Jets Host Sabres, On Cusp of Clinching Playoff Spot
The Winnipeg Jets are on the brink of securing a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs as they host the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday afternoon. A victory would push the Jets closer to becoming the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a postseason berth.
Jets Eyeing Postseason Berth
The Jets (48-14-4, 100 points) are just three points away from sealing their playoff ticket. They currently hold an eight-point lead over the Dallas Stars in the Central Division and are looking to capitalize on their home advantage. Winnipeg has been dominant at the Canada Life Centre, boasting a 25-5-4 home record.
Coach Scott Arniel emphasized the importance of making the most of their home games, stating, “We’ve still got a race going in the Central. The players recognize that the two points on Sunday are a very big two points. At the end of the day, being home is always great, but you’ve got to take advantage of it as well.”
The Sunday matchup kicks off a four-game homestand, and with seven of their remaining 12 games on home ice, the Jets have a prime opportunity to solidify their playoff standing.
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Jets Riding Momentum Despite Recent Challenges
Winnipeg has been on a roll lately, winning six of their past eight games. The team has outscored opponents 27-19 over that span, with the only major blemish being a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
One area that has cooled off, however, is their power play. Despite leading the NHL with a 30 percent success rate earlier this season, they have gone just 1-for-16 over the past six games and 6-for-39 over the last 15.
Forward Cole Perfetti acknowledged the need to capitalize on their chances, saying, “There’s been some games where we’ve had great chances and great power plays. It’s just the puck hasn’t gone in. We could be a little bit more of that attack mindset.”
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Sabres Look to End Road Trip on a High Note
The Buffalo Sabres (27-35-6, 60 points) are looking to wrap up their four-game road trip on a positive note. They started the trip with a thrilling overtime win against the Boston Bruins but dropped the next two, including a 4-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild on Saturday.
Despite playing a solid first period against Minnesota, the Sabres struggled in the second, conceding three quick goals in the first eight minutes.
“I thought we played a model first period,” said Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. “We didn’t make them pay; we could have made them pay. And then we get caught on a long shift to start the second. Our ‘D’ didn’t get off the ice, and they just set the tone for the period.”
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Key Players to Watch
Winnipeg Jets: Cole Perfetti
Perfetti has been a catalyst for the Jets, showcasing his ability to make plays and score timely goals. As the Jets push towards clinching a playoff spot, his performance will be crucial.
Buffalo Sabres: JJ Peterka
Peterka has been on a roll, scoring in back-to-back games after returning from a lower-body injury. The young winger now has 21 goals on the season and is chasing his career-high in points.
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Prediction and Betting Tips
The Jets are poised to clinch a playoff spot and should come out strong on home ice. The Sabres, though struggling, are capable of pulling off an upset if their offensive game clicks. Given Winnipeg’s strong home record and recent form, they are favored to secure a crucial win.
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Final Thoughts
The Winnipeg Jets are within striking distance of a playoff berth and will look to use their home advantage to their benefit against the Buffalo Sabres. Meanwhile, the Sabres aim to end their road trip on a positive note and put up a fight against a formidable opponent. This matchup promises to be an intense battle as both teams seek valuable points in the playoff race.