High-Stakes Showdown: Jets Take on the Struggling Devils in Game 73!

As the Winnipeg Jets gear up for their 73rd game of the season against the New Jersey Devils, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Jets recently sealed their playoff berth with a heart-pounding overtime victory against the Washington Capitals, but they can't afford to rest on their laurels. With the Dallas Stars winning their fourth consecutive game, they are now just four points behind Winnipeg for the top spot in the Central Division. The urgency is palpable as the Jets have only ten games left to solidify their position.

Their opponents, the New Jersey Devils, come into this game following a 5-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. However, the Devils have fought through challenging times, facing injuries to star players like Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton. Despite this setback, the Devils have managed to stay competitive, sitting comfortably in a playoff spot with a significant gap between them and the Islanders, who are trailing by nine points with two fewer games played.

When it comes to special teams, the Devils have a slight edge; they boast the 4th best power play and 6th best penalty kill in the NHL. In comparison, the Jets hold the impressive title of having the 2nd best power play but lag behind on the penalty kill at 14th place. This matchup is crucial not just for playoff standings but could also set the momentum for the postseason ahead.

Skate News:

In lineup updates, the Jets welcome back David Gustafsson, who replaces Rasmus Kupari, who has been absent from practice for two consecutive days. Gustafsson will join Morgan Barron on the wing, while the remaining lineup stays intact.

Projected Lines:

*Winnipeg Jets:*

- Connor - Scheifele - Iafallo

- Ehlers - Lowry - Appleton

- Niederreiter - Namestnikov - Perfetti

- Gustafsson - Barron - Tanev

*Defensive Pairs:*

- Morrissey - DeMelo

- Samberg - Schenn

- Stanley - Miller

*Goalie:*

- Hellebuyck

*New Jersey Devils:*

- Palat - Hischier - Meier

- Haula - Mercer - Bratt

- Cotter - Dowling - Noesen

- Tatar - Lazar - Bastian

*Defensive Pairs:*

- Hughes - Pesce

- Dumoulin - Kovacevic

- Dillon - Nemec

*Goalie:*

- Allen or Markstrom

Pre-Game Buzz:

Coach Scott Arniel revealed that Rasmus Kupari is dealing with a “little bit of a setback,” leaning towards a day-to-day status, though details were sparse. This injury comes on the heels of a concussion he sustained earlier this month.

As tensions rise and both teams strive for victory, all eyes will be on the ice tonight: Can the Jets maintain their lead, or will the Devils pull off a stunning upset? Don't miss this thrilling clash in the NHL playoff race!