The memory of defeat at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club is fresh in the minds of the Winnipeg Jets.
They were run out of Utah to the tune of a 5-2 loss on Monday. Afterward, Head Coach Scott Arniel said it was the most embarrassing game of the season, from the coaching to the play on the ice.
It’s something they don’t want to repeat.
“They thoroughly outplayed us down in their building, and, you know, we weren’t at our best. It’s nice that we get another shot at them right away,” said Arniel after the morning skate Friday.
It won’t be an easy game for Winnipeg, though, as Utah is in the midst of a three-game winning streak, including a 4-0 victory against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
“Watched them last night going into Minnesota, played another strong game. So they’re playing well right now and we’re going to have to be at our best to make sure that we get ourselves a win.”
The Jets were able to rebound from their Monday loss on Wednesday with a 3-2 overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche.
Now, players are hoping they can reverse roles on Utah just four days later.
“I think we were unhappy with how we left Utah. We weren’t feeling too good about our game there,” said Forward Cole Perfetti. “I think it’s going to be a different game for us for sure. I think we’re going to come out with a different intent and energy. Obviously, they kind of embarrassed us and they’re rolling. So we want to return the favour for them tonight.”
Perfetti noted if it had been 20 games between these two teams meeting again, the feeling would likely be different. But he said the Jets still have a sour taste in their mouth.
“You remember what they (did), how they played against you and how we didn’t play great and how we want to change it.”
Arniel said Nikolaj Ehlers is under the weather and considered a game-time decision. Brad Lambert was called up from the Manitoba Moose and he said he is preparing as if he is playing Friday.
Puck drop from Canada Life Centre is at 7 p.m.
