WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets look to push their win streak to three games when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning at Canada Life Centre on Sunday (TV: TSN3, Radio: 680 CJOB/Power 97). Winnipeg played a complete game on Thursday night beating Vancouver 6-2.
There was some optimism that Josh Morrissey could return to the lineup after skating in a regular jersey on Saturday and again Sunday. However, head coach Scott Arniel confirmed that the defenceman will not play against the Lightning.
The Jets have certainly felt Morrissey’s absence, posting a 3-8-2 record since he was sidelined.
“He was there when we were all playing really well at the start. Obviously, we had a little bit of a dip as a team. But even when he was out, we still played a few really solid games as a team,” said Stuart Skinner.
“It kind of dipped back down a little bit and then we got right back up. It is just one guy and he is a huge part of this team. And it takes every single guy to win games here. But we'll be very excited when he comes back.”
The Jets are facing a Lightning team that played last night in St. Paul, Tampa Bay came back to beat the Central Division leading Wild 5-4 in overtime. Tampa also beat the Jets in their first meeting of the season back in late October. Winnipeg played well in the first and especially in the third but a rough second period ended up being the killer in the 6-4 setback.
“They’re a dangerous group. A lot of them have been together for a while and they don’t beat themselves. They defend really well. If you look at the analytics side of things, they’re real good with the puck and they’re really good without the puck. They don’t give you a lot of (room) to play a wide-open game,” said Arniel.
“They clog up the neutral zone and then when it comes to their transition, they play a wide attack game, and they’ve got some people that certainly can score. But at the end of the day, if you go toe-to-toe and you play hard, heavy hockey against them.”
Winnipeg also has to be happy with the fact they have started to see some secondary scoring with the likes of Dawson Mercer and Alex Iafallo who opened the scoring on the power play against the Canucks.
“Just helps momentum. I think obviously we haven't been that productive in that area, and we just wanted to help offensively in that aspect,” said Iafallo on his power play goal.
“And I think going forward, I think we're just talking today, just trying to get pucks to the net and do the right thing to get momentum offensively.”
Dylan Samberg who scored the overtime winner in Montreal on Tuesday will be playing his 300th game tonight something the Hermantown product is extremely grateful about.
"Obviously, very exciting. You know, can't take any day for granted here in the NHL," said Samberg.
"And looking back and think about when I was a little kid, thinking (if) I'd ever make to this spot. Was obviously a long shot, but obviously very excited about it."
The Jets have won their last five games against the Lightning at Canada Life Centre, last losing to Tampa Bay at home on Jan. 17, 2020. Winnipeg’s current streak against the Lightning is tied for their second longest active winning streak against an opponent at home.
