And just like that, the Winnipeg Jets sixth and final game of the preseason is here. The Jets finish their slate of exhibition games with a matchup tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Calgary Flames. Opening puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. central time.
Tonight is the second game of a home-and-home series between the Jets and Flames. On Wednesday, these sides met in Winnipeg.
The Jets started the game strong by ending the first period with a 2-0 lead, but unfortunately for them, Calgary responded in the second period with two goals of their own. Nikolaj Ehlers scored the Jets go-ahead goal on the powerplay midway through the third period and that goal ultimately stood to be the game winning goal. You can read our site’s recap of the game by clicking the link here.
The Winnipeg Jets are looking to close out their preseason with a win versus the Calgary Flames
After tonight, the next time we will see the Jets in action is on Wednesday, October 13 when they kick off the regular season on the road in Anaheim against the Ducks.
Projected Lineups
Mark Schiefele did not play on Wednesday as the Jets were preparing for their first game of the season without him because he will be suspended, but Paul Maurice has already indicated that Schiefele will play in this evening’s game.
This means that Paul Stastny will drop back to the wing on Winnipeg’s third line with Adam Lowry and Kristian Vesalainen.
We could see the Jets rotate in the line of Dominic Toninato, David Gustafsson, and Cole Perfetti to give the Jets’ coaching staff one last look at these players before the Jets make their final roster cuts.
Logan Stanley is not projected to play tonight after wearing a non-contact jersey in practice yesterday. With that being stated, expect to go with the same defensive parings as they employed two nights ago.
Connor Hellebuyck is projected to get his second straight start in a row. The Jets may be inclined to give Hellebuyck the start with them having four full off days between tonight and the beginning of the season.
Calgary may be making a number of changes for tonight’s game. The first change may come because of a suspension. Yesterday, Blake Coleman had a hearing for his boarding hit on Jansen Harkins and received a two-game suspension. That suspension will cover tonight’s game and Calgary’s first regular season game.
Calgary’s Blake Coleman has been suspended for one preseason game and one regular season game for Boarding Winnipeg’s Jansen Harkins. https://t.co/E9EsokYFd5
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 7, 2021
Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan could return to the lineup tonight after both did not dress in the last game.
Dan Vladar has made appearances in five out of the seven exhibition games so far for Calgary and has impressed including making 37 saves on 40 shots against the Jets on Wednesday. On the other hand, Jacob Markstrom has only appeared in one game during this preseason. It is expected that the Flames may start Markstrom tonight.
Where to Catch the Game
TV: TSN3, NHLN (NHL Network coverage begins after the Flyers vs. Capitals game)
Radio: 680 CJOB
Livestream: TSN APP, TSN.ca
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Which Winnipeg Jets player do you think has the most to prove in their last exhibition game? Leave your comments below!