It’s not the quality of play that makes me slightly concerned about the Winnipeg Jets, it’s the quantity. The Jets have played just once this season when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team who have won 2 out 3 on this young season.
Jets Ready to Turn Up Offense?
Winnipeg has had a three day break and some pauses in practice time for possible COVID exposure, but they did look good in their only game so far this year, a 4-3 OT win over Calgary. The Jets got a three point night from star Patrik Laine right out of the gate with two scores while Kyle Connor also added a goal and two assists.
The sample size is very small for Winnipeg, but if they manage another 34 shots on goal like they did last Thursday against Calgary Flames it could be a very fruitful night. Toronto seems to be content on winning games in high scoring affairs this season, as the Jets get a defense that allowed 9 goals in their first two games.
Toronto Set to Get in a Groove?
The rest of the NHL was put on alert on Saturday as Toronto’s new top line seemed to have put things all together. Auston Matthews (goal, 2 assists), Mitch Marner (goal, 2 assists), and Joe Thornton (goal) combined for all the team’s scoring in a 3-2 win over Ottawa.
Of course part of playing winning hockey is also not allowing the opponent to score either. Frederik Andersen allowed 4 goals on 32 shots to Montreal in the opener and 5 goals on just 24 attempts to Ottawa in his second start. Sheldon Keefe turned to Jack Campbell almost out of necessity on Saturday, but he also served up 2 goals while facing only 19 shots.
Winnipeg Jets vs Toronto Maple Leafs Schedule
When: Monday, January 18, 7:00pm ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario
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