Winnipeg Jets vs Blue Jackets: Patrik Laine Makes his Return to Winnipeg

Some Winnipeg Jets supporters have been waiting over a year for this game. Late January the Winnipeg Jets made a huge trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets as they traded star player, Patrik Laine, along with Jack Roslovic for Pierre-Luc Dubois and a 2022 third-round draft pick.

Although that trade happened over a year ago, tonight will be Laine’s first game back in Winnipeg since the trade. Tonight the Jets face off against the Blue Jackets with the opening puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. central time.

The Jets are coming into this game playing on short rest as they were in action last night on home ice against the Ottawa Senators. Unfortunately for Winnipeg, they lost 5-2 to Ottawa. The Jets and Senators were tied 1-1 heading into the third period and the Jets gave up four third period goals in the loss. You can read Dan St. Joseph’s great recap article of the game which includes three talking points of the Jets’ loss by clicking here.

On the other hand, this is Columbus’ second game of a three-game road trip. On Tuesday night, they were dominated by the Pittsburgh Penguins en route to losing 5-1. The Blue Jackets will finish this road trip tomorrow night in Minnesota for a matchup against the Wild.

The Winnipeg Jets need to bounce back after last night’s loss

The Jets’ were riding a two-game winning streak into yesterday’s contest, but a loss to the struggling Senators has set them back. At this crucial stage of the season, Winnipeg needs to bounce back and grab both points from this game if they want to keep pace in the Wild Card race.

Odds

The Winnipeg Jets are listed as the favorites for this contest, courtesy of WynnBET.

Both teams did not play well in their last games and they both are looking for a much better performance in this one.

One interesting thing to note when looking at this matchup is the Jets are coming into this game after playing less than 24 hours ago, while the Blue Jackets have had two days of rest.

Although Winnipeg is listed as the favorite, this game is a toss-up. The Jets have a 3-3-1 in the second game of a back-to-back on consecutive days. Also, Columbus has struggled away from home this season posting a 14-16-0 record, and have only won two of their last five road games.

This will be the second time the Jets and Blue Jackets are meeting this season. In late November, Columbus shutout the Jets en route to a 3-0 victory at Nationwide Arena. Tonight is the final time these sides will meet during the regular season.

Where to Catch the Game

TV: TSN3, BSOH

Radio: 680 CJOB

Livestream: ESPN+, TSN APP, TSN.ca

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The Jets will only have one full day of rest before their next contest after this evening’s game. Winnipeg will be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they host the Arizona Coyotes on home ice. Then, the Jets will finish up March with two road games.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Who do you think will record more points in tonight’s game, Pierre-Luc Dubois or Patrik Laine? Leave your comments below!