Capitals at Islanders Game Preview - April 15
The Washington Capitals face the New York Islanders tonight in their penultimate game of the regular season. With the playoffs looming, the ...
Jets Clinch Top Spot:: Winnipeg has secured the Presidents' Trophy and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Ducks on Back-to-Back:: Anaheim played last night in Minnesota, losing in overtime, and faces a quick turnaround. They are 3-9 this season in the second game of back-to-backs.
Goaltending Matchup:: Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck is expected to start for the Jets, while Ville Husso is projected to be in net for the Ducks after Lukas Dostal played last night.
Key Injuries:: The Jets are without Nikolaj Ehlers (lower body, week-to-week) and Rasmus Kupari (concussion). Gabriel Vilardi (upper body) has resumed skating but remains day-to-day. The Ducks are missing John Gibson (lower body), Robby Fabbri (upper body), and Ross Johnston (upper body).
Why this matters:: For the Jets, it's a final opportunity to fine-tune lines and systems before their first-round playoff matchup against the St. Louis Blues. For the Ducks, it's about building momentum for next season and evaluating younger players.
Anaheim Ducks:
Gauthier - Carlsson - Killorn
Zegras - McTavish - Colangelo
Vatrano - Strome - Terry
Lundestrom - Washe - Harkins
LaCombe - Gudas
Zellweger - Trouba
Moore - Helleson
*Goalie:* Husso (Projected)
*Scratched:* Leason, Kylington, Zellweger, Lundestrom (Note: Lineups may vary slightly based on sources and final decisions)
*Injured:* Gibson, Fabbri, Johnston
Winnipeg Jets:
Connor - Scheifele - Iafallo
Niederreiter - Namestnikov - Perfetti
Tanev - Lowry - Appleton
Gustafsson - Barron - JAD
Morrissey - DeMelo
Samberg - Pionk
Stanley - Schenn
*Goalie:* Hellebuyck (Projected)
*Scratched:* Heinola, Fleury, Miller, Driedger
*Injured:* Ehlers, Vilardi, Kupari
The Winnipeg Jets (55-22-4) enter this game having secured the NHL's best regular-season record. Their focus is now squarely on the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they face the St. Louis Blues in the first round. Coach Rick Bowness may use this game to rest some players or solidify line combinations. The recent injury to Nikolaj Ehlers is a concern, moving Nino Niederreiter up the lineup. However, Gabriel Vilardi's return to skating is a positive sign.
The Anaheim Ducks (35-37-9) have shown improvement this season, adding 20 points compared to last year, but missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive season. Playing the second half of a back-to-back after an overtime loss poses a challenge. Betting odds heavily favor the Jets (-298 moneyline, -1.5 puck line), reflecting the difference in team status, home-ice advantage, and the projected goaltending matchup with Hellebuyck likely starting against Husso.
Who are the projected starting goalies?
Connor Hellebuyck is projected for the Winnipeg Jets, and Ville Husso is expected to start for the Anaheim Ducks.
Are there any significant injuries?
Yes, the Jets are missing Nikolaj Ehlers, Rasmus Kupari, and likely Gabriel Vilardi. The Ducks are without John Gibson, Robby Fabbri, and Ross Johnston.
What's at stake in this game?
For the Jets, it's a final tune-up for the playoffs. For the Ducks, it's the last game of their season.
The Jets are heavily favored to win against a Ducks team playing the second game of a back-to-back.
Watch how the Jets manage their lineup, potentially resting players or experimenting before the playoffs.
Key players like Ehlers (Jets) and Gibson (Ducks) are out due to injury.
This is the last chance to see the 2024-25 Ducks in action.
How deep do you think the Jets will go in the playoffs this year? Let us know!
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