THE CAPTAIN
Over the past three games, the Jets have got big-time production from their star players. Saturday night, Blake Wheeler put the team on his back and recorded a career high tying five points. Wheeler is looking like the player he was before he injured his knee in Vancouver back in December. His hard drive to the net in the first period against the Predators led to Winnipeg's first goal after they trailed 2-0.
BIG STAN
After a long wait, Logan Stanley will return to the lineup this evening for the Jets. Stanley missed nine games with a lower body injury and his size and mobility will be welcomed. Neal Pionk is not available to the Jets as he remains in the United States because he tested positive for COVID coming out of the All-Star break. It's expected Pionk will be available for the Jets next game Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, Stanley has averaged 15:10 of ice time and recorded eight assists over 35 appearances this season.
POWER PLAY CLICKING
The Jets scored timely power play goals in their win over the Predators, and it took advantage of a five-minute elbowing major by Mark Borowiecki. Even with key players coming in and out of the lineup because of COVID and injuries, the Jets have been able to find ways to keep clicking with the man advantage. The top unit of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Josh Morrissey have been patient and have moved the puck quickly in order to not let the opposing penalty kill get set up.
TOUGH TO GET PUCKS THROUGH
Winnipeg will have to be at their best moving the puck in the offensive zone tonight as Chicago is one of the best teams at taking away shot lanes. They have blocked 20 or more shots in four of their past five games. Chicago recorded a season-high 30 blocked shots on Jan. 31 against the Canucks. That night turned out to be only the third time since the 2005-06 season that the Blackhawks have logged 30 or more blocks in a contest.
