Thomas' Three Storylines - DAL @ WPG

PLAYING FOR FIRST PLACE
The Jets and Stars are meeting for the second time this season but this time, the two Central Division rivals are playing for first spot. Dallas comes in at 8-3-1 followed by Winnipeg at 7-3-1, both teams surpassing external expectations in the 2022-23 season. According to Jets head coach Rick Bowness, it's never too early to be excited about a battle for first. Bowness wants his players to get used to playing these types of games, that they need to embrace the pressure that comes with it. Winnipeg has dropped four straight to the Stars, including three in overtime.

STOPPING THE HINTZ LINE
The Stars have had some great top lines over the years but this season the Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski trio could arguably be the NHL's best. Hintz really drives the line with his size and speed and the three of them read so well off each other. Pavelski has lead the team in scoring the previous two campaigns and is currently third on the Stars in that department. Robertson is coming off being named the First Star of the Week in the NHL. Bowness feels that they have to slow down Hintz first and foremost and put as much pressure on the others that they can.
IMPROVED SINCE LAST MEETING
The Jets are a much better team than the last time they faced the Stars in Dallas back in October. Obviously, Connor Hellebuyck has been brilliant with two shutouts in his last five starts. They are defending better, both special teams have improved, and they are scoring goals when they need too.