The Winnipeg Jets are looking to enter the upcoming Olympic break on a high note as they face off against the Dallas Stars on Monday night. The Stars, on a roll themselves, aim to secure their fifth consecutive victory after a recent strong performance.
Dallas forward Matt Duchene has been a key player, extending his goal-scoring streak to four games with a crucial tally in the Stars’ recent 3-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. This victory marked the team’s fifth win in their last six outings, which is a significant turnaround for a squad that struggled earlier, managing only three wins in a 14-game stretch prior to this resurgence.
“I think we’re playing better hockey now,” Duchene remarked after the Salt Lake City game. He acknowledged the need for improvements but expressed optimism about the team maintaining their current momentum.
Dallas head coach Glen Gulutzan echoed this sentiment, noting that the Stars are getting back to the high level of play they exhibited in the first half of the season. He pointed out that fans can observe a distinct improvement in how the team has been performing recently. “It’s got to continue,” Gulutzan stressed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining this level as they move forward.
Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the Florida Panthers, current two-time Stanley Cup champions. Winnipeg’s comeback win, achieved in the third period, highlighted their resilience and determination, something coach Scott Arniel was pleased to see. “I just liked the way we competed,” Arniel noted, emphasizing the team’s success in puck battles.
Despite the win, the Jets find themselves nine points shy of a playoff spot with only two games left before the Olympic break. There are four teams standing between them and the final wild-card position in the Western Conference. The Jets are eager to build up some momentum as they approach this nearly month-long pause in the schedule.
A significant focus will be on Cole Perfetti, who scored his fifth goal of the season against Florida. Perfetti expressed relief and satisfaction after his goal, acknowledging the challenges he faced earlier but remaining committed to generating scoring opportunities.
In terms of injuries, the Jets continue to deal with a depleted blue line. Neal Pionk is back in practice but is unlikely to play until after the Winter Games. Defensemen Colin Miller and Haydn Fleury are also sidelined, with expected returns in late February or early March. On the Stars’ side, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin is out with a lower-body injury but is making progress towards a return.
As both teams head into this crucial matchup, contrasting trajectories are clear: while the Stars are regaining their form, the Jets are striving to build momentum despite challenges. With the excitement of upcoming playoffs looming, both teams will be eager to deliver a strong performance.