Even with the Winnipeg Jets off the ice Friday night, there was still plenty of hockey action worth watching - especially if you’re keeping tabs on the future of the franchise. Between an AHL showdown featuring the Manitoba Moose and a standout OHL performance from a pair of Jets prospects, fans had more than enough reason to tune in.
Moose Steal One in Laval Behind Milic’s Heroics
Let’s start in Quebec, where the Manitoba Moose - the Jets’ AHL affiliate - took on the Laval Rocket, one of the league’s top teams this season. The Moose came in short-handed, missing three regulars who are currently up with the big club: forward Danny Zhilkin and defensemen Elias Salomonsson and Isaak Phillips. That’s a significant chunk of talent out of the lineup, especially against a Laval squad that’s been rolling.
The Rocket came out flying in front of their home crowd, outshooting Manitoba 15-7 in the first period. But despite the early pressure, the teams were tied 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
From there, things tightened up. Laval edged Manitoba in shots the rest of the way (19-17), but both goalies slammed the door shut.
Thomas Milic, who’s been steadily raising eyebrows in net for the Moose, was outstanding - stopping 33 of 34 shots for a .971 save percentage.
Overtime solved nothing, with each team managing just a single shot in the extra frame. So it came down to the shootout, where Nikita Chibrikov and Brad Lambert lit the lamp for Manitoba.
Milic did the rest, turning away every Laval attempt to seal the win. He’s now stopped 7 of 8 shootout attempts this season - not bad for a young goaltender still finding his footing in the pros.
Jets Prospects Shine in OHL Showdown
While the Moose were grinding out a win in Laval, a pair of Jets prospects were making noise in the OHL. The Peterborough Petes faced off against the Brantford Bulldogs in a game that featured Winnipeg’s Kieron Walton and Edison Engle - and both players gave fans something to cheer about.
Walton continues to show he’s more than just a name on the prospect list. He was involved in all three of Peterborough’s goals, scoring twice and adding an assist on a power play marker. That’s the kind of offensive impact you want to see from a developing forward - and the kind of performance that keeps him firmly on the Jets’ radar.
On the other side, Engle didn’t find the scoresheet as often, but he made his presence felt. He picked up an assist and finished with a +1 rating in Brantford’s 4-goal effort. Solid, responsible play from the blue line - exactly what you hope for from a young defenseman still honing his game.
And then there’s Caleb Malholtra. The 6’2” center is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft and gave a glimpse of why.
He notched primary assists on both of Brantford’s power play goals and wasn’t shy about getting involved physically, racking up nine penalty minutes. If the Jets find themselves in position to draft him, Friday night’s performance gave a nice preview of what he could bring to the table.
Jets Look to Keep Momentum Going Against Maple Leafs
Now, the attention turns to Saturday’s slate - and there’s plenty to watch. The Moose and Rocket run it back this afternoon, but the main event is tonight, when the Jets host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Canada Life Centre (6 p.m. Central).
After an 11-game losing streak that tested the patience of even the most loyal fans, Winnipeg has flipped the script. The Jets have rattled off four straight wins, knocking off the Kings, Devils, Islanders, and Wild. It’s been a much-needed stretch of positive hockey, and they’ll be looking to keep that going against a Leafs team that’s been trending in the opposite direction.
Toronto had picked up at least a point in 10 straight games before dropping their last two. So while they’re still sitting in a decent spot - tied for 11th in the NHL with 54 points - there’s a bit of vulnerability there.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, is still trying to claw their way back into the playoff picture. At 19-22-5, the Jets sit 31st overall with 43 points, eight back of the final Wild Card spot in the West.
Stat Breakdown: Jets vs. Leafs
Dig into the numbers and the gap between these two teams isn’t as wide as the standings suggest.
- Goals For: Toronto ranks 8th in the league in scoring, while Winnipeg sits 20th. The Leafs can fill the net, no question.
- Goals Against: But they also give up a lot - 8th most in the NHL. Winnipeg’s defense has been a bit tighter, allowing the 16th fewest goals.
- Special Teams: The Jets actually boast the better power play, though they take more penalties - which could give Toronto’s offense some extra chances to capitalize.
Injury Watch
Both teams are dealing with some injury issues heading into tonight’s matchup. Winnipeg is likely to be without defensemen Neal Pionk, Colin Miller, and Haydn Fleury - a significant hit to their blue line depth. Toronto will be missing defenseman Chris Tanev, and there are question marks around forward William Nylander and goalie Anthony Stolarz, both of whom are game-time decisions.
At this point, lineups are still being finalized, so we’re relying on projected combinations from PuckPedia. Expect updates closer to puck drop as coaches make their final decisions.
What’s at Stake
The Jets and Leafs split their season series last year, and with just one meeting this season, tonight’s game will determine the head-to-head winner. For Winnipeg, it’s another opportunity to build on their recent momentum and inch closer to the playoff conversation. For Toronto, it’s a chance to stop the slide and reassert themselves in the East.
Puck drops at 6 p.m. Central.
Two teams with plenty to play for, and plenty of talent on display. Should be a good one.