WINNIPEG | The Canadian begins a seven-game series away from the Bell Center tonight. A trip that could be crucial for the rest of his season. Will the Canadian still be in the playoff race when he returns home on January 4th?
Despite somewhat disappointing attendance figures, the representatives from the capital of Manitoba are having an excellent season. They sit second in the Central Section with 38 points, just two points behind the Colorado Avalanche.
Here are five things to pay attention to:
1. The Jets on fire
The Jets are going through a good time. They won six of their last seven games and gave the Kings (5-2) and Avalanche (6-2) a hockey lesson in their last two games. With just 75 goals allowed, Rick Bowness's team has one of the tightest defenses in the world. The Jets have allowed more than two goals just twice in their last 14 games.
Martin St-Louis: “It's a team that plays extremely well. They had injuries. Recently they lost Kyle Connor. We will have a difficult task beating a good team away from home. We have to do our best, not shoot ourselves in the foot and stay patient. »
Getty Images via AFP
2. Anderson's Rebirth
When a player goes through a long period of lethargy, it is often said that all he needs is one goal to break through. We'll see if this old fable holds up in the case of Josh Anderson. On Saturday, the tall striker scored his first two goals of the season against a goalkeeper. Until then, he had only scored one goal without a goal in his first 29 games.
Photo Martin Chevalier
3. Everyone on the internet
Jake Allen will make his twelfth start this season. The veteran will look to end an ugly seven-game winning streak (0-6-1). His last win was on October 28th against the same Jets. Nick Suzuki settled the debate in a shootout.
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4. The Barron Brothers
Justin and Morgan Barron will cross swords for the third time since their NHL careers. Once again mom and dad will be traveling from Nova Scotia to watch this duel. So far Justin has had the best. Firstly, because the Habs won both games. Then because he scored a total of two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in these matches, while Morgan was left off the scoresheet each time.
Morgan Barron: “He had some really good games against us. I'm from. Seriously, I'm glad he's regained his confidence. I have the impression that he builds his game from game to game. Last year, when he was sent back to Laval, I reminded him that it is part of the normal process that few players reach the NHL without pitfalls. Especially at his age. »
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5. Hellebuyck the wall
Connor Hellebuyck is at the heart of the Jets' success. In his last ten games, he has a record of 8-2-0 with a goals-against average of 1.70 and a save percentage of .943. The Jets are certainly happy to have convinced him to extend his contract through the end of the 2030-2031 season.
Nick Suzuki: “They have a good goalkeeper and a good group of defenders. It will be important to stand near the net, win battles and play inside like we have done in the last three or four games. »
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Expected Canadian lineup:
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Monahan-Evans-Anderson
Armia-Dvorak-Gallagher
Pezzetta-Stephens-Ylönen
Matheson Savard
Guhle Barron
Struble Kovacevic
Allen