Jets try to build off Bruins win as the Vegas Golden Knights gallop into chilly Winnipeg

Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele (55) celebrates his goal against the Boston Bruins with Nino Niederreiter (62) and Josh Morrissey (44) during the second period of their NHL hockey game in Winnipeg, Tuesday December 10, 2024. (Fred Greenslade/The Canadian Press)

Eight goals, a trio of fights, and a statement win for the Winnipeg Jets all came Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

Now, another heavyweight is in town as the Jets look to put together back-to-back wins against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The last time these two teams met was at the end of November; Winnipeg was in the midst of a losing streak and just came up short in Vegas, 4-3.

“Obviously, our game kind of hasn’t been where we wanted it to be the last couple of weeks. I think that Boston game was probably the first step towards getting us going back in the right direction,” said Jets forward Morgan Barron.

“Tonight’s a great opportunity. Like you said, we haven’t fared too well against them the last couple of years, so it just looks like a great opportunity for us to kind of go out there and play a really good game against a good opponent.”

It has been a tough stretch for the Jets against the Golden Knights, as they have lost seven straight dating back to October 2022.

Despite the extended losing streak, Barron said that isn’t something the team really focuses on.

“I don’t think we think about it as much, to be honest with you. They’re a good quality team, and at times, we obviously haven’t put our best effort forward. But like I said, we have so many games here that they all kind of blend together, and for us, it doesn’t really matter who we’re playing or what our record has been against them in past years. It’s about this year and tonight.”

Head Coach Scott Arniel said the team is hopeful they can take some of the success from the Boston game and use it to break through against Vegas.

He knows it won’t be easy, as Vegas has been a top-tier team for some time.

“They’re good in all facets of the game. They defend real well, they’re a big, heavy team that gets in on the forecheck. Good specialty teams. They’re a team that’s recently won the (Stanley) Cup, and they’ve got a lot of experience back there.”

With an extended home stretch for the Jets, it has allowed the team to get some much-needed practice time—time used to create a game plan for Vegas and also fine-tune some aspects of their game that have slipped as of late, Arniel said.

“We got to get two or three drills in there that we felt would clean up some areas, but help us today against Vegas. And you know what? Can’t stress enough, the players are actually excited to get out there and get their touches, get practicing, and doing some of the things they haven’t been able to do.”

Puck drop for tonight’s game is at 7 p.m.