Slumping Florida Panthers take on the eliminated Winnipeg Jets – NHL Preview
The Winnipeg Jets are already eliminated from the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff contention and a win or loss will not change their fate this season, but the result of the game is certainly going to affect the Florida Panthers, who are expected to
play in the postseason, but are in pathetic form.
Panthers have three more games to play in the regular season and it is vital for them to secure victories in all the games so as to carry a positive attitude in the playoffs.
Jets and Panthers will face each other on Tuesday, April 03, 2012, at BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida.
Let’s take a look at both teams.
Jets
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 81 points after 79 games.
Jets have lost four of their last five games with the recent defeat coming against Tampa Bay Lightning.
In the game, Lightning took an early lead by scoring a goal in the first period, but Jets replied by scoring two in the second. However, Jets gave away the lead and conceded a goal in the final period. The game was sent to overtime in which Lightning scored
a goal and won.
Jets’ coach, Claude Noel, said after the game:
"There's too much emotion in this game. I can't even think past this game and the disappointment of it. This isn't a good time for me to talk about anything past tonight."
Panthers
They are ranked at third spot in the Eastern Conference with 91 points after 79 games.
Out of their last seven games, Panthers have lost six and are currently on a three-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Minnesota Wild (3-2 in overtime), Columbus Blues Jackets (4-1) and Detroit Red Wings (2-1 after shootout).
Panthers’ defenseman, Brian Campbell, commented on his team’s situation:
"The ball's in our court. Obviously for our division, it's in our hands. We have the opportunity. We're still looking at that. First you need to clinch a playoff spot and that's something that we're working on. So it'll be an exciting game Tuesday night
against a division rival, a must-win game for us."
Predictions
Jets have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might stay under six.
If Panthers win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
Tags: