Winnipeg Jets carry slight edge over Tampa Bay Lightning – NHL Preview
It would not come to anyone’s surprise if Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets replace teams in the National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference to reach the safe zone in the future.
These two committed teams are desperate to qualify for the playoffs and are shaping their performance accordingly.
This time, however, one team will take a step forward and the other will be pushed back as these two sides are scheduled to play each other on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Jets
Jets have more chances than Lightning to reach the playoffs as they are placed at ninth spot in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after 62 games.
In terms of points, Jets are tied with the eighth-ranked Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jets have played 11 games this month and have won six. They got their three-game winning streak snapped by Philadelphia Flyers in the last game.
Jets and Flyers scored apiece in the first period and managed three goals each in the second. The final period also saw both of them scoring one goal each.
In the overtime, Flyers eventually became victorious.
Jets’ goaltender, Ondrej Pavelec, was fabulous during the game as he saved 50 shots. Captain, Andrew Ladd, said of Pavelec after the game:
"(Pavelec) was excellent. He gave us a chance to win. I feel bad for him because, obviously, we spoiled a great performance on his part and I'm sure he's frustrated."
Lightning
The Lightning are on a three-game winning streak, but to counter Jets’ offence, a special effort will be required.
After playing 59 games, the Lightning are placed at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 60 points.
Their recent victories came against San Jose Sharks (6-5 in overtime), Washington Capitals (2-1) and Anaheim Ducks (3-2).
Steven Stamkos, who scored two goals against Ducks, said:
"We've got to win every game. We know it's probably not going to happen, but we have to have that mentality."
Lightning’s coach, Guy Boucher, also thinks the same. He said:
"The reality for us is, just keep on pushing, keep on playing. Finding ways, that's what we've been doing for a while."
Predictions
Given their strength on offence, Jets have a slight edge over Lightning.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams will exceed six.
If Lightning win, the goal difference will be two or less.
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