Jets vs. Canadiens: Winnipeg Looks to Head into Olympic Break on a High Note
The Winnipeg Jets have one last shot to make a statement before the NHL presses pause for the Olympic break - and they’ll have to do it against a surging Montreal Canadiens team that’s comfortably in playoff position. Puck drops tonight at Canada Life Centre, where the Jets will try to rebound from a tough overtime loss in Dallas and head into the three-week hiatus with some momentum.
Let’s break it down.
The Stage: One More Before the Break
This is it - the final game before the NHL’s Olympic shutdown from February 6 to 24, marking the league’s return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. The Jets, sitting at 22-25-8 and nine points back of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, are in desperate need of points. The Canadiens, meanwhile, have been trending in the right direction, going 5-3-2 in their last 10 and holding steady in the top eight of the league standings at 31-17-8.
Both teams are coming off busy stretches, and both would love to head into the break on a high note. For Winnipeg, it’s about staying in the hunt. For Montreal, it’s about continuing to climb.
Recent History: Familiar Foes
These two teams met earlier this season in Montreal, where the Canadiens edged out a 3-2 shootout win. But historically, the Jets have held their own in this matchup, going 5-2-3 in their last 10 games against the Habs. A win tonight would not only even the season series but also give Winnipeg a much-needed confidence boost heading into the stretch run.
Lineups and Injury Notes
Winnipeg Jets Projected Lines:
- Connor - Scheifele - Nyquist
- Perfetti - Lowry - Vilardi
- Niederreiter - Toews - Namestnikov
- Koepke - Barron - Iafallo
Defense:
- Morrissey - DeMelo
- Samberg - Salomonsson
- Stanley - Schenn
Goalies:
- Hellebuyck (expected starter)
- Comrie
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to get the nod in net before heading off to represent Team USA in Italy. He enters the night with a 13-15-7 record, a 2.75 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage - solid numbers given the team’s defensive inconsistencies at times. The lineup remains largely unchanged from the one that battled Dallas to overtime, a sign that head coach Rick Bowness liked what he saw in that effort.
On the injury front, the Jets are still without Haydn Fleury (upper body), Neal Pionk (lower body), and Colin Miller, who recently underwent knee surgery. All are listed as week-to-week and not expected back until after the Olympic break.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lines:
- Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
- Slafkovsky - Kapanen - Demidov
- Veleno - Evans - Bolduc
- Anderson - Danault - Gallagher
Defense:
- Hutson - Dobson
- Matheson - Guhle
- Xhekaj - Carrier
Goalies:
- Dobes (expected starter)
- Montembeault
Montreal’s lineup is mostly healthy, and their depth is showing. Jakub Dobes is expected to start in goal, continuing his strong rookie campaign alongside Samuel Montembeault. Dobes has put together an 18-5-4 record with a 2.96 GAA and a .891 save percentage - not elite numbers, but he’s been clutch when it counts and has played well enough to keep the Canadiens in games consistently.
Injury-wise, Montreal is still missing Alex Newhook (ankle) and Patrik Laine (abdomen), both out long-term. Alexandre Texier is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body issue and may sit this one out before heading to the Olympics to represent France.
Players to Watch
Mark Scheifele - Winnipeg Jets
If there’s one Jet who’s been quietly putting together a standout season, it’s Mark Scheifele. The veteran center has 67 points in 55 games - 27 goals and 40 assists - and has six points in his last five outings.
Despite not being named to Team Canada, Scheifele is playing like a man on a mission. His consistency has been a bright spot in a season where Winnipeg has struggled to find its footing, and he’ll be key tonight against a stingy Canadiens squad.
Nick Suzuki - Montreal Canadiens
Nick Suzuki continues to be the engine that drives Montreal’s offense. With 65 points in 56 games (18 goals, 47 assists), he’s once again pacing the Habs in production.
He’s coming into this one hot, with eight points in his last five games, and his chemistry with Cole Caufield - who leads the team with 32 goals - is something the Jets will need to contain early and often. Suzuki’s ability to control the pace of play and distribute the puck makes him a matchup nightmare.
What’s at Stake
For the Jets, this is more than just one game. It’s a chance to head into the break with a renewed sense of belief - and maybe plant a seed for a second-half surge. They’ve shown flashes, like their comeback effort against Dallas, but they need points, and they need them now.
For the Canadiens, it’s about staying sharp and stacking wins. They’ve got playoff positioning to maintain - and possibly improve - and a win tonight would be another step in that direction.
**Puck drop is set for just after 6:00 p.m. CST in Winnipeg.
** With the Olympic break looming, expect both teams to come out with energy and urgency. The Jets want to send their fans home happy and give themselves something to build on.
The Canadiens? They’re looking to keep the good times rolling.
Let’s see who gets the last word before the world turns its eyes to Italy.