Winnipeg defence braces for McDavid

When Winnipeg plays host to Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, defencemen Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba will be taking on one of the toughest assignments in hockey.

How else do you describe trying to limit the production of the Oilers’ captain and top-line centre?

McDavid has won consecutive Art Ross Trophies as the top scorer in the NHL and he’s been in on all five goals the Oilers have scored this season. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Get back in the groove

Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck will be well rested after watching backup netminder Laurent Brossoit make 42 saves in his season debut on Sunday. Hellebuyck got a few extra days of rest and is ready to start for the fifth time in six games. He’s come out of the gate strong, posting a save percentage of .919 and a goals-against average of 2.50.

2. Another Little step forward

The Jets got their first evenstrength goal of the season from the second line and centre Bryan Little made sure it was an important one, delivering the gamewinner in Sunday’s 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The trio of Little, Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers generated 14 shot attempts and eight shots on goal.

3. Win the special-teams battle The Jets took only two minor penalties on Sunday after being short-handed nine times against the Nashville Predators. The Jets’ penalty kill has found its form since allowing three goals in five opportunities against the Dallas Stars. The Oilers come into the contest with the least efficient penalty kill in the league while the Jets’ power play is tied for 12th.

4. Chipping in

With minute-munching Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien out of the lineup with an upperbody injury, Morrissey stepped onto the top power-play unit and helped set up the tying goal, then set up the game-winner against the Hurricanes. Byfuglien is a game-time decision, but Morrissey has been Mr. Consistency for the Jets.

5. Better puck management

The Hurricanes used their speed and active sticks to force plenty of turnovers on Sunday and the Jets will need to play with more pace and do a better job of managing the puck as the Oilers come to town. The Oilers are quick in transition and dangerous off the rush, so limiting odd-man rushes will be a Jets priority Tuesday.