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A classic Smythe Division battle is on tap tonight — or, if you prefer, a Canadian Division duel. What will this latest chapter of Jets vs. Oilers bring?
The last time these two clubs met, Winnipeg was coming off two straight regulation defeats. Which, ironically, is the exact situation the team finds itself currently in (for just the second time this year) after dropping a 3-2 decision last Sunday in Nashville to close out a three-game road trip, then falling 2-0 to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday to begin a four-game homestand.
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No doubt the Jets hope recent history repeats itself, as they skated to a 3-2 overtime victory back on Oct. 21 in Edmonton to bring the short losing skid to a halt.
This is a very different Oilers team, which made a coaching change and is riding a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 18-6. And Connor McDavid appears to have found his form after a rough start (which included suffering/aggravating an injury in that game against Winnipeg which sidelined him for a week).
The reigning league MVP has 12 points in the past three games. Jets shutdown centre Adam Lowry will likely see a steady diet of No. 97.
“I hope he got some sleep last night,” coach Rick Bowness joked following an optional morning skate. “Listen, not only has Adam done a great job on the ice, he’s done a great job off the ice. We’re very confident in Adam. He’s just a great player and he does all the little things necessary to win. He’s very, very difficult to play against, and that’s when he’s at his best.”
Lowry said he’s up for the challenge, though he recognizes the degree of difficulty.
“It’s not an easy task,” said Lowry. “He’s the best player in the world. He’s the best skater, he’s the smartest with the puck. He does so many things. It’s not an easy task to try to neutralize him or limit his chances. Going into the game, we know he’s going to get some really good looks.
“That’s where having one of the best goalies in the world really helps.”
Speaking of goalies, the matchup features Connor Hellebuyck for the Jets and Stuart Skinner for the Oilers.
Here’s some additional information to get you set:
Note: It’s that time again, as the latest edition of our monthly Jets mailbag will drop on Sunday. Send your questions to Mike and Kenny via email (you can simply reply to this message) or social media at your convenience.
FROM THE PRESS BOX
MIKE SAYS: The high-flying Jets are experiencing a bit of turbulence right now, but they are getting a bit of a boost with the expected return of Gabe Vilardi to the lineup. The power forward has missed the last 18 games with a sprained MCL.
Vilardi will be eased back into the lineup at five-on-five in an attempt to manage his minutes as he starts on the fourth line with David Gustafsson and Morgan Barron. He will, however, go right to the top power-play unit, which could certainly use some help after going 0-for-4 against the Stars, including two extended 5-on-3 advantages.
Don’t expect too much right off the hop considering the serious injury he’s coming back from — Vilardi himself downplayed expectations when speaking with us Wednesday — but it’s a welcome development regardless.
Winnipeg’s offence has been neutralized lately, with just two goals in the past two games and eight in the last four. We know Edmonton can be porous, at times, when it comes to defending and goaltending, so perhaps this is a chance to break out. Of course, it’s always risky trying to engage in a track meet with an opponent that has the likes of McDavid and Leon Draisiatl on the roster.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILESRight-winger Gabe Vilardi is expected back on the ice tonight after an Oct. 17 injury took him out of the last 18 games.
KEN SAYS: The Jets are looking to avoid their first three-game losing skid of the season and they’ll need to be sharp against an Oilers team that rolls in playing with a lot more confidence.
The Jets were blanked for the first time this season by the Stars and they’ll be looking to generate a bit more offence against Skinner and the Oilers. The Lowry line will mostly be tasked with trying to contain McDavid as best it can, but it’s worth noting that Jets defenceman Neal Pionk has often been a thorn in the side of the Oilers captain over the years, getting under his skin on multiple occasions.
The Jets have flipped Nikolaj Ehlers (who is heating up) and Alex Iafallo (who continues to work hard, but has now gone 11 games without scoring a goal), so it will be interesting to see how the line combinations fare, and whether or not Vilardi could quickly get bumped up into the top-six if he’s feeling good in his return.
For all of the talk about McDavid and Draisaitl (and for good reason), former Jets power forward Evander Kane has been on fire of late, notching goals in three consecutive games as he’s up to 11 on the season (which is second to lead the Oilers beside Zach Hyman, who is up to 12 goals) to go with his 20 points in 21 outings this season.
During his career, Kane has just one goal and four points in 12 career games against the franchise that chose him with the fourth overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft.
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