WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets are hoping five days away from the rink will be beneficial as they begin the post-Christmas push towards the playoffs. The directive from head coach Scott Arniel was to focus on family and resetting.
“It's a long year, and obviously, go through ups and downs and I don't think as an athlete, you ever fully unplug,” said Josh Morrissey.
“But it's nice to be able to spend some time, like I said, clearing your mind, whether you're a hockey player, you have a few days off at Christmas in any career. So, I think that’s something that seems like everybody's really refreshed.”
The Jets begin the day six points behind the Utah Mammoth for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, they are hosting Central Division rival Minnesota at Canada Life Centre tonight. Since the Jets last played the Wild, Minnesota made a blockbuster trade bringing one of the best offensive defencemen in the league, Quinn Hughes.
“You look at their record and since that game, obviously at the big trade, adding Hughes, who's an amazing player. So, I just felt like when we played them last time, and our coaches talked about it as well. Just they're defending,” said Morrissey.
“They weren't giving up very much, and especially in zone, not giving up very much. So yeah, they've got really high-end skill, but also, they defend really hard.”
The Jets lost another close game in Sunday’s matchup with the Mammoth. Winnipeg has now recorded a one goal loss in each of their last four contests and have now lost their last eight one-goal games. While tonight isn’t do or die, it sure would be nice for Winnipeg to start off the homestand with a much needed two points.
“Getting off on the right foot, obviously being at home here, having a few days off, yeah, all those things – it's important. But it doesn't matter,” said Scott Arniel.
“All these games moving forward here are extremely important to us. If we're going to make a run to get in the playoffs this is what we have to do. We have to win these games that are in front of us. No better challenge than the Minnesota Wild.”
The morning skate saw Luke Schenn coming back into the lineup, Colin Miller is out. Connor Hellebuyck will make his sixth consecutive start.
