Two teams that won’t see playoff action next month meet up Wednesday night at the MTS Centre. The Winnipeg Jets versus the Ottawa Senators doesn’t scream must-see TV unless you’re an absolute die-hard fan of either one of these franchises. But there is a game to be played so we shall see hockey performed. To what level we’re not exactly sure.

Quick note: The Senators are 5-0 at the MTS Centre since the 2.0 Jets arrived in 2011. The Senators love Winnipeg.

Courtesy of DailyFaceoff.com

Without question the line of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler and Nikolaj Ehlers has been the Jets top trio recently. The line has been involved in 6 of the last 7 Jet goals while generating plenty of scoring chances. With the rest of the team struggling, it will be up to 55, 26 and 27 to make some noise on the scoresheet.

The blueline did not have its best game Monday in Philadelphia as they let the Flyers enter the zone with ease on too many occasions. Yes injuries have decimated the defence but if some of these players (Melchiori, Stuart, Chiarot) want jobs next year, they need to step up their game. Josh Morrissey is waiting in the wings to take up a spot next season and it’s up to the current group to step up or ship out.

Ondrej Pavelec has played very well in his last three starts so expect him to get the call against Ottawa. Pavelec has compiled a .937 save percentage in those three starts which is commendable. The problem with Pavelec is sustainability over the long haul. Can he continue this little hot streak? Or will he revert to his old ways?

The Senators get the bulk of their scoring from their two top lines. Mike Hoffman leads the team with 27 goals while Winnipeg native and former Brandon Wheat King Mark Stone has 23 goals this season. Bobby Ryan remains a dangerous player even though he hasn’t scored in his last 10 games. He may be on the verge of a breakout game.

What can be said about Erik Karlsson that hasn’t already been said? The Swedish superstar leads the league in assists (62) and is a sure-fire finalist for the Norris Trophy, an award he claimed last season. Karlsson is the best player on the Ottawa Senators and fans attending the game are in for a treat as #65 is an absolute pleasure to watch.

Goalie coach Rick Wamsley has stated that Andrew Hammond will get the start on Wednesday night. The Hamburglar is having a decent season, posting a .912 save percentage and a 2.72 goals against average. Last season, Hammond had a brilliant night at the MTS Centre, making 35 saves many of them of the spectacular variety as the Senators won 3-1. The Hamburglar and the Sens are hoping for a repeat performance.

Game Prediction: The Sens are still mathematically alive for a playoff berth while the Jets are pursuing Auston Matthews. The Sens play well in Winnipeg so I’m calling a 4-2 Ottawa victory.

Obvious Prediction: Only one anthem will be sung prior to the game.

Not So Obvious Prediction:  A line other than Scheifele, Wheeler, Ehlers will score for the Jets.