JGD 72: Ducks Look To Cook The Jets Goose

A little under a year ago, the Jets and Ducks met up in a first round playoff matchup and there was all kinds of excitement and more than a few thought the up and coming Jets could stun the battle worn and weary Ducks and give notice to the rest of the hockey world that Winnipeg had a team on the rise.

Fast forward to the present day and as both teams prepare for a Sunday afternoon battle, those battle worn and weary Ducks are back in race for top spot in the West while the Jets are still waiting for that “team on the rise” bit to actually happen… one day… soon.. maybe..

Provided by DailyFaceoff.com.

WINNIPEG (29-37-5)

Petan and Kosmachuk remain with the team on their emergency recall and will likely see action today. Matt Halischuk missed practice on Saturday due to the flu bug that has been going around the team. The Jets top 6 hasn’t been bad, the Jets bottom six has been bad on a whole different level. Pavs has been in three of the last four games and after getting shelled on Friday night, chances are we see Hutch in goal for today which of course puts the tank in a bit more doubt.

Update: Chase De Leo was called up early Sunday morning and may make his debut today against the Ducks. Possibly more flu related illness scratches? Anything to help the tank right get these kids playing time right?

Today is the start of a five game Canadian road swing for the Ducks that they have to be absolutely salivating at (do Ducks salivate?) given that the Ducks had lost four of their last six games, although they seemed to right the ship a little against Boston in a 4-0 win on Friday. John Gibson will be in goal (presumably) after he sat out Friday’s game with the flu.

Game Day Prediction: The Ducks need to start putting some wins together in a hurry to challenge for that top seed in the Pacific division. The Jets just continue to go through the motions… Jets 1 Ducks 5

Obvious Prediction: Corey Perry gets booed and rightfully so because Corey Perry is both awful and great at the same time.

Not So Obvious Prediction: Fans – who surprisingly stuck around for the end of the game against the Blackhawks even though the Jets showed zero signs of life on Friday night – start voicing their opinion and some even leave early…