GAMEDAY: Predators at Jets

WINNIPEG - The Jets are concluding their eight-game homestand looking for a third consecutive divisional win in a Tuesday night contest with the Nashville Predators. The Jets have posted a 5-2-0 record on their homestand and a 6-2- 2 record since the Olympic break including two impressive wins over the weekend against Colorado and St. Louis.

“Yeah, obviously if we don’t win both games, it’s a pretty crappy homestand. Now we have a chance to have a good one here and win tonight. We still have a game tonight. We talk about focusing on Nashville,” said head coach Scott Arniel.

“Those games are great; we got the points. The other two before that weren’t great. Now we’re focused on what we have to do here. Just take care of our business and hope things happen with other teams that help us creep closer to that spot.”

Clearly the fact that the Jets are in the conversation of making the playoffs especially being 11 points out at the start of the Olympic break, is based on the way that they have found different ways to win hockey games.

“Whether we're up or down early or midway through a game, it doesn't really seem like there's any nervousness and sense to change our game. Obviously have to keep that going,” said Josh Morrissey.

“We know that as well as we've played, we're still five out heading into today, and today's a big game with Nashville and us right there. We've got to just keep rolling the way we've been going.”

The Jets struck first again against both Colorado and St. Louis over the weekend and have now scored the opening goal in in 20 of their 28 games played in 2026. Since Jan. 1, Winnipeg’s mark of 20 games scoring first is the most in the NHL. With 39 games scoring first this season, the Jets will need to score the opening goal in 12 of their 16 remaining games to break the franchise record of 50 games scoring first, set in 2014-15.

Scoring first becomes even bigger at this time of year when everyone is trying to win 1-0.

“I think we obviously got to strive for that. It's right off the hop our aggressive starts. And I think when you control it behind their net, get a lot of momentum from it,” said Alex Iafallo.

“Sometimes you don't score. It just gives the next line a chance to keep four check and keep getting shots on it.”

Make sure to watch the Jets pregame show, "The Check In" at 12:30 CT with Sara and Jamie on Youtube, X or Facebook.

The only change to the lineup tonight will be the return of Connor Hellebuyck between the pipes. One thing that hasn’t changed is the way the Jets are defending right now as Blues head coach Jim Montgomery said after Sunday’s game, they look a lot like the team we have seen here the previous two seasons.

“I’m not getting into all the details, but in a roundabout way the guts of the ice, not allowing teams to get in their freely, not allowing them to get second and third chances. It breaks down at times and you’re going to give up opportunities,” said Arniel.

“And that’s where your goaltenders have to step up, But at the same time, we’re really trying to limit what happens in those areas. If it gives you a chance to get puck possession back, keep the opposition out of your end of the rink, that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The Jets have posted a 6-4-0 record in the last 10 games against Nashville and a 4-1-0 record in the last five. Winnipeg has won the last three matchups against the Predators at Canada Life Centre.

The Jets are looking to complete a season series sweep of the Nashville Predators for the first time since relocating to Winnipeg… Nashville and Utah are the only Central Division teams that Winnipeg has not swept in the season series since joining the Western Conference in 2013-14, though Winnipeg swept Arizona twice when they were in the Central Division. 

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 CT.