JGD 69: Jets take Tank Tour to Vancouver

The Winnipeg Jets Tank Tour is making a stop in Vancouver on Monday night.

With just two wins in the last eight contests and 13 games remaining in the regular season, the Jets are setting themselves up nicely to take a run at the No. 1 pick and selecting highly regarded prospect Auston Matthews. Heading into action on Monday, Winnipeg has a 9.5 per cent chance of landing that coveted first overall pick.

But first, they need another loss agains the Canucks.

Provided by DailyFaceoff.com.

If there’s been one bright spot over the last eight contests, it’s been Mark Scheifele, who will look to extend his scoring streak to eight games against the Canucks. Scheifele has 11 points in his last eight games.

“I’ve been playing the same hockey,” Scheifele told CTVNews Winnipeg. “Every day I want to become a better hockey player. Obviously I’ve taken this challenge with a lot of motivation being with (Little) out. I obviously come to the rink with a lot more motivation knowing I’ll be playing tougher players in tougher matchups.”

Dustin Byfuglien has been hot despite the Jets’ current struggles. Big Buff enters action on Monday night having recorded eight points in the last 10 games.

Byfuglien leads all Jets defencemen in scoring with 44 points this season.

Ondrej Pavelec has started three of the team’s last four games. In eight career games against the Canucks, Pavelec has posted a 3-3-2 record with a 2.74 goals against average and a .915 save percentage.

The Sedin twins — Daniel and Henrik — continue to carry the Canucks offensively this season. Daniel leads the way 26 goals and 31 assists, while Henrik has 10 goals and 39 assists.

Chris Tanev remains questionable for Monday night’s game against the Jets. Tanev, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury, practised on Saturday but was not in the lineup during the team’s 4-2 win over the Canucks.

Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom have alternated starts over the past six games. Miller is coming off of one his better performances of the season after holding the Preds to just two goals on Saturday.

Game Day Prediction: The Tank Tour will produce another loss for the Jets and that’s a good thing. Canucks 4 Jets 2

Obvious Prediction: Scheifele is feeling good. He’ll extend that streak to eight games.

Not So Obvious Prediction: The only obvious prediction here is both these clubs are lottery teams and are looking to win the Auston Matthews sweepstakes.