GAMEDAY: Maple Leafs at Jets

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets will be looking for a fifth win in a row when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Hockey Day in Canada at Canada Life Centre.

The Jets are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season beating the Minnesota Wild on the road on Thursday 6-2. Mark Scheifele had a four-point night in the win.

“I think we've just been playing better hockey. Everyone's firing on all cylinders,” said Scheifele on Thursday night.

“Guys are making plays, holding on to pucks, just kind of doing what's, making the play in front of them. So, it's been a great team effort. And just gotta keep going.”

A big reason for the Jets success as of late is that they are going to the tough areas to score goals and they continue to get secondary scoring. Jonathan Toews scored for a fourth straight game and registered his 900^th career point. Plus, the Jets got goals from their defence with Josh Morrissey and Logan Stanley finding the net.

“When everybody is a part of the offence, with five guys, it makes us tougher to defend,” said Scott Arniel on Thursday.

“But when those guys at the top can get those pucks in there, get them to the net front, whether they’re rebounds or (DeMelo’s) slapper, getting it to the net and Tanner (Pearson) battling to get the rebound and put it in. Those are big moments.”

Dylan DeMelo feels that the defence have been helping out the forwards by making sure their shots are getting through to the net.

“I think it's been a great effort for everybody. We're scoring a lot of goals in the paint. If the point shots going in, it's because of a good screen. The D are ready to shoot,” said DeMelo.

“We're not overthinking things, keeping it simple, and guys are doing a great job getting in front of the net, either with screens, tips or rebounds.”

Make to watch the Jets pregame show at 12:30 CT with Sara Orlesky and Jamie Thomas on YouTube, X and Facebook.

Stanley continued his offensive breakout with his eighth goal of the season against Minnesota. Stanley has officially set a new career-high in a season in goals (8) and points (15) in only 45 games. Of all defencemen with 20 or more shots this season, Stanley’s 16.7% shooting percentage ranks second, trailing only John Klingberg of San Jose (17.6%).

“Not gonna lie. I've always seen it in him. So, I've always been a big Stan fan. He's been a guy that I love to work on things with and see him grow,” said Scheifele.

“And I'm like a proud dad for him. He’s been, it's been awesome to watch, and that's the thing. He makes even a lot of little plays, not just on the goals that are amazing and make it a pleasure to be on the ice with him.”

The Jets have posted a 3-6-1 record in the last 10 games against Toronto and a 1-3-1 record in the last five. Winnipeg has lost the last three matchups against Toronto at Canada Life Centre, with their last home win against the Leafs coming on Dec. 5, 2021. The Jets had a 4-1 lead in Toronto in the second period before losing 6-5 to the Leafs. Dylan DeMelo said that they won’t be looking for revenge on the Leafs, it’s more important that they focus on getting closer to a playoff spot.

“We obviously dug ourselves in the hole. So, no matter who we're playing, we're trying to get two points and trying to climb the ladder,” said Dylan DeMelo.

“We know the opponent, obviously we played them recently, like you said. So, there's some things that we obviously need to replicate and some things we'll need to win tonight.”

Puck drop is scheduled for 6 CT.