Winnipeg Jets host Tampa Bay Lightning hoping to end season on positive note – NHL Preview
The Winnipeg Jets have been eliminated from the playoff contention, but their fate would have been much more different had they shown some consistency.
However, it is not the time for them to cry over spilled milk and as they host Tampa Bay Lightning in the last game of the regular season, they are hoping to wrap up the season on a positive note.
The Lightning, on the other hand, are also eliminated from the playoff contention. They were able to win their last home-ice game of the regular season, but their current three-game road trip has so far resulted in unfavourable outcomes.
The matchup will take place on Saturday, April 07, 2012, at MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Let’s take a look at both teams.
Jets
They are ranked at 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with 83 points after 81 games.
Out of the last seven games, Jets have lost five with the recent defeat coming against New York Islanders after a very close encounter.
In that game, Islanders had gained a two-goal lead within the first 10 minutes of the first period, but Jets managed to score two goals in the next 10 minutes to level the score.
Islanders, however, once again took the lead after scoring the only goal of the second period.
Jets levelled the score in the final period, but Islanders once again scored a goal after which Jets once again provided the equaliser. However, Islanders scored another goal in the final minute of the game and won, 5-4.
Disappointed Jets’ coach, Claude Noel, said after the game:
"It's disrespectful the way we start games. Yes we battled back, but we shouldn't have had to."
Lightning
They are ranked at 11th spot in the Eastern Conference with 82 points after 81 games.
Lightning have lost four out of their last six games and are presently on a two-game losing streak with the defeats coming against Montreal Canadiens (5-2) and Toronto Maple Leafs (3-2 in overtime).
Against Leafs, Lightning were tied, 1-1, after first period. The second period went goalless, and both teams scored apiece in the final to send the game to overtime in which Leafs scored a goal and won.
Predictions
Jets have a slight edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Lightning win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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