The 2015-16 season has been a nightmare for both the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks. At this time last year, both teams were in the midst of battling for playoff positions that had both hockey-mad cities frothing at the mouth with anticipation. Fast forward to this year and the only things both cities are waiting for is the draft lottery on April 30, and when the golf courses are open. (They are open on the West Coast, not yet in the Prairies.)

The Jets have won the previous two meetings, 4-1 back on November 18 at the MTS Centre and 5-2 on March 14 at Rogers Arena.

Courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com

More changes for the Jets and for reasons no one wants. Mathieu Perreault suffered a concussion Sunday afternoon against Anaheim and he will be out indefinitely. Nikolaj Ehlers and Joel Armia returned to practice on Monday but both players are expected to remain out of the lineup for one more game. Marko Dano is expected to return after missing Sunday’s game with the flu. Expect Chase De Leo to play in his second NHL game on Tuesday with Armia and Ehlers not ready yet.

No changes expected on the blueline although veteran Mark Stuart returned to practice on Monday. Stuart has missed the last six weeks of action due to a broken hand. Paul Postma scored his first goal in over a year against Anaheim on Sunday. 

Michael Hutchinson played well the last time these two teams met and it should be enough for him to get the start. However, the organization favours Ondrej Pavelec for some unknown reason so don’t be surprised if the Czech Republic native gets the start.

The Canucks have been shutout in their last two games which prompted coach Willie Desjardins to make an adjustment. Alexandre Burrows has been reunited with the Sedins in order to get that trio going again. Jake Virtanen joins Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi to add some muscle to that line. The Canucks recently recalled veteran Chris Higgins from Utica in the AHL to give them some experience in the bottom six.

The Canucks have high hopes for Nikita Tryamkin to be a dominant blueline presence for years to come. The 6-7, 228 pound Russian defender is a massive human who possesses a mean streak as well as some offensive flair. If he lives up to the hype, the Canucks have found someone they can build their defence around.

The Canucks have been rotating goalies and if the rotation continues, expect Jacob Markstrom to start in goal for Vancouver. Ryan Miller does not have fond memories of Winnipeg. Back in his Buffalo Sabre days, Miller was the victim of the “Silver Medal” chant which was aimed at the goalie following the 2010 Olympics. In case you have forgotten, here it is.

Game Day Prediction: The Jets might have the Canucks number this season. However, the Jets are 4-13-2 since January 10 at home. The Canucks aren’t very good either. This is a toss up. We’ll go with Vancouver winning in a shootout ensuring the Jets draw closer to Auston Matthews.

Obvious Prediction: This will be a bad hockey game. Trust me.

Not So Obvious Prediction: There will be one really lovely high-skilled play by someone. By whom and which team, we are not certain as of this time.