The Winnipeg Jets, with an impressive winning streak of 10 consecutive games under their belt, are preparing to lock horns with the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night. This streak has not only set a franchise record but also positioned the Jets at the top of the Western Conference, boasting a commendable 85 points.
The Jets’ most recent victory was a nail-biting 2-1 overtime triumph against the San Jose Sharks. Despite the Sharks’ spirited defense and excellent goaltending, the Jets managed to hold their ground and eke out a victory. As Morrissey, a key player for the Jets, put it, “there’s no quit in our team”. This perseverance, combined with a well-coordinated attack, eventually wore the Sharks down, reinforcing the Jets’ strength and fortitude.
In this closely contested match, goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 17 crucial saves for Winnipeg. The team’s last defeat dates back to January 20, when they fell 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City.
Mark Scheifele, the Jets’ star forward, made a significant contribution to the victory with his 32nd goal of the season. This achievement pushed him to the top of the Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise’s all-time goal leader list, surpassing Ilya Kovalchuk with a total of 329 goals. Scheifele expressed his excitement, saying, “That building was rocking,” and acknowledged the crucial role their opponents’ goalie played in the challenging match.
The Jets’ coach, Scott Arniel, praised his team’s resilience, stating, “That was just sticking with it.” Despite facing numerous challenges and missed opportunities during the game, the Jets refused to buckle under pressure and emerged victorious.
On the other hand, the Ottawa Senators are looking to bounce back from a string of four consecutive losses. Their most recent defeat was a 5-2 home loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Travis Green, the Senators’ coach, characterized his team’s performance as “rusty”. The Senators were handicapped by the absence of key players like captain Brady Tkachuk, and centers Josh Norris and Shane Pinto due to injuries. Green expressed his concern, stating that these absences greatly affected their game.
However, the Senators are not throwing in the towel just yet. Despite their recent struggles, they are determined to put up a strong fight against the Jets. Their previous face-off on December 28 resulted in a 4-2 win for the Jets.
In conclusion, the upcoming match between the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators is sure to be a riveting encounter. While the Jets aim to extend their record-breaking winning streak, the Senators will be striving to break their losing streak and regain their footing. Thus, the stage is set for an intense and thrilling game of hockey.