Winnipeg Jets vs Carolina Hurricanes: 22-23 Game 17 Preview

The Winnipeg Jets conclude their three-game homestand tonight as they host the Carolina Hurricanes. The game is scheduled to start, a little bit earlier than usual with a 6:30 p.m. central time puck drop (7:30 p.m. eastern time).

The Jets opened this homestand with a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks, but on Saturday night, Winnipeg’s five-game home winning streak came to an end as they were shutout by the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0.

On the other hand, this is game five of six straight games against Central Division opponents for the Hurricanes. Carolina has only won once during this stretch as they lost to Colorado Avalanche twice (once in regulation, once in overtime), beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0, and in their last game, they lost to the Minnesota wild 2-1 in overtime.

The Winnipeg Jets and Carolina Hurricanes should be a defensive battle

Tonight’s game is a battle between two of the teams in the top six of the NHL in the least amount of goals allowed per game. The Jets rank third best in the league, averaging 2.38 goals against per game, while the Hurricanes rank sixth best with an average of 2.67 goals allowed per game.

The Jets give up just over 30 shots per game and are led by their goaltending. Connor Hellebuyck has been outstanding this season and ranks among the NHL’s top goaltenders in wins (8), goals against average (2.07), and save percentage (.935).

The Hurricanes have a strong defensive unit and allow 25.4 shots per game, which ranks them second best in the NHL.

Carolina’s game plan and defensive structure makes it tough for their opposition to get grade-A scoring opportunities. Therefore, the Jets must be clinical when they get high quality scoring chances tonight because they may come few and far between against a tough Carolina defense.

Where to Catch the Game

TV: SNW, BSSW

Radio: 680 CJOB

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After tonight the Jets will be on the road for their next three games. The Jets will play three central division games during this trip as they take on the Wild (Wednesday), Stars (Friday), and Blackhawks (Sunday).