With the return of Gabriel Vilardi (upper body), Gustafsson finds himself the odd man out of the Jets' lineup on Saturday vs. New York. The 23-year-old centre has struggled offensively in a limited role this season, with two goals, four points and 22 SOG in 36 games played while averaging only 8:56 TOI per game.
Samberg will find his way back to the press box as Nate Schmidt returns to Winnipeg's lineup on Saturday vs. New York. The 25-year-old is in his third season with the Jets' and set career highs in games played (70), points (16) and PIMs (40) already in 2023-24.
Vilardi has missed the Jets' last 15 games due to an upper-body injury but looks just about ready to return on Saturday vs. Ottawa after taking full part in practice Friday (including powerplay). The 24-year-old's return could not come at a better time as Winnipeg finds themselves in the midst of a season-worst five-game losing streak. When healthy, Vilardi is extremely effective as he has 16 goals and 30 points in 38 games played this season.
The Jets are amid their worst stretch of the season, riding a four-game losing skid, being outscored 17-7. Largely the Vezina-favourite for most of the season, Hellebuyck has been inconsistent lately, allowing three or more goals in three straight games (0-3-0), posting an ugly .862 SV%. The Jets will look to rebound on Thursday as -119 home favourites against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Perfetti started the season with 29 points (14G / 15A) in 39 games but has since scored only three points (1G / 2A) in 26 games and will be a healthy scratch on Thursday. David Gustafsson will draw into the lineup as Perfetti's replacement.
Cole Perfetti will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Gustafsson to re-enter the lineup. Gustafsson last played on March 21st and has zero points in his last nine games.
Nate Schmidt will be a healthy scratch on Thursday, allowing Samberg to re-enter the lineup. Samberg has been a healthy scratch in three of the last seven games for the Jets and has been held off the scoresheet in four straight.
The Jets are amid their worst stretch of the season, riding a four-game losing skid, being outscored 17-7. Largely the Vezina-favourite for most of the season, Hellebuyck has been inconsistent lately, allowing three or more goals in three straight games (0-3-0), posting an ugly .862 SV%. The Jets will look to rebound on Thursday as -119 home favourites against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Despite losing his last two starts, the Jets will return to Hellebuyck between the pipes on Tuesday. Hellebuyck has uncharacteristically allowed three or more goals in four of his last seven games (3-4-0), including three on 19 shots (.842 SV%) in his last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The Jets enter action as +109 home underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers.
Despite losing his last two starts, the Jets will likely return to Hellebuyck between the pipes on Tuesday. Hellebuyck has uncharacteristically allowed three or more goals in four of his last seven games (3-4-0), including three on 19 shots (.842 SV%) in his last outing, a 3-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. The Jets enter action as +109 home underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers.
Miller will get the chance to face his former team on Thursday as he is set to draw back into the Jets' lineup. Nate Schmidt will sit in his place.
Pionk missed practice on Wednesday due to illness but will be able to play on Thursday in New Jersey. The 28-year-old is yet to miss a game this season and has 25 points (5G/20A) in 68 games played.
Pionk missed practice on Wednesday due to illness and is expected not to suit up on Thursday but still remains a game-time decision. If the 28-year-old is forced to miss Thursday, he will miss his first game of the season after picking up 25 points (5G/20A) in 68 games played.
