Jets start final stretch in Anaheim, rookie Tanev to make debut

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This article was published 05/04/2016 (3450 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Jets begin their final three-game stretch of the National Hockey League season tonight in Anaheim, hoping to do a little California dreamin’.

Tonight’s matchup against the Ducks at the Honda Center (9 p.m.; TSN3/TSN 1290) begins their last week of the campaign, followed by dates in San Jose on Thursday and Los Angeles on Saturday.

Rookie Brandon Tanev, the recent free-agent signing from Providence College, will make his NHL debut for the Jets — replacing Matt Halischuk — while Michael Hutchinson gets the start in goal. Brenden Kichton, recalled from the Manitoba Moose on Monday, has made the trip but will not suit up for his first NHL game.

“It’s an exciting time,” Tanev told reporters in Anaheim after today’s game-day skate. “The opportunity to play in the National Hockey League is something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I’m trying to keep it like any other game. Obviously, there are some nerves, some jitters with the first NHL game, but I’m going to soak in the moment, be excited to be out there and enjoy the opportunity.”

Tanev said his parents will be in the building. They’ve been through this before, as Chris — Brandon’s older brother and a former member of the Moose — is now a regular with the Vancouver Canucks. Tanev spoke with Jets coach Paul Maurice after practice and got the standard first-game speech from the bench boss.

“He said this is your first NHL game, you only get one of these so go enjoy the moment, go enjoy your first time being on the ice… the national anthem and just take it all in,” said Tanev. “You only get one of these opportunities.”

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The Jets are coming off a weekend set with Chicago and Minnesota in which they picked up three of a possible four points, but are 32-39-8 overall and destined to finish last in the Central Division and near the bottom of the overall standings.

“It’s our pace, our effort… we’re just putting everything out there,” said veteran Chris Thorburn when asked by reporters in Anaheim. what has been working well for the Jets of late. “There’s not much time left, there’s nothing to save it for. These are the last three games to finish off the season and we’re looking to end it off good.”

Jets centre Bryan Little did not make the trip and, because of that, will not play the remainder of the year. He had been back on the ice practising before this road trip after his neck injury, but the team is being cautious with his recovery.

Both Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele are carrying point streaks into the matchup with the Ducks. Wheeler has points in eight straight (four goals, six assists) while Scheifele has a seven-game streak (four goals, six assists) going.