The top team in the Western Conference, yes, you are reading that correctly, the Utah Mammoth leads the Western Conference with 14 points and heads to Winnipeg for another Central Division tilt against the Jets. This will be the back end of a back-to-back for Utah as they look to make it seven straight victories.
Today marks the third game of a four-game road trip that will finish in Edmonton on Tuesday against the reigning Western Conference champions. With the victory against the Minnesota Wild yesterday, the Mammoth have guaranteed a .500 road trip at the very least. Logan Cooley has caught on fire with 5 goals in 2 games, and Nick Schmaltz remains on a tear with 12 points in the last five games.
The Winnipeg Jets are just two points behind the Mammoth and can catch up to Utah if they win today in regulation. The Jets last played on Friday, defeating the Calgary Flames by a score of 5-3. The night before, they fell to the Seattle Kraken 3-0. Today's game will complete a quick three-game home stand before traveling to Minnesota to face the Wild on Tuesday.
The Winnipeg Jets have yet to lose on the road, but are 3-2 on home ice. The team plays a strong, structured game that prevents the opposition from creating many offensive chances. Today's host is tied with the New Jersey Devils for the fewest goals surrendered, with just 19. That is thanks to the goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. After a mediocre playoffs last year, the American goalkeeper has rebounded nicely with a 2.01 GAA and an unbelievable .932 save percentage. Backup, Eric Comrie, has been strong in his two starts with a 2.50 GAA and an impressive .926 save percentage.
The original draft choice by this version of the Winnipeg Jets, Mark Scheifele, leads the way in scoring with seven goals and 12 points. Kyle Connor is off to a great start with 10 points of his own.
After the top two scorers, the scoring depth spreads out among the centers, but it is noteworthy to see that newcomer, Jonathan Toews has two goals and three assists with his new club after a long absence from the league due to injury/illness.
On the blue line, John Morrissey leads the scoring with 5 assists. Logan Stanley has 2 goals, leading on defenders. Neal Pionk has just 1 assist this year, but is always a threat to score, registering 25 goals in the last three seasons in Winnipeg.
Unlike yesterday, I believe this game will be much tighter, and scoring will be at a premium. With Karel Vejmelka playing yesterday, Vitek Vanecek may enter the crease after his first victory with the Mammoth a week ago against the Boston Bruins. Look for Cooley and Schmaltz to lead the way, and the defense tightens up with a focus on Connor and Scheifele.