JGD 80: Jets Set to Finish Season out in Cali
8 years ago
The Winnipeg Jets will head out for one last road trip to finish out the 2015-16 season.
With just three games remaining, the Jets head out to face each of the Cali teams one more time each before they wrap it up and tie a bow on this season.
The Jets finished out their home season Sunday on a high note, beating the Minnesota Wild 5-1. Even though it was a meaningless game for the Jets, it was good to get a big win in their last game of the season in front of the home fans.
They certainly have a difficult road trip to end the season though. They’ll be playing three teams who are all gearing up for what they hope are deep playoff runs.
First up, they’ll face the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks are 6-3-1 in their last ten and coming off a 3-1 home win over the Dallas Stars. They currently sit first in the Pacific division, one point of the Los Angeles Kings with a game in hand.
This will be the Ducks home finale for the regular season, so that will certainly give them some added motivation tonight.
LINEUPS
Courtesy of Daily Faceoff.
Winnipeg Jets (32-39-8)
With the Jets winning 5-1 last game, it’s no surprise that Maurice is sticking with the same lineups.
Scheifele (four goals, six assists) and Wheeler (four goals, six assists) are on seven and eight game point streaks, respectively. Wheeler’s eight game point streak is one shy of his career-high.
Prospect Brandon Tanev is traveling with the Jets and may make his NHL debut at some point on this trip.
Jacob Trouba recorded two assists last game against the Wild. Good to see him finally put up some points.
Prospect Brenden Kitchton is also traveling with the Jets out to Cali. Maurice says he just wants to make sure he has enough healthy defensemen for the trip.
The starting goaltender has yet to be confimed.
Pavelec got the start and the win against Minnesota, so there’s a good chance Maurice may go right back to him.
Anaheim Ducks (44-24-10)
Jakob Silfverberg (two goals, two assists) and Nate Thompson (three goals) are each on three game point streaks.
Ryan Kesler is also hot as of late, scoring three goals and three assists in his last four games.
Simon Despres has been cleared to play, but most likely won’t make his return tonight.
John Gibson is the confirmed starter for the Ducks tonight.
This will be Gibson’s fifth straight start. In his previous four starts, Gibson has gone 3-1-0 with 1.33 GAA and a .951 save percentage.
PREDICTIONS
Game Day Prediction: It seems like every time I pick for the Jets to lose and I really feel bad about that. I’m gonna have to feel bad again though, I guess. Jets lose 4-1.
Obvious Prediction: With an offensive outburst last game, the Jets will obviously struggle to score tonight. Because, Jets. Also, see Ducks.
No so Obvious Prediction: Wheeler stays hot and ties a career best nine game point streak.
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