The Winnipeg Jets will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, with both teams aiming for a Stanley Cup run.
The Jets are on a six-game winning streak, including a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals on Saturday. Since a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on January 20, head coach Scott Arniel’s team has outscored their opponents 28-13 in the past six games.
“At the end of the day, we’re all winners in here. We all have that competitive drive to win every game,” said Winnipeg forward Gabriel Vilardi. “Obviously, some nights you have it more than others depending on travel, sleep and whatnot, but we have a winner’s mindset, and I think that’s huge going down the stretch.”
The Jets’ success has come during a packed stretch in their schedule — Tuesday will mark their 11th game in 22 days. However, they’ll get some rest soon with just two games remaining before the league takes a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“We’ve done a good job. We’re ahead of teams when it comes to games played, and we’ve won those, which is a bonus,” said Arniel. “Carolina coming in here… so it’ll be a good test for us, so hopefully we can finish off on a good note.”
The Hurricanes are still adjusting to their two new high-profile players, Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall. These players were added to help Carolina make a push for the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 2006, but the team has only gone 2-1-1 since the trade. Rantanen has one goal and one assist, while Hall has an assist but is still searching for his first goal with Carolina.
The Hurricanes are looking to improve their defense after a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
“I didn’t love the goals we gave,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “Watch them. Can’t happen. Not in the NHL. Not against good teams, giving them breakaways and 2-on-1s out of nothing. That’s a big concern.”
Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg will be a big test for the Hurricanes, who have won six of their last eight games (6-1-1). Playing one of the hottest teams in the league will help the Hurricanes see how well their new players are adjusting and give Rantanen and Hall a chance to get more comfortable in their roles.
“We’re four games in with (Rantanen) now, and I feel like we’re building that chemistry a little bit,” said Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake. “… We’ve got to find a way. I think Rod expects us to pot some and we’ve got to find the net.”
Injury-wise, Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov participated fully in Monday’s practice, but he is still considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
This will be the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will play again on March 9 in Raleigh, N.C.
