It feels like it’s been forever without Jets hockey, but that all changes tonight. After starting the season with a 6-0 win against the Edmonton Oilers, the Jets followed their opening game with 2-1 overtime wins against the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota Wild. The Jets have been off since Sunday night, and this rare lengthy break in the schedule won’t happen again until the “4 nations face off” break in February. Tonight, the Jets are back at home to take on the 0-2-2 San Jose Sharks at 7 pm CT.

After almost the first 2 weeks of the NHL season, the Jets are 1 of only 3 teams that remain undefeated. At the bottom of the standings, the Sharks remain 1 of only 3 teams to not win a game so far, in addition to the 0-4-0 Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche (who would’ve thought?). Tonight was supposed to be the 1st night that Jets fans could see the 2024 1st overall pick, Macklin Celebrini, in action, but he will not be in the lineup as he continues to recover from an injury. Celebrini scored his 1st NHL goal and added his 1st NHL assist in his 1st and so far only NHL game on October 10th.

The Jets did their final full practice in preparation for tonight’s game on Thursday morning. One of the Jets currently injured defenceman, Logan Stanley, was seen in a regular uniform at practice. Head coach Scott Arniel confirmed yesterday that Stanley is still without an official timeline to return, but he won’t need a “conditioning stint” with the Manitoba Moose before returning to action.

Tonight’s game will be a special night for 1 lucky fan who will be in attendance at Canada Life Centre. The Jets will be crowning a very special milestone for the “20 millionth guest” to have entered the doors at the downtown arena in Winnipeg. In collaboration with True North Sports & Entertainment, the 20 millionth fan will receive the following prizes: A Winnipeg Jets VIP Experience, $1000 credit for Jets gear & concessions, 2 tickets to a concert or game at Canada Life Centre of your choice, and finally, a 1 of 1 20 millionth fan Winnipeg Jets jersey. Best of luck for those headed to the game tonight!

Back to the game itself, the Jets will be battling a tired Sharks team who lost 4-2 last night to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sharks have now played 4 games, while the Jets remain one of the few teams to have only played 3 games. That being said, the Jets are taking no chances with their lineup tonight, as they will be sticking with the same lines that have kept them successful in their first 3 games.

Staring in goal for the Sharks will be Mackenzie Blackwood. After allowing 5 goals in his 1st game of the season, Blackwood rebounded by only allowing 2 goals on 38 shots in his last start. Blackwood is now 0-0-2 with a 3.34 GAA and a .910 SV%. The Jets starting goalie will once again be Connor Hellebuyck, the NHL’s “2nd star” for the 1st week of the new season. Hellebuyck has looked like he’s in Vezina form thus far, rocking an impressive 0.66 GAA and a .976 SV% with 1 shutout.

The puck drop against former Jet Tyler Toffoli and the rest of the Sharks is at 7 pm CT. Stay tuned here at Jets Nation for a post game instant reaction, recapping and summarizing tonight’s match.

Connor – Scheifele – Vilardi

Perfetti – Namestnikov – Ehlers

Niederreiter – Lowry – Appleton

Barron – Kupari – Iafallo

Morrissey – DeMelo

Samberg – Pionk

Fleury – Miller

Hellebuyck

Comrie