The Winnipeg Jets will look increase their wild card lead as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks at home.
Game: Chicago Blackhawks (44-24-6, 94 points) @ Winnipeg Jets (39-24-12, 90 points).
Time: 6:30 PM CT
Arena: MTS Centre
How to Watch: CITY, WGN
Preview
With just 7 games remaining on the schedule (including this one), every one of them is important for the Winnipeg Jets. They have a 3-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the 2nd wild card spot in the Western Conference.
Last game, the Jets had Dustin Byfuglien return to action and he made an impact immediately with a goal scored. He had previously been out for the past 9 games with an upper body injury.
The Jets may be getting another player back from injury too. F Mathieu Perreault may end up playing after being out for over a month due to a lower body injury. As of now, he is projected to be on the 4th line for today’s game, according to Illegal Curve. His return to the lineup would provide the Jets with even more depth at perfect timing.
Ondrej Pavelec is also expected to start the game in net.
As for the Blackhawks, the own the other wild card spot in the West. They have a 4-point lead over the Jets, so this will be huge for them if they want to maintain ground. They also only trail the Minnesota Wild by a point for 3rd place in the Central Division.
The injury concern for this one is defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. He suffered a hand injury during Friday’s loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been day-to-day. Coach Joel Quenneville did not feel this was serious, but did not provide clarity on his status for today.
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