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There’s no panic button being pushed, but the Winnipeg Jets would like to stop a three-game winless streak in its tracks today before it extends any longer. After dropping consecutive extra-time meetings against the Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers, the Jets began a three-game road trip on Thursday night in Vegas and fell 5-2.
Jonathan Marchessault led the way with a hat trick for the home team, which is now off to a scorching 10-0-1 start.
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The re-building Arizona Coyotes may not be in the same weight class as the Stanley Cup champs, but that doesn’t mean this is going to be an easy night — or in this case day — at the office for the visitors. The Desert Dogs are off to a surprisingly rock-solid start and occupy third place in the Central Division right now, one point ahead of the fourth-place Jets. They’ve got lots of young skill and speed and play an up-tempo brand of hockey.
Karel Vejmelka, who always seems to stand on his head against Winnipeg, is expected to start in net for the Coyotes. Connor Hellebuyck should get the call for the Jets.
Here’s some additional notes, quotes and analysis to get you set:
FROM THE PRESS BOX
MIKE SAYS: Greetings from Mullett Arena, where today is a bit of a special one for yours truly. This officially completes my “Current NHL Arena” bingo card with stop 32 of 32. I blacked out my “NHL Market” bingo card last year when I visited Sunrise to see the Jets take on the Florida Panthers. But I was not on the trip for us last year when the Jets made their one-and-only visit to the 5,000 seat college facility here in Tempe, which is now serving as the home of the Coyotes after they got turfed from their previous residence in Glendale (where I had covered several games over the years).
I’m curious to see just how different this environment is compared to a typical big-league barn. I know the sightlines will be swell, with a press box much closer to the action than usual. The big question is, what am I going to see from the Jets?
There’s no question they are more than holding their own while playing five-on-five, but the special teams have been anything but. As I wrote in my game analysis late Thursday night in Sin City, they need to get that figured out, and fast, if they want to be taken seriously as contenders. They have the personnel to do it, so it’s more a matter of execution than anything.
With Winnipeg not playing again until Tuesday — they’ll enjoy an off-day here in Arizona tomorrow, then practise here on Monday before chartering to St. Louis — no doubt there will be a lot more fun in the sun if they can put two points in the bank.
KEN SAYS: As the Jets continue this three-game road trip, they’ve got a stretch of four consecutive Central Division contests beginning with this one and if they want to create some separation in the chase for third place, they’ll need to get back into the win column and build a bit of momentum.
With a slippery backhand marker the other night, Kyle Connor is up to six goals to lead the Jets in that category and he shares the point lead with linemate Mark Scheifele. Alex Iafallo is up to four goals and is showing early signs that a first 20-goal campaign isn’t out of the question.
The Coyotes have been one of the early surprises of the season and currently sit one point ahead of the Jets, boast some intriguing offensive players and as Mike mentioned, have a goalie who often resembles a brick wall when he faces Winnipeg. Although Vejmelka has only won one of six meetings against the Jets during his career, he sports a .950 save percentage and 1.82 goals-against average against them.
Logan Cooley is one of the flashy youngsters populating the Arizona Coyotes’s lineup. (Darryl Webb / The Associated Press files)
Coyotes centre Logan Cooley has been showing off his offensive flair with a goal and eight points in 10 games to lead all NHL rookies and he’s a dynamic talent who is finding his way.
I was fortunate enough to be at the Coyotes opening game at Mullet Arena last year and it’s quite a festive scene, though an NHL team shouldn’t be playing in a 5,000 seat college rink.
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