Line Combinations: Jets vs. Stars

The 45-17-4 Winnipeg Jets are set to host the 42-20-2 Dallas Stars from Canada Life Centre on Friday evening. 

The game is a highly-anticipated first-place contest, with the No. 1 Jets taking on the text nearest them in the Central Division standings (eight points back). 

Despite what seems like a large gap between the two clubs, it truly isn't as significant as one may think. The game will serve as a 'four-point' game, meaning a possible four-point difference in final standings points between the clubs after the game. Winnipeg could improve by two points, widening the gap to 10, or Dallas could win, narrowing the gap to six - a difference of four points.

Also, something to keep in mind is the fact that Dallas has two games in hand on the Jets, which could benefit the Stars in the long run. 

Winnipeg is generally healthy, however, defenceman Neal Pionk will sit out the next few games with a lingering issue he has dealt with over the past week. Head coach Scott Arniel called his absence 'week-to-week'. 

Luke Schenn will slide up in the defensive rotation, while Colin Miller will draw back in on the third pair alongside Haydn Fleury - who worked well with Schenn on Tuesday vs. New York.

Connor Hellebuyck will start in goal, while Logan Stanley will serve as a healthy scratch for the second-straight game.

Winnipeg Jets expected line combinations for Friday, March 14 vs. Dallas:

Connor - Scheifele - Vilardi

Ehlers - Namestnikov - Perfetti

Niederreiter - Lowry - Appleton

Tanev - Barron - Iafallo

Morrissey - DeMelo

Samberg - Schenn

Fleury - Miller

Hellebuyck

Injured: Pionk

Healthy Scratches: Kupari, Gustafsson, Stanley, Heinola