The Winnipeg Jets have picked up points in 2 straight contests, which is something the NHL franchise hasn’t done since mid-November. With a 4-5-1 record over their last 10 games, the True Northers have been struggling with consistency and that has head coach Scott Arniel often shuffling the forwards lines in search of offense. Tonight’s opponent for Winnipeg has also been having difficulties as of late, with the Edmonton Oilers sporting the same 4-5-1 record in the past 10…but scoring goals is certainly not their issue.

The Oilers (12-11-5) are sitting in 4th in the Pacific Division, but are tied for the 11th worst record in the NHL. The northern Albertans are very capable at lighting red lamps, with the 8th most goals in the league (90 goals), but the problems come at the other end of the ice where Edmonton allowed 100 goals against (tied for 2nd most).

The Jets (14-12-1) also are tied for the 11th worst record in the league, though our club will be in the 6th in the Central Division when they enter action tonight. The differences continue as Winnipeg’s offense and defense put them in ties for the 13th least goals scored and allowed (83 GF/79 GA).

Both squads are coming into tonight’s 9 pm Central start at the Rogers Place off big wins….with Eric Comrie helping the Jets glide to a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres and the Oilers flying high after a 9-4 throttling of the Seattle Kraken.

Lets jump to a look at Winnipeg & Edmonton’s seasons by checking out ESPN‘s team & goaltender comparison numbers:

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The graphics above tell us that Winnipeg’s main advantage is on the defensive & goaltending side of things, though at this point I have yet to receive confirmation on whether rookie Thomas Milic will get the start in net in the back-to-back situation. Edmonton’s offense is great in all situations, at even strength & with a man advantage, but maybe a bit surprising to see they also have a good penalty kill.

The True Northers got into a bit of a run & gun game against the Sabres, which is not something I would recommend tonight if they want to walk out victorious. They should also mind the many turnovers they gave up in the defensive & neutral zones…cause the Oil won’t struggle to make Winnipeg pay like Buffalo did last night.

The Jets-Oilers contest will feature some of the NHL’s best scorers, as Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (tied for 2nd with 40 pts) & Leon Draisaitl (tied for 8th with 35) will go up against Mark Scheifele (tied for 8th with 35) & Kyle Connor (tied for 11th with 34).

Haven’t seen any update on the line up situation for Winnipeg, so we don’t know the starting goaltender or whether the mid-game move to put Adam Lowry in the middle of Jonathan Toews & Cole Perfetti will carry over. For now, we will go with PuckPedia‘s predicted line ups for tonight’s clash, which are based on the club’s last games:

WINNIPEG JETS LINE UP

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EDMONTON OILERS LINE UP

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I was going to post something showing the differences between the Oilers & Jets’ forward lines scoring….but I didn’t want to depress anyone on this frigid cold Saturday in the Peg. We all know that secondary scoring is a problem and are anxiously awaiting goals from the True North middle six.

That is about all that I got this afternoon….but despite seeing some positive signs last night versus the Sabres, there is still much work to do to tighten up the Jets’ play. Quicker decision making is needed, but that isn’t just a puck carrier issue because often that delay in moving the puck up the ice is because the other players haven’t worked hard enough to make themselves available for the break out pass.

The rest of December offers our team very little reprieve, as the schedule will continue to throw quality opposition like the Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, & Colorado Avalanche. That means every point matters….so here’s hoping to see a full effort by the True Northers tonight. And if at all possible, a goal by one of the many snake bitten forwards would be much appreciated.

Double header of hockey for me today!! The Manitoba Moose will play the Iowa Wild at 6 pm Central, which I am very much looking forward to because the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate has scored the least amount of goals in the minors while also allowing 7th most against. Hopefully the kids can pad their point columns in the two game weekend series. Stay warm everyone!!

Go Winnipeg!!!!!

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POST-GAME INFO

Scoring Summary: (courtesy of ESPN)

FINAL SCORE:  

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Game Stats: (courtesy of MoneyPuck)

Expected Goals (all): 

Expected Goals (5on5): 

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BOJA’S Post-Game Thoughts:

Not sure when I will get all the post-game stuff added to the article due to the late start. Will try to get the summary & stats added fairly quickly, but my thoughts may have to wait until Sunday morning.