JGD25: A Little Glimmer of Hope

“The biggest thing, aside from being in the room, it changes the way other teams look at ours now.”

Maurice on Little’s return. pic.twitter.com/Xpw0V5PIlc

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 29, 2016

LINEUPS

Winnipeg Jets (10-12-2)

The Jets have not had a healthy forward group all season, but the team is starting to return to a line up that I am sure Paul Maurice thought he would be able to ice before the season started. Obviously, the return of Bryan Little changes things for the Jets. Little provides another dynamic that teams have to plan for. Having Kyle Connor back in the lineup will help the team as well, with his offensive gifts.

However, we still have to deal with Chris Thorburn in the Jets lineup.

Dustin Byfuglien didn’t take the morning skate, but he should be good to go against the Devils. He is probably resting in preparation for playing a lot tonight. Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba showed some chemistry against the Predators, so hopefully we will eventually see that pairing more often.

Hellebuyck is coming off of a shut out performance against the Predators and will hopefully build off of that. He is now 8-8-0 with a GAA of 2.57 and has a save percentage of .915.

New Jersey Devils (10-6-5)

Beau Bennett is out with a leg laceration and Taylor Hall is still recovering from knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. However, Michael Cammalleri has 4 goals and 4 assists in the past 3 games. 

The Devils are playing a game of, “Lets see if we can build the most random defence unit and see if we can win.” Apparently it’s working, since they are 10-6-5.

Cory Schneider has struggled as of late, so there is some debate as to who will get the nod in net against the Jets. Schneider is 8-5-3 with a GAA of 2.53 and a save percentage of .915.

Keith Kinkaid is coming off of a good performance against the Penguins and is 2-1-2 with a GAA of 2.35 and a save percentage of .933.

PREDICTIONS

Game Prediction: The Jets will come out flying after a good few days off and a practice since their win against the Predators. The return of Bryan Little will give them the offensive power to win 3-2.

Obvious Prediction: Bryan Little will score. Little has been eyeing his return since last season, really. He will be ready and eager to make an impact, which will result in a goal.

Not So Obvious Prediction: Kyle Connor will show that he does not need time in the AHL by working his way off of the fourth line.