Another tough challenge for Lowry
Rugged Jets centre aims to shut down Sharks’ playmaker
The Winnipeg Jets’ checking line centre Adam Lowry did a strong job of keeping Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov off the board on Sunday.
His reward? Well, on Tuesday, he gets another stiff challenge: Minimize the impact of the San Jose Sharks’ top centre, Logan Couture.
Lowry’s physical play can be tough for offensive players to handle, but Couture has eclipsed the 60-point mark for the fourth time in his career and continues to excel as a two-way centre.
Here are five things to watch for when the Jets host the Sharks in Winnipeg on Tuesday:
1.
Turning the corner?
Although the Jets were disappointed by the result, they did a lot of things well in Sunday’s 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals. Outside of a lack of finish and a power play that went 0 for 5 and didn’t convert on an extended two-man advantage, the Jets were strong defensively and generated ample scoring opportunities as they work to raise their level of play during the stretch run. The Sharks, who faced the Minnesota Wild on Monday, are locked in a tight race with the Calgary Flames for top spot in the Pacific Division.
2.
Boost for Scheifele
Jets first-line centre Mark Scheifele has enjoyed both a productive and consistent season to date, leading his team in goals (32) and second on the squad with 75 points in 68 games. He’s on pace to shatter his career high in points (82) and has already tied his career best for goals. However, Scheifele has played three straight games without recording a point and has only five shots on goal during that stretch.
3.
Beware of Burns
The Sharks’ leading scorer is defenceman Brent Burns, who is producing another season that’s worthy for Norris Trophy consideration. Burns has already hit 60 assists and eclipsed 70 points, and also leads the Sharks in shots on goal, an impressive feat for a blue-liner. Burns has six goals and 20 points in 22 career games against the Jets.
4.
Fourth line strikes again When Mathieu Perreault scored at 6:23 of the first period to tie the contest, it gave the Jets’ fourth line three goals in the past two periods. Perreault’s line with Andrew Copp and Jack Roslovic appears to be developing some quick chemistry, but ice time was a bit tougher to come by on Sunday. Copp (9:51) and Perreault (9:26) had a few more shifts because of special-teams time, but Roslovic was limited to only 6:45 against the Capitals.
5.
No ordinary Joes
It’s been another productive campaign for captain Joe Pavelski and veteran centre Joe Thornton. Pavelski leads the Sharks in goals, while Thornton continues to work his way up the career assists leaders list, despite shifting to a thirdline role. Pavelski has 10 goals (including three game-winners) and 22 points in 21 career games against the Jets, while Thornton has 12 goals and 41 points in 39 games versus Winnipeg.