The Winnipeg Jets will host the Dallas Stars in an ever-important Central Division duel. A battle between two of the best in the West with vital playoff implications on the line.
The Jets have all but clinched a playoff spot, but that’s not to say the remaining 16 games aren’t important. Locking down first place in the Central Division will not only give the Jets an easier matchup in the first round of the playoffs but it will ensure they won’t have to face the Stars or the Colorado Avalanche until the second round.
Currently, the Jets hold an eight-point advantage on the Stars, but the Stars do have two games in hand. The Jets and Stars will face off one more time following tonight’s game, on Apr. 10, the 79th game of the season.
Knowing how competitive the Central Division is shaping up to be this season, mentioning how important this game is to the Jets players would be meaningless. The opportunity to cement their position atop the division is a golden one, and one that needs to be seized.
The matchup between the clubs is airtight. The Jets rank third in goals per game, and the Stars rank fourth. The Jets rank first in goals allowed, and the Stars rank third. The Jets own the No.1 power play in the NHL, and the Stars own the No.1 penalty kill.
There isn’t much to separate them, but the advantage the Jets might have is health. Neal Pionk was announced week-to-week this morning with a lower-body injury, but that is the only injury the Jets are suffering from. The Stars on the other hand have injuries to their top defenseman Miro Heiskanen, their first-line centreman Roope Hintz, a young defenseman enjoying a strong start to his rookie season in Lian Bichsel, and a veteran forward in Tyler Seguin.
Injuries are part of the game, and the Stars aren’t using it as an excuse, but it’s a factor the Jets should exploit if they want to put themselves in a great position.
Puck drop is at 7:00 PM PST at the Canadian Life Centre.
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