The Winnipeg Jets’ strong offense is helping them start the season well. This could be a problem for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have struggled defensively while playing away.
With their best start ever, the Jets are looking for a third straight win when they face the Lightning on Sunday afternoon.
Having won 10 out of their first 11 games and sitting at the top of the league with 20 points, Winnipeg scored the most goals in the NHL with 52. They have scored at least six goals in five games, including two recent 6-2 victories against Detroit and Columbus, following a 6-4 loss to Toronto on Monday.
Additionally, Winnipeg has had success on the power play, scoring 14 times out of 31 chances (45.2 percent).
“We’re trying to keep the puck out of our own zone, which means we’re likely playing more in the other team’s zone,” said Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel.
“When we see the other team getting tired, that’s when we keep pushing and apply pressure.” In their game against Columbus on Friday, Nikolaj Ehlers scored three goals, and Josh Morrissey contributed one goal and one assist.
Meanwhile, Kyle Connor has been consistent, getting at least one point in every game so far and leading the team with 18 points. He has five points in five home games against Tampa Bay and has scored six goals with four assists in 11 games against them.
The Jets have scored at least three goals in each game during a four-game winning streak against the Lightning, who have started strong with 14 points in 11 games. However, Tampa Bay is looking to bounce back after losing 5-3 to Minnesota on Friday.
This marked the fourth time in their six away games that the Lightning gave up five goals. They started well against Minnesota, leading early, but the game was tied 2-2 late in the third period before the Wild scored three goals in the last 5:23.
“There’s a lot of things to learn from this game, especially just closing out games,” said forward Nick Paul.
Tampa Bay’s Jake Guentzel scored his fifth goal of the season on Friday and has three goals along with two assists in the last three games.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning’s goalie, is 4-1-0 with a 1.79 goals-against average at home this season, but he has a record of 2-3-0 with a 3.47 GAA on the road. He is 1-3-1 with a 3.40 GAA when playing in Winnipeg. Backup goalie Jonas Johansson allowed five goals in his only start this season against New Jersey on October 22.
On the other hand, Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck has a record of 7-1-0 with a 2.12 goals-against average this season. He has allowed two goals in each game during a four-game winning streak against the Lightning.
Jets backup Eric Comrie improved to 3-0-0 with a 2.67 GAA after making 20 saves in the game against Columbus.
