The Winnipeg Jets have been rolling, winning nine straight games and creating a bit of a distance for themselves from the pack, but tonight’s fixture can be referred to as a trap game, and although the San Jose Sharks sit in dead last in the NHL, their plethora of young talent has been known to shock opponents.
Rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini is leading the charge for the Sharks. In 46 games, the 18-year-old has scored 18 goals and 41 points, tied for the team lead in points and second in goals despite missing 12 games.
Alongside Celebrini is another stud rookie, Will Smith, and second-year pro William Eklund. Consistency has been a bit of an issue for the young team, but on any given night, their skill can outweigh their deficiencies.
For the Jets to come out on top, they need to continue to be hard on the puck and limit time and space for the Sharks forwards. The Sharks penalty kill ranks 23rd in the league and is something the Jets should be able to exploit. Their power play is clicking at a historic pace and could be the deciding factor in tonight’s fixture.
Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck will make their return to the Jets lineup tonight after they competed at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Morrissey missed the finals of the tournament with an illness and was absent from the Jets lineup in their return. He’ll retake his spot on the top defence pairing and power play unit.
Hellebuyck did not dress against the St. Louis Blues, allowing him to receive extra rest before gearing up for the final stretch of games. The Dallas Stars are keeping the pressure on the Jets for first place in the Pacific Division and every point counts. Dropping points to a side that should be beaten could make or break the seedings as the playoffs roll around.
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Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators, according to HC Scott Arniel.
