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The vacation break is sort of right here for the Winnipeg Jets and the remainder of the Nationwide Hockey League. At this time 26 groups will probably be in motion, together with the Jets, who will probably be in Toronto for a day matchup towards the Maple Leafs. At this time’s sport is a 1:00 pm CT puck drop, one thing you don’t see usually on a weekday, however with the vacations in full swing there’ll nonetheless possible be a full crowd for this sport, in addition to loads of eyes watching this sport at residence on TV/ on-line.
When you’ve been persevering with to “standings watch” like I’ve, you’ll know that the Jets are nonetheless holding on to that prestigious (for what it’s price) 1st place spot within the league standings. Nonetheless, the Capitals, Golden Knights, Devils, and Panthers are all inside 3 factors of the Jets, with the Capitals and Devils having video games in hand. The following closest staff to the Jets is the sixth place Leafs, who’re at present 21-11-2 with a powerful 14-5-0 file at residence.
Whereas the Jets and Leafs at all times make for a enjoyable all Canadian matchup, the Jets have struggled recently towards this Atlantic division opponent. The Jets are 2-7-1 of their final 10 video games towards the Maple Leafs, and in these 10 video games they’ve a -15 purpose differential. The first matchup between these two groups this season occurred simply earlier than Halloween, on October twenty eighth, 2024, the place the Jets misplaced 6-4 in an general thrilling sport that was featured on Amazon Prime’s “Monday Night time Hockey”. Kyle Connor scored 2 objectives and added 2 assists in that sport, nevertheless it was John Tavares who led the Leafs to victory with a hat trick.
The Jets will look to make use of the momentum they’ve gained from their huge 5-0 win towards the Minnesota Wild. It was a kind of video games the place everybody appeared to contribute to the win in some vogue, and Connor Hellebuyck earned his 4th shutout of the season whereas solely needing to make 19 saves. Yesterday, the Jets did a last apply to arrange for this robust take a look at earlier than with the ability to relaxation for the vacations. Adam Lowry and Nikolaj Ehlers had been absent from apply, nevertheless it was a upkeep day for Ehlers after not too long ago coming back from an damage. Lowry left the final sport within the third interval, however all indicators level to him being prepared for this afternoon’s sport.
The projected beginning goalies are Connor Hellebuyck and Joseph Woll. Hellebuyck continues his Vezina calibre begin to the season, and he’s searching for one other sturdy efficiency towards a staff who isn’t afraid of producing a excessive variety of photographs on purpose. Joseph Woll ought to be again in web for the Leafs, after giving Matt Murray his 1st begin again from damage. In different lineup information, the Jets will maintain rolling with the lineup that made them profitable towards the Wild. David Gustafsson stays within the lineup because the 4th line centre, whereas Logan Stanley and Rasmus Kupari stay because the wholesome scratches. The Maple Leafs will probably be with out star ahead Auston Matthews once more, who continues to be out after re-aggrevating an damage suffered earlier within the season.
You may catch this sport on TSN 3/4, in addition to on ESPN+ (regionally unique), with an early puck drop at 1:00 pm CT. This sport ought to be a excessive flying contest with loads of motion, as each groups will probably be trying to head into the vacation break with a win. A cheerful holidays to you from all of us right here at Jets Nation, and we will probably be again quickly to supply the newest Jets information and content material!
Jets Projected Lineup
Kyle Connor — Mark Scheifele — Gabriel Vilardi
Cole Perfetti — Vladislav Namestnikov — Nikolaj Ehlers
Nino Niederreiter — Adam Lowry — Mason Appleton
Morgan Barron — David Gustafsson — Alex Iafallo
Josh Morrissey — Neal Pionk
Haydn Fleury — Dylan DeMelo
Ville Heinola — Colin Miller
Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie
Scratched: Logan Stanley , Rasmus Kupari
Injured: Dylan Samberg (foot)
