Jets Look to Close January Strong Against the Defending Champs in Florida
The Winnipeg Jets are back at it this afternoon, wrapping up January with the third stop on their four-game road trip. After a tough 4-1 loss to the Lightning in Tampa on Thursday, they head south to Sunrise for a matchup with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. And while the Panthers may be sitting eight points out of a playoff spot, don’t let that fool you-this is a team still very much in the thick of the Eastern Conference race.
For Winnipeg, it’s another test in what’s been a challenging stretch. The Jets come into the game 21-25-7, sitting 29th overall in the league standings.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are 28-22-3 and holding down 15th place. Both squads are hungry for points, but for different reasons: Florida’s trying to claw its way back into the postseason picture, while Winnipeg is looking to build some momentum before the Olympic break hits.
A Familiar Foe
This isn’t the first time these two have seen each other this season. Just nine days ago, they went head-to-head in Winnipeg, where the Panthers edged out a 2-1 shootout win.
Despite the result, the Jets have actually had the upper hand in recent matchups-winning six of the last ten meetings between the clubs. A win this afternoon would even the season series and give Winnipeg something to build on heading into February.
Hellebuyck Holds Strong
Connor Hellebuyck was a bright spot in Thursday’s loss, stopping 33 of 36 shots in a game where the Lightning took control in the second period. He’s expected to get the nod again this afternoon, though nothing’s confirmed.
With a 13-15-6 record, a 2.71 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage, Hellebuyck has been solid-even if the record doesn’t show it. Expect Eric Comrie to get at least one of the final two starts before the Olympic break, but for now, it looks like Hellebuyck is back in the crease.
Projected Jets Lineup
Forwards:
- Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi
- Perfetti - Toews - Iafallo
- Niederreiter - Lowry - Namestnikov
- Koepke - Barron - Pearson
Defense:
- Morrissey - DeMelo
- Samberg - Salomonsson
- Stanley - Schenn
Goalies:
- Hellebuyck (expected)
- Comrie
The lineup looks unchanged from Thursday night, as head coach Rick Bowness seems to be settling into some combinations ahead of the break. Of course, last-minute tweaks are always possible, so keep an eye on the team’s official channels for updates closer to puck drop.
Injury Notes
The Jets are still without a few key pieces on the blue line. Haydn Fleury (upper body), Neal Pionk (week-to-week but practicing in a non-contact jersey), and Colin Miller (knee) remain sidelined.
On the Panthers’ side, the injury list is shrinking. Jonah Gadjovich is expected back after the Olympic break, while Seth Jones remains on long-term injured reserve.
Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell are both listed as day-to-day.
Panthers Projected Lineup
Forwards:
- Verhaeghe - Rodrigues - Reinhart
- Samoskevich - Bennett - Tkachuk
- Luostarinen - Schwindt - Marchand* (day-to-day)
- Vilmanis - Kunin - Greer
Defense:
- Forsling - Ekblad
- Mikkola - Balinskis
- Bjornfot - Petry
Goalies:
- Bobrovsky (expected)
- Tarasov
Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to get the start after watching Daniil Tarasov earn the win in their last meeting with Winnipeg. Bobrovsky’s numbers-20-15-1 with a 3.08 GAA, three shutouts, and an .873 save percentage-don’t tell the full story. He’s still capable of stealing games, especially when the Panthers tighten up in front of him.
Players to Watch
Jets: Josh Morrissey
If you’re tuning in, keep your eyes on Josh Morrissey. The Jets’ star defenseman is quietly putting together another strong season, even if it’s not drawing as much national attention as last year.
With 10 goals and 32 assists through 53 games, Morrissey remains the engine of Winnipeg’s blue line, blending offensive instincts with smart, responsible play in his own end. He’ll be representing Team Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics, and performances like this afternoon’s are the reason why.
Panthers: Sam Reinhart
On the Florida side, Sam Reinhart continues to be the heartbeat of their offense. After a stellar playoff run last season, he’s picked up right where he left off.
With 27 goals and 25 assists in 53 games, Reinhart is once again producing at a point-per-game pace. He’s dangerous in all situations and has a knack for finding the back of the net when it matters most.
The Jets will need to be aware of him every time he hops over the boards.
Puck Drop
It’s a 3:00 p.m. CST start at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
For the Jets, it’s a chance to close out January on a high note and build some confidence before the Olympic break. For the Panthers, it’s another must-win in a crowded Eastern Conference race.
Two teams, two very different trajectories-but one important game on tap this afternoon.