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Jets host Blackhawks after beating down Flyers

December 11, 2018, 11:32 AM ET [27 Comments]
Peter Tessier
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • RSSArchiveCONTACT
There was not much that needed to be said after the 7-1 beatdown of the Flyers on Sunday afternoon. The Jets went up 2-0 before surrounding a goal that brought the Flyers to within one and then they took off. Laine even had some assists for a change.

That game was more about the Flyers than the Jets as not much changed from the game before other than a hot goalie. That being said what should be noted is the Jets looked at opportunity with shots in a different way in that the seized opportunity rather than trying to find a better opportunity. A fine example was the floater Byfuglien put on net that found it's way past everyone and into the net. It was a lot like the lone goal on Friday vs the Blues. Not everything has to be a Laine highlight-quality goal.

Tonight the Jets host the Blackhawks who are 1-9 in their last 10 and have lost seven game in a row, out recently falling to Montreal 3-2. They sit last in the Western conference and the NHL but don't let that fool anyone. Central division teams seem to have a rather significant rise in their game when playing a division rival.

Recall the last game the Blackhawks and Jets played in November a 6-5 Jets win as they hung on for dear life. Now the Jets are probably a slightly more evolved team than back in late November as their underlying numbers seem to be ticking up and the team as a whole is moving towards the stronger end of the perspective.

One area of concern that is improving is the play of Connor Hellebuyck who has had three straight games of plus .950 play coming off of 3 straight games of sub .900 play. This game and next run of games for him will probably be the seen as a measuring point of if he's found his groove. IT appears Brossoit is starting tonight so look to Hellebuyck to start against Edmonton.

Back up vs Chicago is like the old Hutchinson run he had with the Blackhawks one season where he was in their heads- see if Brossoit picks up on that.

Another positive- Tyler Myers has quietly gone about his business and been very dependable and that's very good news for the blue line.

Mathieu Perreault is a game time decision for the Jets after receiving a rather iffy hit late in the game on Sunday. It appears Copp will still be out and and that could mean a Nic Petan sighting and who then would move up to fill in Perreault's spot? That may not be necessary though as Ken Wiebe reports that Perreault is skating this morning and moving well.

Should he sit out the 3rd and 4th lines will be something to watch and certainly expect some commentary on social media. Hellebuyck is expected to start as the Jets have back-to-back games on on Thursday/Friday so Brossoit should get a start.

It would be nice to think this one is a cake walk for the Jets as they deal with injuries and more but that's anything but given their history and the Central division rivalries.
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