GAMEDAY: Islanders at Jets

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets look to close out their five-game homestand with another win when they host the New York Islanders.

Winnipeg won their second game in a row by beating the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Sunday afternoon and also ended their streak of 13 consecutive losses in one goal games. The win was even more impressive considering the Jets were playing their third game in five days.

“We didn’t look like we had a whole lot of energy in the tank and when there is nothing in your legs it goes to your hands and it goes to your head sometimes,” said head coach Scott Arniel.

“But I really like the way, especially in the third period, where we hunkered down. We gained zones, we got it in their end, and we did the right things to stay on the right side of that score sheet.”

Cole Perfetti’s game has really turned a corner as well as the 24-year-old forward has four points in his last five contests after registering his first multi-point game of the season. Perfetti, Jonathan Toews and Gabriel Vilardi have really found some good chemistry since being put together on the team’s second line. Perfetti added the holidays came along at the perfect time.

Yeah, for sure, a little reset, family time, just kind of get your mind off the game and just hang out with family and, most importantly, rest the body,” said Perfetti on Sunday afternoon.

“I came out of the break feeling a lot better and just rejuvenated. And I think a lot of us did. And we've been playing better hockey since.”

Watch the Jets pregame show “The Check In” with Sara Orlesky and Jamie Thomas live at 12:30 CT on YouTube, X and Facebook.

Luke Schenn will come back into the lineup with the injury to Colin Miller, Neal Pionk did not take the morning skate, but it looks like he should be good to go tonight.

The Jets and Islanders are meeting for the second and final time this season. Winnipeg took the first matchup at UBS Arena on Oct. 13. by a score of 5-2 and will now host the Islanders for the lone game at Canada Life Centre looking for a series sweep.

The Islanders are playing some of their best hockey with Patrick Roy as their head coach and play a physical type of game, a change in style from the Devils game.

“Yeah, it's been like one after the other, the opposite. We've been going against speed, and then we've been going against sort of heavy groups. And the Islanders are in that category,” said Arniel.

“They're playing some good hockey and they're getting wins and they're right in the middle of that thick of things in the East there and getting great goaltending. So another challenge for us.”

It will be Jets fans first look up close at the first overall draft pick in Matthew Schaefer, who has put on a show in his rookie season. As of today, he is the clear favourite to win the Calder Trophy and is tied for fourth among all NHL defensemen with 12 goals in 45 games.

“It’s special. Everyone has started to hear about him as the year has progressed and I’ve tried to watch a bunch of their games throughout the season. He’s a special player,” said Josh Morrissey.

“What he’s doing as an 18-year-old defenceman is remarkable. He’s so dynamic all over the ice. He’s going to be a great player for a long time. To think he’s only 18, it’s pretty scary.”

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 CT.