Winnipeg Jets: Depth Players Must Step Up in Game Two vs. Montreal

Not a whole lot went right for the Winnipeg Jets in game one of their second round series against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Jets slow start cost them as they fell behind to an early 3-1 deficit. Ultimately, Winnipeg could not recover en route to a 5-3 loss. You can read our site’s recap of the game by clicking here or by clicking the “Must Read” link at the bottom of this article.

If you thought the loss itself was bad, the Winnipeg Jets also started the game without Paul Stastny, who was ruled out with an undisclosed injury. Then during the first shift of the game, Dylan DeMelo suffered an injury and did not return.

Mathieu Perreault also suffered an injury after he blocked a shot but fortunately for the Jets, he did return after missing only a couple of shifts. Finally, in the closing stages of the game, Mark Scheifele hit Jake Evans in brutal fashion that required Evans to be taken off on a stretcher. Scheifele was ultimately given a game misconduct for this reckless hit.

The Winnipeg Jets will most likely be missing some of their top players for game two and their depth players must step up for the Jets to be successful

After today’s optional skate, Paul Maurice ruled Paul Stastny as day-to-day and said Dylan DeMelo is still being evaluated. Neither of these players participated in today’s skate.

Also, a suspension seems to be on the horizon for Mark Scheifele and as it looks now, the Jets will be without three of their stalwarts for game two.

This gives a huge opportunity for some of the Jets’ depth players to come into the lineup and have a huge impact as the Jets look to even up the series on home ice.

We could see Paul Maurice and the Jets coaching staff dress the likes of Kristian Vesalinen and Jansen Harkins on forward; we will most likely see Jordie Benn come in for DeMelo on defense.

Although it has been a while since these three have dressed for Winnipeg, these players must find their “A-game” right from the start.

Winnipeg’s depth players can be the difference against a team that has been absolutely outstanding as of late. The Jets need a full team effort for them to have success, not only in game two but throughout the rest of this series against the Canadiens.

Opening puck drop for game two is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. central time tomorrow night (June 4) at Bell MTS Place. Check back to our site tomorrow morning for our pregame preview and lineup news!

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which players do you think should come into the Winnipeg Jets lineup for the injured and suspended players? Leave your comments below!