The frustrating part for the Jets has to be that the effort is there night after night, but little mistakes are hurting them at the wrong times. They scored first again on Tuesday night and even had a two-goal lead late in the second period. For most of this season, the Jets have posted a strong record when tallying the first goal of the game, but they have now dropped the last four games in which they opened the scoring, falling to a 13-6-3 record when scoring first.
“When things are going well and you're winning hockey games, maybe those bounces go your way, or different things like that, but at the end of the day, this game holds you accountable and you earn your breaks as well with your compete, your preparation, your execution,” said Josh Morrissey.
“So, all of those things need to continue to go to another level. And obviously we've got a couple really good teams coming in here, so need to do that.”
There will be a boost to the lineup as Danny Zhilkin will make his NHL debut after being recalled from the Manitoba Moose yesterday. Zhilkin has a career high 14 points in 30 games with the Moose in the AHL this season, he was a third-round pick of the Jets back in 2022.
“I worked really hard this past summer and just tried to show up every day after a couple tough seasons with the Moose,” said Zhilkin.
“Just being hurt a couple times. Just tried to keep positive, play as hard as I can. Obviously when I got the call it was a dream come true.”
A huge building block for Zhilkin was the Prospect Showdown in Montreal where he arguably was the Jets best prospect over the two games at the Bell Centre. Scott Arniel was in the building for the first game of that event when the Jets prospects beat the Canadiens prospects.
“In training camp for us, in the games he played, in the practices, his detail, that’s probably the biggest thing. He’s recognized - and I know it’s his third year - he’s really recognized that it’s (about) more than scoring goals or more than just being a one-way player,” said Arniel.
“He’s really taken it on to be good in all areas and thinking the game and recognizing that he has to do certain things every night to be successful.”
Joining Zhilkin coming into the lineup is Cole Koepke whose speed will be needed against the Oilers and Logan Stanley, the Jets defenceman served his one-game suspension on Tuesday. Vladislav Namestnikov and Gustav Nyquist will be healthy scratches this evening.
“There’s an opportunity for somebody else to come into the lineup in Danny (Zhilkin) and also for Cole (Koepke) as well. For Cole Koepke to come in, with his speed against Edmonton’s speed,” said Arniel.
“So, there’s some factors that played into it that way. Believe me, I’ve got the utmost respect for Vladdy and for Gus (Nyquist). At the end of the day, I’m trying to spark us. I’m trying to find a way. I’m trying to do something that maybe gives us that edge tonight.”
The last time the Jets hosted the Oilers back on December 29, they held Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to just one shot each. But Calvin Pickard made 41 saves, and the Oilers left Winnipeg with a 3-1 win. Still, holding McDavid to just one assist is a huge step in the right direction.
“I think you play special players like that - and there are a few teams around the league with guys in that echelon - you have to alter your game plan for them, they’re that good. Obviously, we did a good job of staying committed throughout that game to limiting the free chances you give them,” said Morrissey.
“With players like that, there are going to be times that they create opportunities because of how good they are but trying to limit the freebies or giving them free offence or odd-man rushes, they’re going to feast on that. We did a really good job of being committed to being aware when they’re out there and trying to eliminate anything we could give them for free.”
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 CT.
