logo
JetsNation has no direct affiliation to the Winnipeg Jets, True North Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
JGD 55: Return of the Pavelec
alt
Cam Farquharson
Feb 13, 2016, 17:55 ESTUpdated: Invalid DateTime
Comments
Tonight the Jets are
on the road as they begin a 4 game road trip with their first stop in
Edmonton as they face the Oilers.
Last time the Jets
faced the Oilers, the Oilers won 3-1. This is the 2nd game
of a 3 game season series.
Lets break the game
down.
The Jets fly into
Edmonton having won 2 of their last 5 contests. They have scored 11
goals over that period while letting 19 goals in themselves. The Jets
have not been able to find traction or consistency throughout the
season and it shows in their record.
The Oilers are in a
similar position, despite having rookie Connor McDavid back from
injury. They also have only won 2 of their last 5 games. They have
scored 15 goals for and have had 19 goals scored against. Though, 12
of the Oilers’ goals for came in 2 games.
Both of these teams
are fighting for a high draft pick and whispers of Auston Matthews
can be heard.
Unfortunately, the run of rookie goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has ended. Pavelec has returned from injury and is looking to take over. At least, until there is a roster move. Does this signal the official white flag on the season? We will see.
LINEUPS
Courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com
Winnipeg Jets (24-27-3)

Despite losing to the Boston Bruins, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little both had 2 point nights. As well, Nik Ehlers scored his 13th of the season on the powerplay.
There is still some uncertainty with Andrew Ladd, as there has been no resolution to his contract status or any word of potential trades.

Dustin Byfuglien had an assist on Little’s goal, putting his point total to 34 points. Paul Maurice had an epiphany against the Bruins and opted to not play Mark Stuart on the penalty kill, which is a very good thing. Hopefully this will be a trend that continues.

Unfortunately, Connor Hellebuyck was sent back down to the Manitoba Moose after the game against the Bruins. This signals the return of Ondrej Pavelec. Expect Michael Hutchinson to get the nod tonight, but don’t be surprised of Maurice pulls a fast one and names Pavelec as starter.
Edmonton Oilers (22-29-5)

Connor McDavid is a scoring sensation, if only the rest of his team could keep up. McDavid had 5 points against the Maple Leafs, finding some excellent chemistry with Jordan Eberle. 
The absence of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a glaring hole to the Oilers’ lineup, like always, as they match up against the Jets.

The Oilers have a pretty sparse defence and hopefully the Jets can take advantage of that. What is crazy is the Oilers have a defence that make the Jets’ blue line look good.

Cam Talbot will most likely get the nod for tonight’s game against the Jets. In his first season as a bonafide starter, Talbot is posting a 2.66 Goals Against Average and a save percentage of .914.
PREDICTIONS
Game Day Prediction: The Jets were stomped by the Boston Bruins. Expect them to come out flying and actually win the game against the Oilers 4-3.
Obvious Prediction: 
There will be goals and lots of them. Connor McDavid is coming off a 5 point night where he walked around a decimated Maple Leafs roster. Expect at least 2 points from McDavid. However, Nik Ehlers will also have a multi-point night with 3 points.
Not So Obvious Prediction: The Jets haven’t been horrible in 5v5 play this season; special teams has been their downfall this entire season. Expect Paul Maurice to finally wise up to this fact and not play the worst penalty killer in the league, Mark Stuart, on the penalty kill.

Breaking News