Byfuglien and the Jets... Game Preview

Dun, dun, dun, dun, dundundundundun.... Byfuglien and the Jets!  The Winnipeg Jets make their first and only appearance to Vancouver this season.  This is the first of three meetings between the Jets and Canucks.  Former Vancouver Giant Evander Kane comes home to Vancouver, while former Blackhawk playoff foe Dustin Byfuglien makes his return to Rogers Arena.

Vancouver Canucks: 38 GP: 21-11-6; 48 pts
Winnipeg Jets: 37 GP: 16-16-5; 37 pts

The Canucks are back home after a three game Central Division road swing which they went 1-1-1.  They won their last meeting against the Chicago Blackhawks in an eight round shootout with Ryan Kesler scoring the game winner.  The Jets won their last game against the Florida Panthers 5-2.  The Jets have struggled in their last ten games posting a 4-5-1 record.  Vancouver is ranked fourth in the Pacific Division, seventh in the Western Conference.  Winnipeg is ranked sixth in the Central Division, eleventh in the Western Conference.

This game can be viewed on Sportsnet Pacific or TSN-Jets at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.

Here are the projected lineups:

Jets (the bad guys)

Forwards:
Evander Kane - Bryan Little - Blake Wheeler
Andrew Ladd - Olli Jokinen - Michael Frolik
James Wright - Mark Scheifele - Devin Setoguchi
Eric Tangradi - Eric O'Dell - Chris Thorburn

Defensemen:
Jacob Trouba - Dustin Byfuglien
Tobias Enstrom - Zach Bogosian
Mark Stuart - Adam Pardy

Goaltenders:
Ondrej Pavelec (starter)
Al Montoya

Canucks (the good guys)

Forwards:
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Jannik Hansen
Chris Higgins - Ryan Kesler - Mike Santorelli
David Booth - Brad Richardson - Zack Kassian
Tom Sestito - Zac Dalpe - Dale Weise

Defensemen:
Jason Garrison - Kevin Bieksa
Dan Hamhuis - Christopher Tanev
Andrew Alberts - Yannick Weber

Goaltenders:
Roberto Luongo (starter)
Eddie Lack

Things to watch for - Jets:

Dustin Byfuglien - "Big Buff" is fourth best amongst NHL defensemen in points.  He has 6 goals and 26 points in 37 games.  The Minneapolis native is a former Stanley Cup Champion and is a versatile player.  He can also be used as a forward if needed.  He has a booming shot from the point which the Canucks will have to shut down and pay close attention to.

Andrew Ladd - the Maple Ridge, BC native makes a return home to Vancouver tonight.  He is the Captain of the Winnipeg Jets and also a former Blackhawk.  The feisty winger is a good shooter and consistent agitator.  Ryan Kesler and Andrew Ladd have a history and will no doubt be in each other's grills.

Things to watch for - Canucks:

Jason Garrison - the White Rock, BC native is ranked ninth best amongst NHL defensemen in points.  He has 4 goals and 23 points in 38 games.  He registered a helper against the Blackhawks in 22:57 ice time.  He is another defensemen around the NHL known for his booming shot.  Garrison has helped the blueline out by logging more minutes in the absences of Alex Edler and Ryan Stanton.

Ryan Kesler - the engine which drives the Canucks.  He was more active and involved in the Chicago game.  He did not register a point but logged over 25 minutes of icetime.  Kesler will be responsible for shutting down the big Jets line featuring Evander Kane, Blake Wheeler, and Bryan Little.

Prediction:
3-1 Canucks (Santorelli GWG)

Until next time, stay classy! -George