Amid another lengthy run of success, the Winnipeg Jets have shown they can’t be kept down for long.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres might be amid a serious surge toward playoff position.
Fresh off a remarkable comeback victory, the Jets will look for their sixth win in seven games on Sunday night when they host the Sabres.
On Thursday, Winnipeg’s four-game winning streak ended with a rough 4-1 loss to the Central Division rival Dallas Stars. Then, Saturday, the Jets trailed by three goals after two periods at Carolina before stunning the Hurricanes with five tallies in the third period for a 5-3 victory.
“Hopefully (Saturday’s win) is one we can use as a momentum builder,” Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey said. “And build off that for sure.”
Nino Niederreiter scored twice and Kyle Connor recorded his sixth goal in six games for the Jets, who pulled off what has the potential to be a season-defining victory. Meanwhile, Morrissey had three assists for the Jets, who have stretches in which they’ve won eight of nine games and 18 of 22 this season.
“The good teams find a way to win, even when they don’t have their best stuff,” Morrissey said.
“Finding a way to win games, you can’t discount that in a hockey team. Lately, I think that’s something we’ve been doing.”
Morrissey has a whopping 14 assists in the last seven games. However, Morrissey and Connor each were held without a point during the Jets’ 3-2 home win over Buffalo on Nov. 17.
Winnipeg’s Connor Hellebuyck (2.25 goals-against average) made 26 saves against the Sabres in that contest, and 33 on Saturday. However, backup Laurent Brossoit (2.26 GAA) could make his 16th start of the season in this back-to-back scenario.
Winners of five of their last six games, the Sabres are 10 points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with several teams to hop.
After going 5-2-0 during a run of seven straight games decided by one goal, Buffalo broke out for a 7-2 home victory vs. Vegas on Saturday. Dylan Cozens scored twice and Jeff Skinner and defenseman Owen Power each had a goal with two assists for Buffalo.
“Our psyche is in a much better place the last month or so,” Sabres coach Don Granato said.
“(We’re) motivated for the next game. They’re feeling better about their game. Their team game, their individual game. They’re showing more excitement about the next game.”
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 22 saves in his eighth consecutive start Saturday for Buffalo, which has allowed 12 goals in the last five contests. He’s posted a 1.97 goals-against average while winning five of his last six starts.
However, teammate Eric Comrie (3.87 GAA), who has lost seven consecutive starts since winning his season debut on Oct. 21, could be in the net for the first time since Feb. 15.
Power has two goals with three assists in his last five games. Cozens, meanwhile, has four goals and four assists in the last eight for Buffalo, which will eye its first three-game home winning streak this season.
–Field Level Media