Preview: Winnipeg Jets @ Philadelphia Flyers
The Winnipeg Jets should have a lot of motivation coming into Thursday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in Pennsylvania. Firstly, the True Northers will be looking to avoid matching their season-long losing streak of 4 games when the puck drops at 6 pm Central. Secondly, the Jets will be hoping to get their revenge for the 2-1 shootout loss to the Flyers on March 1st. And thirdly, Winnipeg needs to keep picking up points to keep their lead on their Central Division rivals is dwindling (6 pts up on the Dallas Stars).
During Winnipeg’s recent losing skid, the team has managed to play fairly well defensively (average of 2.33 goals against per game), but the offensive output has dried up (average of 1.33 goals for per game). The Jets’ powerplay finally ended their drought by getting 2 goals with the man-advantage against the Isles, but they still need to find a solution to their 5 on 5 scoring woes.
Since it is well before the Flyers & Jets get down to their pre-game skates, so we will have to rely on PuckPedia’s suggestions for tonight’s lineups. Winnipeg may have to make some changes to the lines below, as speedy Finn Rasmus Kupari seemed to sustain a knee injury during the Jets’ last outing. The Jets’ goalie will also be another decision coach Scott Arniel has to make, as Winnipeg will be playing on back-to-back nights and we’ll have to see if the staff opts to use starter Connor Hellebuyck against the New Jersey Devils on Friday. Finally, shutdown defender Dylan Samberg is also expected to return to the lineup after dealing with a family issue, so the defensive pairings below will change accordingly.
The Winnipeg Jets (42-16-4) are currently tied for the National Hockey League’s top spot with the Washington Capitals, while the Philadelphia Flyers (27-27-8) hold onto the league’s 25th spot. Despite being that low in the standings, the NHL’s parity is on display when you consider that Philly is only 5 pts back of the Eastern Conference’s final wildcard spot. The biggest obstacle for the Flyers’ playoff hopes is the fact that there are 5 teams between them and the franchise that holds onto the #8 spot (currently the Ottawa Senators).
Okay, time to move onto the numbers so lets check out how the two franchises compare based on their 2024-25 season stats and ESPN’s look at the potential starting goalies in the graphics below:
Today is the final full day before the NHL’s trade deadline hits on Friday afternoon, so it is possible that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff makes some moves today but I personally think he will wait until tomorrow to pull off any transactions. The main reason for that is to avoid the need for any current Jet player to sneak through waivers should the franchise acquire extra players….but as of tomorrow the 23 man roster limit disappears so that will no longer be an issue, as long as Winnipeg can fit their salaries under the cap.
Alright, time to get to my paid occupation, so that is all I have for now. Lets hear it in the Comment section if you think the Winnipeg Jets will avoid matching their season-long losing streak against Philly tonight? Have a great day.
Go Winnipeg!!...
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