Game 66
Buffalo Sabres (29-28-8) vs. Winnipeg Jets (33-28-6)
Puck Drop: 8:00 PM EST | Bell MTS Place | Winnipeg, MB
TV: MSG-B
Radio: WGR 550
SB Nation Jets Blog: Arctic Ice Hockey
Know Your Opponent
Winnipeg Jets
Record: 33-28-6 | 72 PTS
Last 10: 4-5-1
Division Ranking: 5th in Central Division
Conference Ranking: 9th in Western Conference
PP: 17th (19.7%)
PK: 26th (76.8%)
What to Watch
1. Return from Injury
Victor Olofsson is expected to be in the lineup tonight, while goaltender Linus Ullmark returned to practice on Monday. Don’t expect to see Ullmark in net just yet, but the fact that he’s back at practice and facing shots is certainly a good sign.
2. Playing a 60-Minute Game
The Sabres have struggled with putting together a full 60-minute effort as of late. We’ve seen several instances, including in the game against Arizona, where a few goals from the opponent just absolutely crush Buffalo’s efforts and put a halt to any sort of momentum.
Getting a lead, and holding onto a lead, are other areas where the Sabres need some work.
3. Playoff Hopes
The Sabres’ playoff hopes continue to diminish. According to MoneyPuck.com, Buffalo has a 0.4 percent chance of making the playoffs at this point. They’re still not officially out of it, but it’s certainly going to be an uphill battle. Getting even one win out of this road trip would be beneficial, to say the least.
Projected Lineup
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Victor Olofsson – Jack Eichel – Sam Reinhart
Jeff Skinner – Curtis Lazar – Wayne Simmonds
Dominik Kahun – Marcus Johansson – Jimmy Vesey
Zemgus Girgensons – Johan Larsson – Kyle Okposo
Defense
Brandon Montour – Rasmus Ristolainen
Jake McCabe – Henri Jokiharju
Rasmus Dahlin – Colin Miller
Starting Goaltender: Carter Hutton (expected)
Winnipeg Jets
Forwards
Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Blake Wheeler
Nikolaj Ehlers – Cody Eakin – Patrik Laine* (Laine was injured in their last game)
Jansen Harkins – Andrew Copp – Jack Roslovic
Gabriel Bourque – Nicholas Shore – Mason Appleton
Defense
Dmitry Kulikov – Neal Pionk
Nathan Beaulieu – Dylan DeMelo
Anthony Bitetto – Tucker Poolman
Starting Goaltender: Connor Hellebuyck (projected)