Jets Searching for Answers After Flat-Out Effort in Loss to Sabres
The Winnipeg Jets didn’t just lose on Monday night - they looked like a team completely out of sync. Dropping a game to the last-place Sabres might not sound catastrophic on paper, especially considering Buffalo had just taken down a surging Wild team. But it was the way the Jets lost - with little energy, urgency, or cohesion - that raised red flags.
Winnipeg’s effort level was so concerning that captain Adam Lowry reportedly called a players-only meeting after the game. That’s not something you see often, especially not this early in the season. But with the Jets slipping to a 13-12-0 record and looking increasingly disconnected on the ice, it’s clear something needed to be said - and soon.
Blue Line in Flux
The team was off on Tuesday, so all eyes will be on the morning skate in Montreal to get an update on defenseman Neal Pionk’s status. If he’s not ready to go, the Jets may turn to prospect Elias Salomonsson to step into the lineup. Whether that means sitting Luke Schenn or Colin Miller remains to be seen, but given the team’s recent struggles, don’t be surprised if the coaching staff looks to shake things up regardless of Pionk’s availability.
Salomonsson, who’s been knocking on the door, could bring a jolt of energy to a blue line that’s been inconsistent. Even if Pionk dresses, there’s a real case to be made for giving the young Swede a shot to inject some life into a group that looked flat-footed against Buffalo.
Forward Group Needs a Spark
Up front, Cole Koepke could be reinserted into the fourth line in an effort to get more jump out of the bottom six. The Jets’ forwards looked disengaged for long stretches on Monday, and Koepke’s tenacity might be just what the team needs to reestablish a forecheck and grind out some momentum.
Canadiens Also Looking to Bounce Back
The Jets won’t be the only team trying to right the ship. Montreal is coming off a 5-2 home loss to the Senators and has dropped two straight. The Canadiens are 3-6-1 in their last 10, and while they’ve shown flashes of promise, consistency has been elusive.
That sets the stage for a matchup between two teams both in need of a response. Montreal will be playing the second half of a back-to-back, while Winnipeg comes in rested but reeling.
Special Teams Could Tip the Balance
If there’s one area where the Jets could tilt the ice in their favor, it’s on special teams. Montreal’s power play ranks 4th in the league - no small feat - so Winnipeg would be wise to avoid the penalty box.
But on the flip side, if the Jets can draw a few calls, they could capitalize. Winnipeg’s power play sits 10th overall, and the Canadiens’ penalty kill has struggled, ranking 25th.
That special teams disparity could be the difference in a game where both teams are trying to claw their way back into form.
Morning Skate Info
The Jets will hit the ice at 10:30 AM local time in Montreal, where lineup decisions will begin to take shape.
Projected Jets Lines and Pairings:
- Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi
- Namestnikov - Toews - Perfetti
- Niederreiter - Lowry - Iafallo
- Pearson - Barron - Nyquist
Defense:
- Morrissey - DeMelo
- Samberg - Schenn
- Stanley - Miller
Goalie:
- Comrie
Projected Canadiens Lines and Pairings:
- Caufield - Suzuki - Bolduc
- Slafkovsky - Kapanen - Demidov
- Texier - Evans - Anderson
- Xhekaj - Veleno - Gallagher
Defense:
- Matheson - Dobson
- Struble - Hutson
- Xhekaj - Carrier
Goalie:
- Montembeault
What to Watch For
This one’s shaping up to be a gut-check game. The Jets are looking for more than just a win - they’re looking for a pulse. After a flat-out performance against the Sabres, Winnipeg needs to show signs of life, whether it’s through lineup changes, special teams execution, or simply playing with more urgency.
Montreal, meanwhile, will be trying to shake off a tough loss on short rest. The Canadiens have the offensive weapons to do damage, especially on the power play, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively if they want to avoid a third straight defeat.
Puck drops at 6:30 PM CST. Let’s see which team finds its footing first.