Tonight is the final game of the regular season for the Winnipeg Jets as they face the Chicago Blackhawks one last time. We as fans should start feeling excited because it’s playoffs time! Almost.

Lets take a look at tonight’s preview.

Last night, we got news that no one ever wants to hear: There has been an accident and there may be fatalities.

The Humboldt Broncos were on their way to Game 5 of a semifinal against the Nipawin Hawks when their team bus was in a collision with a semi truck. 14 players and coaches passed away last night as a result of the accident and more are in critical care at the hospital.

I can’t imagine what the family and friends of the team are experiencing right now. It makes tonight’s game seem silly in comparison.

However, this morning, we found out how small the world is and who are neighbours are. A GoFundMe page has been setup to support the families of the Broncos and at the time of writing this piece, $625,465 had already been raised. Canalta hotels have opened up their doors to family of those involved in the accident. Churches, community centres, and homes have opened up their doors to host and provide a place for people to stay. Support is coming in from all over the world.

As soon as you start participating in hockey, you become part of something that brings people together. We need more things to bring us together and not divide us and hockey can do that. Whether, you’re playing, coaching, scouting, managing a team, training, or watching, you become part of a local, but global community. So, last night affects us because the Humboldt Broncos are part of our community; they are our neighbours and we must help them because that’s what neighbours do.

So, prayers and thoughts are great, but don’t leave it at that; be brave and follow those up with something that can tangibly support the families in excruciating pain. Right now, I can’t think of a better way to support these families than by donating to the GoFundMe. You can find a link to it here: https://www.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos

Hug your loved ones, do something else for someone, be light in this time of pain.

The Jets are getting ready for the playoffs, tuning up and resting for their first round match up against the Minnesota Wild. The Jets enter tonight on a 4 game win streak 8 a franchise best 8 game home win streak. Home has been good for the Jets and will look to continue to use this advantage against the Blackhawks.

Connor Hellebuyck enters tonight’s contest tied for the most wins by an American born goaltender. We could witness history tonight if the Jets are able to win tonight.

Hellebuyck gets the start, while Trouba and Roslovic will sit.

The Blackhawks enter tonight without a ticket to the post-season for the first time since 2008. Tonight also marks Patrick Sharp’s last game in the NHL, as he announced he is planning on retiring this season.

Last game against the Blues, the Blackhawks lost 4-1, with Erik Gustafsson scoring the lone goal for the Blackhawks.

Jeff Glass will start in net for the Blackhawks.

The Jets have not fared well against the Blackhawks this season. The Jets have gone 1-3-0 against the Blackhawks this season, including a 6-2 loss on March 29 when Scott Fostermade his NHL debut. So, not the best going into tonight’s game, but the Jets are also super hot right now.