It’s game day!
The Winnipeg Jets take flight tonight to face the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place in the Jets’ fifth game of the season.
See how your Winnipeg Jets shape up tonight against the Edmonton Oilers.
Previous Game Recap & Statistics
The Jets continue their losing streak heading into Edmonton as they lost their preview game against the Vegas Golden Knights. However, this game was so much better for the Jets overall, and they were just outscored.
First Period
The Winnipeg Jets wanted to get off on the right foot early in the game against Vegas, and Alex Iafallo made sure to get that done as he netted the Jets’ first goal of the game just 90 seconds into the game. However, the Jets would be unable to kill penalties as Jonathan Marchessault scored one of two power-play goals for Vegas late in the first period. The period ended hard-hitting and tied at one goal for each team.
Second Period
Brett Howden took charge early for Vegas to take a 2-1 lead. The period would see Vegas in the lead up 2-1 until the 15-minute mark when Alec Martinez scored to put the Golden Knights up 3-1. Cole Perfetti would score his first goal of the season just 33 seconds after Martinez scored, putting the lead Vegas had built to just 3-2.
Third Period
The Jets had a power play opportunity at the halfway mark of the third period when Alex Iafallo scored his second of the game. The Jets tied the game at three goals for each team, but Jack Eichel would score Vegas’ second power-play goal of the game, and Vegas would retain the lead. The Jets would pull their goal almost immediately after Vegas’ power-play goal, hoping to tie the game and head to overtime. However, Nicholas Roy sealed the game for Vegas with an empty net goal, and the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets five goals to three.
Season Statistics Up Until Now
Throughout the Winnipeg Jets’ four games so far, the Jets currently hold a record of one win, three losses, and zero overtime losses (1-3-0). The Jets now sit at dead last in the central division.
Preview of Winnipeg Jets vs Calgary Flames
Tonight’s Projected Lineup
Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Mason Appleton
Cole Perfetti – Vladislav Namestnikov – Nikolaj Ehlers
Alex Iafallo – Adam Lowry – Nino Niederreiter
Morgan Barron – Rasmus Kupari – David Gustafsson
Josh Morrissey – Dylan DeMelo
Brendan Dillon – Neal Pionk
Dylan Samberg – Nate Schmidt
Connor Hellebuyck & Laurent Brossoit
Lineup Changes From Last Game & AHL Callups
In the Jets’ loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, Nate Schmidt was a healthy scratch, while Logan Stanley drew in for his first game of the season. Nate Schmidt draws back in Saturday’s contest in Edmonton, replacing Logan Stanley and pairing up with Dylan Samberg.
Laurent Brossoit started in the contest versus Vegas, and Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start tonight against the Edmonton Oilers.
Dominic Toninato is the first player to be recalled from the Manitoba Moose. The Jets called up Toninato on Friday, October 20, and look to play Toninato sooner rather than later.
Key Things To Look For In Tonight’s Game
There are far more things to look for in tonight’s matchup versus the Edmonton Oilers. Take a look at what is
Will Bowness Switch The Lines Mid-Game?
After the Jets’ top line looked lost without Vilardi, Bowness may see if the last game was just a simple hiccup and wants this hiccup to work its way out. Appleton was thrust from the third line to the Jets top line, and his play could just be an adjustment period, especially against a top team like Vegas. I wonder if Appleton doesn’t look as effective as Bowness hopes if Bones would move either Niederreiter, Iafallo, or Ehlers into that top right-wing position.
Can The Jets Penalty Kill Be Effective This Game?
The Jets penalty kill went 0/2 last game, an abysmal effort to minimize Vegas’ chances to win. With a team that is arguably better on the power play in Edmonton, the Jets most likely will have put some additional focus in practice to work on their penalty kill. It will be interesting to see if the Jets can make the penalty kill more effective against the Edmonton Oilers tonight.
Will Ehlers Play His Way Into The First Line Position?
This storyline ties into Bowness switching lines, and it’s a true testament to the upward trend of Ehlers’s play over the last few games. Ehlers has finally gotten onto the scoresheet, and Bowness has seen what a healthy Ehlers is capable of.
Which Winnipeg Jet Is Close To Career Milestones
- Nikolaj Ehlers is two points away from 400 career points. He could achieve this tonight versus Edmonton if he records a two-point game.
- Mason Appleton is two assists away from 50 career assists. He could achieve this tonight versus Edmonton if he records a two-assist game.
- Vladislav Namestnikov is three assists away from 150 career assists. He could achieve this tonight versus Edmonton if he records a three-assist game.
- Brendan Dillon is three assists away from 150 career assists. He could achieve this tonight versus Edmonton if he records a three-assist game.
- Josh Morrissey is four points away from 250 career points. He could achieve this tonight versus Edmonton if he records a four-point game.
- Declan Chisholm can record his first career NHL point if he scores a goal or records an assist in tonight’s game versus Edmonton.
