Jets In Search Of Win Over The Devils As Central Division Lead Shrinks
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg (54) and New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) fight for the puck during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesThe Winnipeg Jets will take on the New Jersey Devils at home, in desperate need of a win as their Central Division lead shrinks to four points.
The Dallas Stars have won four consecutive games, beating the Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames, narrowing the Jets lead in the Central Division.
Seven of the Stars' last 10 games are against teams who are not in a playoff spot. One of the three games against a playoff team is against the Jets on Apr. 10.
Tonight, the Jets will take on a Devils team in a peculiar spot. They are ravaged by injuries to star players, including Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton, but remain a dangerous team due to their depth and other stars like Jesper Bratt, Luke Hughes and captain Nico Hischier.
The Jets have also been hit by the injury bug, dealing with injuries sustained by Neal Pionk, Gabriel Vilardi and now Rasmus Kupari.
With those three out, HC Scott Arniel has had to make several changes to his lineup. David Gustafsson will return to the lineup, last playing on Mar. 6. Alex Iafallo will remain on the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, and Luke Schenn will remain as Dylan Samberg's partner.
With tonight's game holding high importance, Connor Hellebuyck will be back in between the pipes for the Jets. Hellebuyck had a pair of weaker performances by his standards but was great against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.
Puck drop is at 7:00 PM CST at Canada Life Centre.
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