The Winnipeg Jets are rolling into Tampa with some momentum-and a lineup that’s starting to take shape in intriguing ways.
Fresh off a 4-3 win over the Devils in New Jersey, the Jets are looking to build on that effort as they head into the second stop of a four-game road trip. Thursday night’s matchup against the 33-14-4 Tampa Bay Lightning is no small task, but it’s also a chance for Winnipeg (21-24-7) to prove they can hang with one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
The puck drops at 6:00 PM Central, and the Jets aren’t expected to make any major changes to the group that got the job done in Newark. That means Elias Salomonsson is once again slotted into the top six on the blue line-a significant opportunity for the 20-year-old Swede, who’s been making the most of his extended look. With Neal Pionk, Haydn Fleury, and Colin Miller all still out, the door remains open for Salomonsson and fellow young defenseman Isaak Phillips to continue carving out their roles.
Up front, the lines remain steady. The top unit of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Gabriel Vilardi continues to carry the offensive load, while Cole Perfetti, Sean Monahan, and Alex Iafallo round out a second line that’s shown flashes of chemistry. The third line-Nino Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Vladislav Namestnikov-brings that familiar mix of grit and two-way reliability, while the fourth line of Cole Koepke, Morgan Barron, and Tanner Pearson gives the Jets some depth and energy.
Connor Hellebuyck is back between the pipes, and that’s always a stabilizing presence for Winnipeg. With Hellebuyck in net, the Jets know they’ve got a chance to steal one, even against a high-powered Tampa Bay squad.
Here’s how the Jets are expected to line up Thursday night in Florida:
Forwards:
- Kyle Connor - Mark Scheifele - Gabriel Vilardi
- Cole Perfetti - Sean Monahan - Alex Iafallo
- Nino Niederreiter - Adam Lowry - Vladislav Namestnikov
- Cole Koepke - Morgan Barron - Tanner Pearson
Defense:
- Josh Morrissey - Dylan DeMelo
- Dylan Samberg - Elias Salomonsson
- Logan Stanley - Luke Schenn
Goaltender:
- Connor Hellebuyck
The Jets still have stops in Florida and Dallas before heading back home, but this one looms large. Tampa Bay brings speed, skill, and playoff pedigree, and Winnipeg will need to be sharp in all three zones. But with Hellebuyck in net, a steady top six on defense, and a forward group that’s starting to find some rhythm, the Jets have the pieces to make this road trip a statement.