JGD Preseason #6: Nic Petan on top line as Jets set to clash with Flames
8 years ago
Nic Petan will get another chance to prove he can stick around with the Jets on Thursday night when Winnipeg kicks off the first of a home-and-home series with the Calgary Flames at MTS Centre.
Coming off their first win of the exhibition season, Petan will be inserted on the top line alongside captain Andrew Ladd and Brian Little.
Through four pre-season games, Petan has been held without a goal, but he’ll definitely have his scoring chances playing with the team’s 2014-15 goal scoring leaders in Ladd and Little.
“With the young guys you’re looking for them to be consistent with their play,” Ladd told reporters following Thursday’s pre-game skate. “For me and (Bryan Little), hopefully (Petan) does what he does really well, sees the ice, and uses that hockey sense that he has to read off us two.”
Lines
WINNIPEG (1-2-2)
Forwards
Ladd-Little-Petan
Raffl-Scheifele-Ehlers
Burmistrov-Lowry-Stafford
Lipon-Copp-Peluso
Defence
Chiariot-Byfuglien
Pardy-Myers
Harrison-Trouba
Goalie
Hutchinson
Ladd will play his second pre-season game after making his exhibition debut and scoring a goal in their 4-3 overtime victory over the Senators on Tuesday night. Defenceman Ben Chiarot is leading the Jets in pre-season scoring with two goals. He’s also has a plus-four rating.
CALGARY
Forwards
Colborne – Bennett – Ferland
Raymond – Backlund – Jones
Bouma – Granlund – Jooris
Bollig – Shore – Hathaway
Defence
Kulak – Wotherspoon
Nakladal – Engelland
Wilson – Sieloff
Goalies
Ortio
Hiller
Former Jet Michael Frolik has been an offensive machine in the pre-season with two goals and two assists in three exhibition games. Frolik won’t be on the ice against the Jets. Instead, the Flames will go with a younger lineup which features rising star and 2014 first-round pick Sam Bennett.
Predictions
Game Day Prediction: Expect Petan to be a factor on the top line. He’ll create chances and give both Ladd and Little more space to do their thing. Jets 3 Flames 1.
Obvious Prediction: One has to think Chiarot’s offensive outburst is somewhat of a fluke. I mean, he matched his total goal production from last season in three exhibition games. I guess that’s why it’s only pre-season.
Not So Obvious Prediction: Time is running out for Thomas Raffl, who is on a professional tryout with the Jets. In three games, Raffl has an assist and an even +/- rating. It’s hard to tell if the 29-year-old will make the team at this point. Unless of course he makes a statement on the ice Thursday night.
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