Winnipeg Jets Gear Up for Vancouver Clash Amid Key Absences
As the Winnipeg Jets prepare to face off against the Vancouver Canucks, they do so without key players Nino Niederreiter and Neal Pionk, both sidelined week-to-week. However, there's hope on the horizon with Josh Morrissey potentially returning next week. Head coach Scott Arniel has confirmed Tanner Pearson will step in for Niederreiter, while Eric Comrie is set to start in net as the Jets aim to secure two points post-Olympic break.
The Canucks, meanwhile, are grappling with their own challenges, sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings. Their home record of 6-17-4 and a recent 2-7-1 stretch underline the struggles, compounded by swirling trade rumors that have both players and fans on edge.
Special teams remain a sore spot for both squads. Vancouver's power play ranks 23rd, with their penalty kill at the league's lowest. Winnipeg isn't faring much better, sitting 18th on the power play and 20th on the penalty kill.
Projected Lineups:
Jets:
- Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
- Perfetti-Lowry-Iafallo
- Pearson-Toews-Namestnikov
- Koepke-Barron-Nyquist
Defense:
- Stanley-DeMelo
- Samberg-Salomonsson
- Heinola-Schenn
Goalie:
- Comrie
Canucks:
- Kane-EP40-DeBrusk
- O’Connor-Rossi-Boeser
- Öhgren-Blueger-Garland
- Höglander-Kämpf-Karlsson
Defense:
- DPetey-Hronek
- Buium-Myers
- MPett-Willander
Goalies:
- Nikita Tolopilo
- Jiri Patera
Game Outlook:
The Jets hold a slight edge on paper, but both teams' recent inconsistencies mean anything can happen. Mistakes could be the deciding factor in a matchup where neither side has found solid footing.
For the latest betting odds on the Winnipeg Jets, visit NHL betting site Betway.
Up Next:
Stay tuned for players and coach media availability updates.