Winnipeg Jets aim to stay in the playoff contention as they travel to play Washington Capitals
The Winnipeg Jets need victories if they want to reach the playoffs, but the task is getting more competitive and challenging with every game they play. A victory brings them close, but a defeat pushes them very far.
Hoping to stay alive in the playoff contention, Jets are going to play Washington Capitals on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at the Verizon Center, Washington, District of Columbia.
Winnipeg is ranked at 10th spot in the National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference with 56 points after 55 games.
To reach the playoffs, Winnipeg has to be placed at least on the eight spot, which is currently occupied with Ottawa Senators with 61 points.
Winnipeg has won three of its last five games, but the players are struggling to score more goals.
In the last game, Winnipeg overcame Toronto Maple Leafs after registering a comeback. Toronto grabbed an early lead, but Jets managed two goals later to win the game.
Jets’ centre, Bryan Little, has stressed on the need of scoring more goals. He said:
“We haven't been good on the road, but hopefully this win will kind of set things in motion. We have another big road trip (a two-gamer) coming up, and we need these points. Every game is going to be important for us."
Washington Capitals, on the other hand, have so far a guaranteed entry into the playoffs.
Washington is ranked at the third place in the Eastern Conference with 60 points after 53 games.
The problem Washington is facing is inability to perform under pressure.
Out of the last four games, Washington won two.
Ironically, both were the shutouts and the opponents struggled to even hold possession.
On the contrary, the two losses were big in which Washington conceded four goals each.
If the Capitals improve on this aspect then there is no smooth sailing for Jets on Thursday.
Capitals were outstanding in their last game against Florida Panthers.
Washington scored two goals each in the first and second quarter to dominate the Panthers.
Capitals’ winger, Alex Ovechkin, who scored two goals in the game, said after the victory that:
"I think everybody today was pretty good. We (had a) pretty good start, and after that Tomas [goalie] played unbelievable today. He gave us a chance to win the game."
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