Devils vs. Jets: A Quick Trip to Manitoba
The Winnipeg Jets will host the New Jersey Devils in Canada Life Centre on Friday at 8:00 p.m. EDT. With both teams having shown inconsistency in recent weeks, this matchup promises to be a close one. The Jets, having been one of the first teams to clinch a berth in the playoffs, will need to maintain their strength to finish off the regular season and prepare to secure the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, New Jersey, which had one of the higher playoff chances at the start of the season, has recently faltered, giving other teams within the Metropolitan Division a chance to catch up.
“Victory Is a Thousand Times Sweeter When You’re the Underdog”
During Monday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks, the Devils gave up their lead in the third period after Conor Garland tied the game with just 36 seconds remaining. The game then went into overtime and extended into a four-round shootout, with Jonathan Lekkerimaki winning the final round for the Canucks. Questions arose as to why players with low goal averages, like Luke Hughes, were chosen to participate in the shootout over Devils captain Nico Hischier when the team was in desperate need of a goal. Though the Devils played hard, their minor mistakes are starting to add up, potentially costing them as they fight to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Yesterday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks proved that despite the inconsistencies, the Devils still have fight left in them, securing a 5-3 victory. Not only did Dawson Mercer score two goals, but he also led the team with the most shots on goal, recording a total of four. Mercer ended his seven-game goal drought when he slipped the puck past goalie Spencer Knight in the first period, followed by a quick shot in the second period. His recent comeback is a testament to the team’s efforts in pushing to secure wins and stay competitive.
J-E-T-S! Jets! Jets! Jets!.. Oh Wait, Wrong Sport
During last Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, all but three Winnipeg Jets players secured a shot on goal, highlighting the team’s strong sense of collaboration. However, this collective effort wasn’t enough, as the Sabres claimed the victory with a 5-3 scoreline. Losing to the Sabres, who rank last in the Atlantic Division, underscores the need for the Jets to fine-tune their game, as they can’t afford to drop points against lower-ranked teams with the playoffs on the horizon. While the team remains first in the Central Division, this loss emphasizes the importance of staying focused and maintaining their level of play to avoid slipping in the standings.
Much like the Devils, the Jets had a turnaround in Tuesday’s game against the Washington Capitals, which was full of surprises. Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin scored his 889th goal, bringing him just several goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894. It was Nikolaj Ehlers, though, who stole the spotlight, scoring on a breakaway just 1:28 into overtime and securing the win for Winnipeg. Josh Morrissey also scored for the Jets and swept the two-game season series with the Capitals. Marking their third consecutive season making the playoffs, the Jets continue to show determination despite their inconsistencies.
What Happens in Manitoba, Stays in Manitoba
The New Jersey Devils and the Winnipeg Jets will face off for the second time this season, with the Jets winning the previous matchup just a few weeks ago by a dominant 6-1 score. In the last 10 games, the Jets have a record of 7-3-0, giving up an average of 2.3 goals per game. New Jersey, on the other hand, has a record of 5-4-1 over the same stretch, allowing an average of 3.2 goals per game. With the Jets sitting in first place in the Central Division and already one of the first teams to clinch a playoff berth, they need to approach this game as though the playoff season has already begun. For the Devils, every game is crucial as they enter the final stretch of their regular season with just nine games remaining.
