Maurice mysterious about putting Petan in Jets lineup for game against Sharks

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This article was published 20/12/2018 (2453 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SAN JOSE — There’s a bit of mystery surrounding the Winnipeg Jets lineup ahead of tonight’s tilt in San Jose with the Sharks.

Coach Paul Maurice confirmed that Nic Petan will return to action after spending the majority of the season so far on the sidelines, including 10 straight games as a healthy scratch. But he wouldn’t say who Petan is replacing, only that it would be injury-related.

“We’ve got a question mark up front, we’re still waiting to see how that comes back this afternoon, but I know (Petan) is going in. He’s probably going to play on that fourth line, so some veteran leadership actually. He’d be the most senior guy there, he’s over the century mark (in NHL games played),” Maurice said following the morning skate of what he expects from Petan, who has one assist in 11 games this season.

“You know, Nicky can move the puck well, and he’s been in the league now long enough he can read the game that’s happening. It’s going to be a real challenge for those guys tonight because of the size and speed that these guys have throughout their lineup. But he’ll be excited,” said Maurice.

It’s also notable that Maurice said Petan would be playing centre. Jack Roslovic, who has been in the middle of the fourth line with Mason Appleton and Brendan Lemieux, confirmed that he’s also remaining in the lineup at that position — presumably moving up to another line.

“It’s always exciting when you get back in. Unfortunately, there are guys that are not feeling that well. I’ve got to hop in and just continue where I left off. Work hard, bring some energy,” said Petan.

So who comes out? Third-line centre Adam Lowry is a logical guess, considering he stayed out for the morning skate at SAP Center much longer than usual. Lowry was one of the last three on the ice doing extra work, along with injured forward Andrew Copp, seventh defenceman Joe Morrow and backup goalie Laurent Brossoit.

Connor Hellebuyck gets the start in goal for the Jets, who got this three-game western road swing started Tuesday night with a 4-1 loss in Los Angeles. That snapped a five-game winning streak for the club, which remains tied for first place in both the Central Division and Western Conference.

“I think it’s going to be a tough game for sure. They’re kind of a similar team to LA, but just more speed and skill. So it’s going to be that kind of quick, speedy game. We need to be ready to play our best game for 60 minutes and not give them anything easily,” said Jets forward Patrik Laine.

The Sharks have a number of offensive threats up front, but also plenty of bite on the blue-line in former Norris Trophy winners Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns.

“I think (Karlsson) is one of the best defencemen in the game. The speed he’s able to play with, it’s something I haven’t seen before. Obviously he has unbelievable hands, and vision. He’s a good weapon on the power play, too,” Laine said of the off-season trade acquisition made by San Jose from Ottawa.

San Jose has won five straight games and are just three points behind Calgary for the lead in the Pacific Division.

Winnipeg wraps up the road-trip Saturday night in Vancouver.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg