Despite multiple pleas from the hockey community that has absolutely enjoyed the action in this series, the Winnipeg Jets and their fans would be very happy to see this battle between the two best clubs in the NHL end sooner rather than later, and the Jets can take a big step towards doing just that with a win tonight again at home to take a stranglehold on their series against the Nashville Predators.

Well for starters, they woke up from their slumber that they had in the first period where they skated through the motions of playing a hockey game while the Preds decided to build a 3-0 lead. From the second period onward, the Jets put on their skating legs, started winning more 50-50 battles along the boards and Paul Maurice made a slight switch to the lineup by switching Kyle Connor and Nik Ehler’s places in the lineup which gave an added boost to both players even if they still didn’t score. Connor Hellebuyck also steadied his own ship after a brutal first period to make 17 saves including an absolute game changing save off a Predators steal and breakaway that could have handed Nashville a lead yet again.

They let off their foot off the gas pedal for one and went into panic mode right after Paul Stastny scored to make it a 3-1 game. Instead of working on shutting down access through the neutral zone and into their own end of the ice, the Preds sure seemed more interested in trying to just play physical, hitting hockey and really played into the hands of what makes the Jets tick. The meltdown was complete in the second half of the third period when the Predators took lazy and undisciplined penalties that ultimately cost them the win.

Do exactly what they did in the first period of game three. Instead of trying to hit the Jets every chance they get, clog up the neutral ice area and force the Jets into turnovers before then even gain the zone. Nashville can skate with the Jets for the most part but especially on the road they need to focus more on slowing up the Jets attack and then counter-punching off of turnovers than trading chances. They also need Pekka Rinne to be much better.

Steady as she goes! What they brought to the table in second and third periods of game three is exactly when they need again tonight. Byfuglien needs to continue being a beast as he has been pretty much the entire playoffs, but it also wouldn’t hurt to get contributions from Nik Ehlers, Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine – all whom have gone scoreless so fan in this series. The Jets will be bolstered by the return of Mathieu Perreault who has been out since game one of the series against the Minnesota Wild but is now medically cleared. Expect him to take the place of Matt Hendricks (hopefully) or Jack Roslovic (no, what, what?) and see third line duty as Maurice may ease him back into the lineup. His return helps the Jets return to being a true four line team that can roll through lines and worry less about match-ups.

P.K. and the Preds want you to know they aren’t whining about the officials before they whine about the officials…

There is no doubt the Predators are going to come out fast and tough trying to right the wrongs of game three, but with Perreault in the lineup and coming off a game that many suggested was a franchise defining moment, these Jets are full of confidence and it will show in their play. Jets win 6-4.