The Winnipeg Jets are on the hunt for their third consecutive road victory as they face off against the Anaheim Ducks, a team that’s been on a tear recently. Fresh off a thrilling 3-2 overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks, the Jets are eager to keep their playoff dreams alive and kicking.
This matchup marks the second clash of the season between these two squads, with Anaheim having taken the first game 4-1 back in November. As both teams jockey for playoff positioning, this game could be pivotal in the Western Conference race. The Ducks are sitting just two points ahead of the Seattle Kraken for third place in the Pacific Division, making every point crucial.
Lineup Dynamics
Anaheim has been one of the league’s standout teams lately, boasting a 10-2-0 record over their last 12 games. Meanwhile, the Jets have been holding their own, with an 8-4-3 run over their past 15 contests.
However, Winnipeg has struggled to string together road wins, achieving back-to-back victories only twice this season. They’ll aim to change that narrative tonight.
A key concern for the Jets is their reliance on top-line scoring. In their recent victory, Kyle Connor and Gabriel Vilardi were instrumental, with Cole Perfetti sealing the win in overtime. Yet, the rest of the lineup has struggled to find the net consistently.
Over the last 15 games, the core group of Connor, Vilardi, Mark Scheifele, Perfetti, and Jonathan Toews has accounted for 25 of the team’s 42 goals. The rest of the forwards have been less productive, with Vladislav Namestnikov, Morgan Barron, and captain Adam Lowry each finding the net only once in recent weeks.
For the Jets to maintain their playoff momentum, they’ll need more balanced scoring. The trade deadline could offer a chance for some much-needed reinforcements, or this could become a focal point come the offseason.
On the flip side, Anaheim’s youthful lineup is thriving. Beckett Sennecke, just 21, has been electric with five goals and six assists during the Ducks’ hot streak.
Cutter Gauthier, 22, has chipped in with six goals and four assists. Meanwhile, 25-year-old defenseman Jackson LaCombe, riding high from his international success, has added 10 assists in the same period.
With the Jets battling for a playoff spot and Anaheim’s young guns firing on all cylinders, Connor Hellebuyck will need to be at his best in goal.
Goalie Showdown
For Winnipeg, Connor Hellebuyck stands with a 13-16-7 record, a 2.79 GAA, and a .900 save percentage. Against Anaheim, he’s been impressive, boasting a 14-2-2 record, a 2.26 GAA, and a .922 save percentage in 18 games.
Anaheim’s Lukas Dostal enters with a 22-13-2 record, a 3.00 GAA, and a .895 save percentage. In his encounters with Winnipeg, he’s managed a 2-1-0 record, a 2.03 GAA, and a .925 save percentage across three games.
As both teams hit the ice tonight, all eyes will be on whether the Jets can find the balanced scoring they need or if the Ducks’ youthful surge will continue to propel them forward.