GAMEDAY: Jets vs Capitals

WINNIPEG -Tonight's tilt against the Washington Capitals will be a special one for Winnipeg Jets forward Axel Jonsson-Fjallby.
"It'll be fun for sure. That's pretty much the only team I've played for since coming over here," said Jonsson-Fjallby. "They drafted me, so they have a big part of my heart. It'll be fun."
The 24-year-old played his first 23 National Hockey League games with the Capitals last season, and has already matched that number with the Jets, a team he's felt a fit with since his first practice on October 13.
"I think just the way I play - (Jets head coach Rick Bowness), that's what he wants from me," Jonsson-Fjallby said. "Exactly what I'm good at is what he wants me to do. Skate hard, forecheck hard. I've been trying to do that. It works for me, it works for the team."

So far, Jonsson-Fjallby has one goal and two points with the Jets. As much as he'd like to contribute more on the scoresheet, the product of Stockholm, Sweden has been a big part of the Jets penalty kill (currently ranked third in the NHL) and has been relentless on the forecheck - no matter what line he's been on.
Jets Associate coach Scott Arniel was in the last of his four years in Washington when Jonsson-Fjallby arrived. He saw what the young forward could bring to the ice, so when he was available on waivers, Arniel mentioned to Bowness that he could be a fit.
Arniel wasn't alone in his support of Jonsson-Fjallby either.
"Our scouts had him rated very highly too," said Arniel. "He's a guy that this new NHL, he's got great speed, can penalty kill, can give you minutes, and he's done that for us. The biggest thing for guys like that when they're on the bubble is take advantage of your situation. That's what Axel has done."
Jonsson-Fjallby and the Jets will be tested against the Capitals power play, even if it's currently ranked 21st in the NHL. Injuries have kept a number of Washington's regular power play personnel from the ice so far this season, including names like Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom.
But the biggest weapon is still there - Alex Ovechkin.
"Don't let him shoot," said Jonsson-Fjallby, expanding on what the approach defensively is when going up against Ovechkin, who is sitting on 796 career goals. "I've watched him growing up. Just him making history is really cool to see."

Washington has won three straight coming into tonight's clash with the Jets. Winnipeg is fresh off a two-game road trip that saw them snag wins in St. Louis and Chicago, giving them four consecutive victories overall.
It's the first time this season the Jets have put together a win streak of that length, but they don't want to stop now.
"Our success throughout the year, even though we've been so deep, we've battled some injuries in the beginning and it's always been the next-man-up mentality," said Kyle Connor, who carries a four-game point streak into tonight's game. "I think everybody has done a great job, we're playing for each other and you can see the results. It's exciting. It's exciting to be part of."
With a points percentage of 0.712, the Jets lead the Central Division and the Western Conference. Bowness has always expressed that the Jets should have pride in that feeling, but be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
Connor agrees, and said lessons from previous years keep the team from getting too ahead of themselves.
"We draw from instances, last year, where we weren't having success," Connor said. "It's from the downs, and you have to look at every opportunity as a learning opportunity for us and a chance to get better. That's the way we're coming into each game."
Logan Stanley (lower-body) and Saku Maenalanen (upper-body) won't play against Washington due to injuries, so Connor's mention of the "next-man-up mentality" will get another test tonight. Dylan Samberg, who has sat out the last couple of games, will return to the line-up for the injured Stanley.
Arniel also mentioned that the Jets are working to bring in an extra forward from the Manitoba Moose, especially given the schedule, which has Winnipeg playing eight times in the next 14 days before the holiday break.
Connor Hellebuyck is expected to get the start in goal as the Jets try to extend the win streak to five, and at the same time, help Jonsson-Fjallby and Arniel get a win against their old team.
"At the end of the day it's always nice to see old faces and all that," said Arniel. "You also like to beat those guys as well. They've been playing better lately and they're on a bit of a roll right now."
Puck drop is set for 6 pm CT.
-- Mitchell Clinton, WinnipegJets.com
Game Notes
The Jets have won 18 games in the first 26 games of a season for the first time in franchise history. It's two better than the 16 games the team won in the first 26 games in four consecutive seasons from 2017-2021.
The Jets have climbed to fourth in the NHL with a 0.712 points percentage, which also ranks first in the Central Division and Western Conference.
The Jets have scored five goals or more in six of their past eight games. Since November 25, Winnipeg has been the NHL's highest scoring team with 36 goals in eight games.
With Friday's win, Winnipeg is 10-6-1 in games following a win this season. After winning three consecutive games on four occasions this season, the Jets have now won four games in a row for the first time this season.
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