Playoff Push #65: Winnipeg Jets host Ottawa Senators

The Jets enter today’s game *still* holding onto the first Wild Card spot in the west with a 32-20-12 record. This is good enough for fourth in the Central Division and fifth in the Western Conference. They host the Ottawa Senators. The Senators currently hold a 27-23-11 record and are 11th in the Eastern Conference.

Jets won their last game decisively against the Kings and are 6-2-2 in their last ten. The Senators meanwhile have only lost one game in regulation in their last 10, with a 7-1-2 record.

Playoff Push Update:

Lines provided by DailyFaceoff.com

The Jets’ forward line up is probably the best seen in quite some while in terms of depth. New addition Lee Stempniak gets his start on the Jets third line with Corsi superstar Adam Lowry, and the multi-talented Blake Wheeler. Not bad change from his linemates in New York.

Jay Harrison continues serving as Dustin Byfuglien’s defensive partner. With Ben Chiarot and Grant Clistome injured and Adam Pardy a healthy scratch, the Jets blue line features arguably their fourth and fifth left-handed defensemen. Luckily for the Jets, their right-handed side is strong enough to carry the pairs.

Michael Hutchinson has taken the starting role, with his seventh start in eight games. Hutchinson has a 19-7-5 record and a 0.919 save percentage. Back up Ondrej Pavelec has a 13-13-7 record and a 0.909 save percentage.

Bobby Ryan leads the Senators’ forwards in points with 47, while Mike Hoffman leads in goals with 23.

Senators offense streams through Erik Karlsson, who currently leads the Senators defenders and forwards with 48 points. Jets fans will get a peek at Patrick Wiercioch, an underrated defenseman who I suggested previously the Jets to pursue in placement of Jay Harrison or Mark Stuart.

The rookie Andrew Hammond has been on fire since entering the league last month. The 27-year-old has a 0.955 save percentage and a 5-0-1 record. Hammond is reportedly playing his second game of back-to-backs, which usually is unadvisable.

Game Day Predictions: Jets always will be predicted to win. We are a Jets blog.

Obvious Predictions: A goal from new-guy Lee Stempniak would be a neat thing. Jets newest additions have performed well in putting up points in their first game thus far.

Not So Obvious Predictions: Pattrick Wiercioch makes a few noticeably bad plays that stand out and everyone tells me I’m crazy for wanting him as a #2/3 LHD.

The Jets Nation tracksuit shirt is back in the gear store (click link up top):

Shipping is free in Canada and partial proceeds goes to Earth Group.