Winnipeg Jets hoping for victory as they host Edmonton Oilers – NHL Preview
Winnipeg Jets have reached the safe zone of National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, but the goal of achieving the playoffs will not be achieved unless they hang in tight and retain the position until the end of the regular season.
Jets are doing well against most of the opponents, but when it comes to playing against stronger teams of the league, their struggle on the rink is evident.
After being defeated in their last game, Jets have a good chance get back to winning ways as they host Edmonton Oilers on Monday, February 27, 2012, at MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
On the other hand, Oilers have not been able to impress the audience so far and they will have to stage a good performance displaying good team chemistry if they want to beat Jets.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Jets
Jets are placed at eighth spot in the conference with 68 points after 64 games and face a serious threat of being replaced by either Washington Capitals or Toronto Maple Leafs if consistency is not shown.
Out of the last three games, Jets have lost two with the recent defeat coming against St. Louis Blues.
The Blues scored two goals in the first period, but Jets levelled the score in the second.
The third period and overtime went goalless after which shootout was called.
Both the goaltenders tried hard to prevent their respective net, but Blues eventually won the game.
Nevertheless, the Jets got one point, which provided them some respite. Jets’ right wing, Blake Wheeler, said after the loss:
"We're happy to get a point out of it. We're happy we battled back against one of the better [Western Conference] teams."
Oilers
Oilers have played 11 games this month and won five of them.
They have beaten a few competent teams, but their unpredictability leaves no room for guessing how they will perform on any given day.
In their last game, they got defeated by Phoenix Coyotes.
Oilers struggled on offence and defence as Coyotes scored two goals in the first period. After the goalless second period, both teams scored apiece in the final.
Oilers’ captain, Shawn Horcoff, said:
"I thought we did a better job in the second and third periods. They're a disciplined team that's tough to play against, especially when you are trailing."
After playing 61 games, Oilers are ranked at 14th spot in the Western Conference with 54 points.
Predictions
Jets will win.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might stay under six.
Tags: