The Winnipeg Jets will look for their 12th consecutive win, battling the Nashville Predators on the road in a back-to-back.
Nashville Predators center Gustav Nyquist (14) and Winnipeg Jets center Adam Lowry (17) face off in the third period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn ImagesThe Jets got the best of the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night, dominating the scoreboard and the shot chart. The Jets outshot the Senators 39-25 en route to a 4-1 victory. Goals from Cole Perfetti, Mason Appleton, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele secured the win and extended their Central Division lead to 11 points.
Heading into the season, the matchup between the Jets and Predators would have been a highly anticipated one. The big moves made by the Predators in the offseason should have had them in a spot to compete for the division lead, but they've been in the basement of the league since the start.
The Predators currently rank 30th in the NHL with just 47 points, six points behind the next closest team, the Buffalo Sabres. It would be difficult to pinpoint one specific reason why their season has been so lacklustre. They currently rank 30th in goals per game, 20th in power play percentage, and 32nd in shooting percentage. Defensively, things aren't much better, ranking 27th in goals allowed per game, and 26th in shots allowed per game.
Statistically, several of their players have seen a major drop off in production. Filip Forsberg scored 48 goals and 94 points last season but is on pace for just 30 goals and 76 points. Steven Stamkos, one of their big offseason signings, scored 40 goals and 81 points last year and is on to finish with less than 50 points. Roman Josi, a defenseman whose offence seems to come easily to him, is on pace for his lowest goal and point totals in the past three seasons.
Goaltender Juuse Saros is also having by far, the worst season of his NHL career, posting an .899 SV% and a 2.93 GAA in 43 starts.
Connor Hellebuyck displayed another solid performance, turning away 24 of the 25 shots he faced. Eric Comrie will likely be given the crease tonight due to the back-to-back and is searching for his fourth win in as many starts.
Puck drop is at 7:00 PM CST at Bridgestone Arena.
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