Winnipeg Jets vs Edmonton Oilers: 2021 Preseason Game 3 Preview

The Winnipeg Jets are on the road for the first time this preseason as they are in Edmonton for a matchup against the Oilers. Tonight’s opening puck drop at Rogers Place is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. central time.

This is the Jets’ second straight game against the Oilers as the sides met in Winnipeg on Wednesday night. The Jets led by the line of Cole Perfetti, Jansen Harkins, and Evgeny Svechnikov dominated the game en route to a 5-1 victory. You can read our site’s recap of Wednesday’s Jets vs. Oilers game by clicking the link here.

Unlike the Jets’ two days of rest between games, Edmonton was in action late last night in Evertt, Washington against the Seattle Kraken. That game started at 9:00 p.m. CST and the Oilers lost to the Kraken 2-1 in Overtime.

This game against the Edmonton Oilers kicks off games on back-to-back days for the Winnipeg Jets

The Jets will not have much rest after tonight’s game as they will play tomorrow night in Vancouver against the Canucks. It looks like the Jets will be using two different lineups for both games.

Projected Lineups

The Jets had two groups at practice yesterday. The Jets’ first group was comprised of more younger players who are competing for roster spots, while the second group consisted of veteran players.

Winnipeg’s lineup is a bit unpredictable for tonight’s clash. Considering the Oilers’ lineup below, we may see more of a majority veteran lineup for the Jets with a line or two of younger players sprinkled in.

Mikhail Berdin has yet to get any playing time during the preseason, there is a good chance that we will see him play on this road trip.

The Oilers are dressing a totally different lineup for today’s game compared to their lineup for last night’s game in Seattle. Last night in Washington, the Oilers had more of a majority younger lineup of players competing for spots. Their lineup from yesterday can be seen in the tweet below:

This means that the Oilers will be dressing more of an NHL lineup tonight against the Jets. The Jets will be coming against the big guns of Connor McDavid, Leon Draistial, and Darnell Nurse tonight.

This will be a great test for the Jets, especially for their younger players with little or no NHL experience, as they will be matching up against some of the top-rated players in the league. This game can be impactful for players looking to make the Jets’ opening roster.

Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen are expected to split the workload tonight as they have done in prior games throughout the preseason.

Where to Catch the Game

TV: TSN3

Radio: 680 CJOB

Livestream: TSN.ca, TSN APP, ESPN+

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What are your predictions for tonight’s game? Leave your comments below!

*All Stats Provided by the NHL*