Don’t call it a comeback! The Winnipeg Jets take on the Chicago Blackhawks in a game that will see Andrew Ladd take on his former team while playing for… his former-er team? Formerist team? More former team? Whatever the case, it’ll also be Marko Dano’s first game against the Hawks, adding intrigue to a game that involves two teams in two very different positions in the Western Conference.

Winnipeg Jets lines courtesy of Daily Faceoff

It’s likely that these lines change; JC Lipon was left a bit banged up yesterday, so Nic Petan will come up in his place and likely play on the third line while Thorburn comes down. Other than that, it looks like a carry-over of the group that took on the Flames. 

Chicago Blackhawks lines courtesy of Daily Faceoff

The Hawks seem to be experimenting with the fourth line left wing spot, so we likely won’t know who fills it until pregame warmups. Does it really matter, though? Their team is loaded. Ladd will play on the top line with a couple of potential future Hall of Famers in Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.  Art Ross favourite Patrick Kane is in his business-as-usual spot with Artem & Artemi. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook both run their own high minute pairings now. It’s not fair, really.

It looks like Ondrej Pavelec will start for the Jets. He’s lost three of his last five starts but has been over 0.925 in three of them. If they get the goalie the Pavel that faced the Flames, the Jets are in bad shape. The one that took on the Avalanche, Oilers, and Habs, though? He could make this game interesting.

Scott Darling starts for the Hawks. The 6’6 newcomer has been one of the league’s most dependable backups since bursting onto the scene last year, but has been less than stellar of late. He hasn’t won or had a >0.910 appearance in over a month, going 0-2 with two relief games in that stretch.

Puck drop is at 7:00 PM local time. See you then!