WINNIPEG | The Canadian begins a seven-game streak away from the Bell Center this evening. A trip which risks being decisive for the rest of his season. Will the Canadian still be in the playoff race when he returns home on January 4?
Despite somewhat disappointing crowds, the representatives of the Manitoba capital are having an excellent season. With 38 points, they occupy second place in the Central section, only two points behind the Colorado Avalanche.
Here are five things to look out for:
1. The Jets on fire
The Jets are going through a good period. Winners of six of their last seven games, they offered a hockey lesson to the Kings (5 to 2) and the Avalanche (6 to 2) during their two most recent outings. With only 75 goals allowed, Rick Bowness’ squad has one of the tightest defenses on the circuit. The Jets have allowed more than two goals on just two occasions in the last 14 games.
Martin St-Louis: “It’s a team that plays extremely well. They had injuries. Recently, they lost Kyle Connor. We will have a difficult task to beat a good team on the road. We will have to bring our best, not shoot ourselves in the foot and remain patient. »
Getty Images via AFP
2. Anderson’s rebirth
When a player is going through a long lethargy, it is often said that all it takes is one goal to allow him to break through. We’ll see if this old fable holds up in the case of Josh Anderson. On Saturday, the big striker scored his first two goals of the season against a goalkeeper. Until then, in his first 29 games, he had only scored one empty-net goal.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. Allen in net
Jake Allen will get his 12th start of the season. The veteran will try to end an ugly seven-game winless streak (0-6-1). His last win dates back to October 28, against the same Jets. Nick Suzuki settled the debate in a shootout.
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4. The Barron Brothers
Justin and Morgan Barron will cross swords for the third time since playing in the NHL. Once again, Mom and Dad will be traveling from Nova Scotia to watch this duel. So far, Justin has had the best. First, because the Habs won both matches. Then because he totaled two points (1 goal, 1 assist) during these confrontations, while Morgan was, each time, blanked from the scoresheet.
Morgan Barron: “He had some really good games against us. I am from. More seriously, I’m happy to see that he has regained his confidence. I have the impression that he builds his game every game. Last year, when he was sent back to Laval, I reminded him that it’s part of the normal process, that few players reach the NHL without pitfalls. Particularly at his age. »
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5. Hellebuyck the wall
Connor Hellebuyck is at the heart of the Jets’ success. Over the last ten games, he has gone 8-2-0 with a 1.70 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. The Jets are certainly happy to have convinced him to extend his contract until the end of the 2030-2031 season.
Nick Suzuki: “They have a good goalie and a good group of defensemen. It will be important to show up near the net, win battles and play inside, like we did in the last three or four games. »
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Probable lineup for the Canadian:
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Monahan-Evans-Anderson
Armia-Dvorak-Gallagher
Pezzetta-Stephens-Ylönen
Matheson-Savard
Guhle-Barron
Struble-Kovacevic
Allen