Winnipeg Jets prepare to take on the resurging Florida Panthers – NHL Preview
Winnipeg Jets are desperate to get a cushion-providing victory that will bring them among the top eight teams of National Hockey League (NHL) Eastern Conference, but the resurging Florida Panthers might be a hard obstacle to clear.
Panthers and Jets are going to face off on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at MTS Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Jets
Jets are ranked at ninth spot in the conference with 68 points after 65 games and are just one point behind the eighth ranked Washington Capitals and a victory against Panthers might provide them an opportunity to replace the Capitals.
Jets have lost three of their last four games and are currently on a two-game losing streak with the recent defeats coming against St. Louis Blues (3-2 after shootout) and Edmonton Oilers (5-3).
Jets and Oilers failed to score in the first period of the game. Oilers managed a goal in the second period while Jets got two.
In the final period, however, Oilers scored four goals to completely startle Jets, who only managed a goal in the end.
Jets have recently acquired Grant Clitsome, who was previously serving Columbus Blue Jackets. Jets’ general manager, Kevin Cheveldayoff, hopes that the new acquisition will provide strength to the defence.
He said:
"He's a very competitive player, a player that has great character. With young defensemen, you know that it takes them time to mature. We're extremely excited about getting Grant into the organisation. I think he'll fit in very, very nicely with what we're
trying to build in Winnipeg."
Panthers
They are ranked third in the conference with 72 points after 62 games and are currently on a three-game winning streak.
The recent victories came against Carolina Hurricanes (3-2 after shootout), Montreal Canadiens (4-2) and Toronto Maple Leafs (5-3).
In the last game, Panthers were dominant right from the start and provided no chance for Leafs to settle.
Panthers got two goals in the first period to take a strong lead. Both teams got a goal each in the second period, while each team scored twice in the final period.
The recent surge, which came after a four-game skid, has indeed given Panthers an upper hand over Jets.
Predictions
Panthers might win.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Jets win, the winning margin will be two or more goals.
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