The Winnipeg Jets' 11-game win streak ended on Thursday after they lost 2-1 to the Nashville Predators, but they will have reinforcements when they return home to take on the Philadelphia Flyers.
Morgan Barron has been out and on the injured reserve since Jan. 28 after he threw a hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach and awkwardly crashed into the boards. He'll slot next to Rasmus Kupari and Alex Iafallo on the fourth line, replacing David Gustafsson.
Tonight's matchup between the Jets and Flyers is the first of two, with both meetings coming within the same week. The Jets will travel to Philadelphia on Thursday to complete the season series.
The Jets have been linked to Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen ahead of this year's trade deadline and will have the opportunity to see him in person tonight. The Jets are yet to find a pairing on their third defense pair that they feel comfortable with and Ristolainen could help them solve that issue.
Jets Reportedly Interested In A Pair Of Flyers
The Winnipeg Jets are reportedly interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, according to the Daily Faceoff's Anthony DiMarco.
Eric Comrie was solid in his previous outing despite the loss but Connor Hellebuyck will retake the starters net tonight. He'll duel with Swedish netminder Samuel Ersson. The 25-year-old hasn't posted the most eye-popping numbers this season, but was impressive when he was in goal against Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Since returning from the break, he's won two of his last three starts and lost the other in overtime.
The Jets' power play has been ice cold as of late and needs a spark. The power play has been able to carry their offence at times and if it could come alive again, it would take pressure off of the need for 5-on-5 scoring.
Puck drop is at 6:00 PM CST at the Canadian Life Centre.
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