The Winnipeg Jets had a pretty easy time disposing the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night but they’ll face much sterner opposition Saturday afternoon, as the surging Washington Capitals pay their only visit to the MTS Centre this season. 

The Capitals come into the contest riding a six-game winning streak which included a 5-3 decision over the Jets back on November 25 at the Verizon Centre. 

The Perrault-Scheifele-Stafford trio were the best line Wednesday night against Toronto. Scheifele and Stafford shone brightest, showing terrific chemistry together. Anthony Peluso scored his first goal of the season (we’re still in shock by this) thus most likely keeping Joel Armia in the press box for another game.

Ben Chiarot won the hardest shot at the Skills Competition Thursday night. He also had a decent game Wednesday which should earn him another game over Adam Pardy. Head coach Paul Maurice may juggle his defensive pairings for matchup purposes but that won’t be known until game time.

Connor Hellebuyck was excellent on Wednesday night and is most likely getting the call against Washington. How he fares against Alexander Ovechkin and company may determine if he or Michael Hutchinson get more time between the pipes.

Rumour has it that guy who wear #8 for the Capitals is pretty good at this hockey thing. Ovechkin leads the Caps with 12 goals and is always dangerous. Beware of Evgeny Kuznetsov. The silky Russian’s 26 points (8G, 18A) leads the team and he’s been a force all season. 

An underrated group that gets overshadowed by the dynamic forwards but the blue line has been a tower of strength for the Caps. John Carlson’s 18 points (4G, 14A) has him in the top ten in scoring amongst defencemen. 

Braden Holtby is having an outstanding season so far, registering a 1.96 GAA and a .927 save percentage. There is plenty of talk that Holtby may represent Team Canada at this fall’s World Cup. At this moment, he’s a good bet to wear the Maple Leaf.

Game Day Prediction: The Caps are on fire and usually play well against the Jets. As much as I want the home team to win, there are too many issues with the defence. Hellebuyck will be formidable, but the Caps sneak away with a 3-2 victory.

Obvious Prediction: The MTS Centre will be quieter than normal because of the 2:00 pm start. Kids will be in full force and the adults will be hungover from their respective Christmas parties.

Not So Obvious Prediction: Ovechkin will be held goalless by Hellebuyck. You heard it here first.