Game 15: Winnipeg Jets vs Anaheim Ducks Pre-Game Report
The Winnipeg Jets held an optional practice at the Honda Center on Saturday as they prepared to face the red-hot Anaheim Ducks. The Jets have struggled recently, losing two consecutive games, facing a tough challenge ahead.
Meanwhile, the Ducks played in Las Vegas last night, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in overtime. Former Jet Jacob Trouba scored the winning backhand shot. This victory marked Anaheim’s 10th win, moving them into 2nd place in the Western Conference.
Special Teams Performance
- Anaheim ranks 11th in the league for power play and 23rd in penalty kill, indicating they rely less on special teams to win games.
- Winnipeg has dropped to 12th in power play and holds 4th place in penalty kill.
Lineup Changes and Projections
Reporter Mitchell Clinton noted that Cole Perfetti is taking line rushes for Winnipeg, suggesting Cole Koepke is not skating.
Winnipeg Jets Projected Lines & Defense Pairs:
- Connor – Scheifele – Vilardi
- Namestnikov – Toews – Perfetti
- Niederreiter – Lowry – Iafallo
- Pearson – Ford – Chibrikov
- Morrissey – DeMelo
- Stanley – Pionk
- Fleury – Schenn
Goalie:
Eric Comrie will start his fourth game of the season for the Jets.
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lines & Defense Pairs:
- Kreider – Carlsson – Terry
- Gauthier – McTavish – Sennecke
- Nesterenko – Poehling – Killorn
- Johnston – Harkins – Vatrano
"Anaheim have the 11th ranked power play and 23rd overall penalty kill which goes to show you that they aren’t using special teams to get things done."
The Jets are aiming to rebound, while the Ducks seek to maintain their strong form and top Western Conference position.
Author's summary: The Winnipeg Jets face a challenging matchup against the surging Anaheim Ducks, who recently secured a key overtime win, highlighting contrasting special teams strengths and evolving lineups.