Three Talking Points as the Winnipeg Jets Beat the Buffalo Sabres

1. The Jets Other Players Need to Step Up For These Crucial Games

As Kieran Hurley pointed out in his article here, the Jets sustained some terrible luck at the worst possible stage of the season losing leading scorer Kyle Connor and veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt for at least two more games.

As of Thursday morning, the Jets had yet to call up any reinforcement players from the AHL Manitoba Moose. The Jets will go into the Toronto game Thursday night likely with the same lineup as the Sabres game the night before.

This means that Logan Stanley and Ville Heinola will both remain in the lineup on defense paired with Brenden Dillon and Neal Pionk respectively. Both played well enough against the Sabres, with Heinola, in particular, looking more comfortable every game he plays.

New acquisitions Zach Sanford and Mason Appleton were elevated in the lineup spending time in the top-six forwards. Both players seem to be growing into their roles more each game, with Appleton having his best game in his return to the Jets last night against the Sabres.

Adam Brooks will remain in the lineup and will be called upon to provide some forechecking and energy on the Jets’ fourth line against his former team the Maple Leafs.

The Jets will need every player to step up if the team hopes to earn a victory against a top-tier NHL team like the Maple Leafs.

Want your voice heard? Join the Jets White Out team!

Write for us!

Winnipeg Jets Fans: What is your prediction for the Winnipeg Jets as they continue their road trip against the Toronto Maple Leafs? Leave your comments below!