Playoff Preview – Game 3: Jets return home hungry for victory against Ducks

The Jets will need a little extra push on Monday night as they look to claw back from a 2-0 deficit in their first-round series against the Ducks.

“There’s a long history of down 2-0, feeling pretty down about yourself, and coming back and winning the series,” Maurice told CBC News. “These have been tight, tight games and we just need to find a little more of that confidence that will keep us moving quick through 60 minutes.”

Maurice is right, the games have been tight. But what has separated the two teams so far is the Jets’ inconsistency and the inability to stop the Ducks’ big guns — Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf.

Let’s take a look at how Game 3 will break down.

Lines provided by DailyFaceoff.com.

The Jets’ stars have been silent after two games. Captain Andrew Ladd continues to struggle offensively, scoring just one goal in the last 13 games. Ladd was minus-1 and had three hits in Game 2, but a costly penalty in the third period led to the Ducks’ tying goal.

Even the line of Blake Wheeler-Mark Scheifele-Drew Stafford, who have struggled defensively in this series, have only generated two points against the Ducks.

Adam Pardy’s unexpected Game 2 dangle has earned the blue-liner a chance to play in the third match. Pardy deked out Kyle Palmieri before circling around the net for a wrap-around goal — his first in four years.

With Pardy drawing in, it means Ben Chairot will be scratched for the second straight game.

You can’t blame Ondrej Pavelec for either Jets losses. Pavelec stopped 37 of 39 shots in Game 2 and kept the Jets in front for two periods. The Jets MUST give their goalie some run support in Game 3.

Perry and Getzlaf have combined for three goals and eight points in the first two games of the series. Perry has two goals and two assists while Getzlaf has a goal and three helpers.

The Ducks could be without fourth-line centre, who suffered a lower-body injury.

Cam Fowler and Simon Despres chipped in offensively in Game 2 as both a one assists apiece. Sami Vatenen leads all Ducks defencemen in playoff scoring with a goal and two assists.

Frederik Andersen will get the call in net once again. Andersen has been stellar in the first two games, posting a 1.50 goals-against average and .946 save percentage. Injured goalie John Gibson will travel with the team to Winnipeg but remains sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Game 3 Prediction: This is the first playoff game Winnipeg has hosted since April 28, 1996. The Jets have waited way to long for this opportunity. Jets 3 Ducks 2 (OT)

Obvious Prediction: Only four teams in NHL history have come back from 3-0 playoff series deficits. The Jets don’t want to be in that situation.

Not So Obvious Prediction: Pardy will score in back-to-back games? With a dangle like that, anything is possible.