Thomas' Three Storylines - MIN @ WPG

LOADING UP TOP LINE
Searching for offence in the third period in Washington, Rick Bowness loaded up his top line with Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor. They had some success and will once again be put together for tonight's important divisional matchup with the Minnesota Wild. Bowness feels since they have last change, he can use that to his advantage. The Jets have lost Cole Perfetti for 7-10 days, so they are thin on the wing right now, so the expectation for the remaining three lines is to be good on the forecheck and they have to crash and bang the net.

RIVALRY GAME
The last time these two met in St. Paul didn't go so well for the Jets. It was all Minnesota Wild from start to finish in a 6-1 loss back in November. That should be more than enough for Winnipeg to get up for this game and on top of that, Minnesota is only three points back of the Jets for second in the Central Division. Winnipeg has won three consecutive games against the Wild at Canada Life Centre and six of the past eight games.
PK HANGING IN THERE
With all the injuries, the Jets penalty kill has been a big factor in the team staying in the fight in the Central Division. While they have given up a power play goal in five of their last ten games, they have faced some of the league's best power play units. Four of the teams they gave up goals to (Vegas (8), Vancouver (7), Ottawa (4) and Boston (3)) are in the top ten power play rankings. Winnipeg remains the fifth best penalty kill unit heading into tonight and will be facing the Wild's 11th ranked power play.