Winnipeg Jets prepared for battle of the NHL’s best as Washington Capitals stop in town

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) battles for the puck against Winnipeg Jets center Vladislav Namestnikov (7) and defenseman Neal Pionk (4) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

It’s the best team in the Western Conference versus the best team in the Eastern Conference.

The Winnipeg Jets are hosting the Washington Capitals Tuesday night as the NHL’s best jostle for top spot in the league.

“It’s going to be a grind for us to gain offence against them and same thing on the other side,” said Jets Head Coach Scott Arniel. ”We got to be good in our end. We got to do the job against them. They like to get people, bodies around that net front and we’re going to have to be just as good and just as diligent without the puck as they’re going to be.”

The last time these two teams met was at the beginning of February, the Jets had leads of 2-0, 3-1, and 4-2, but the Capitals were able to force overtime before Josh Morrissey scored to seal the 5-4 victory for Winnipeg.

Arniel said he knows his team is excited to enter the ring with another heavyweight.

“We’re sitting two points behind them and we’re kind of back and forth all year long and just, another big challenge. I think guys get excited about this, especially this time of year, to have one of these kinds of (games), especially a team in the East. So I’m expecting and hoping it’s, again, it’s another real exciting game.”

When asked if there is talk about finishing first overall in the NHL and winning the President’s Trophy, Arniel said the focus is just about beating Washington.

Lineup changes

The lineup for the Jets will look a little different Tuesday as Gabe Vilardi has been listed as week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

It means Alex Iafallo will slot into the top line with Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele and the second line will now feature Nikolaj Ehlers, Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton.

Ehlers said playing with Lowry and Appleton is always so easy.

“I think the way we were able to finish last game, get some pretty big chances there, and keep the puck out of our own zone, it’s definitely a good start,” said Ehlers. “So, we’re excited. We’re ready to keep building on this line, and that’s exciting.”

Speaking on Lowry, Ehlers said he plays such simple hockey and really creates space so his linemates are able to do what they do best.

“I think that the games that we’ve played together, we’ve found each other really well, a lot. We’ve stayed in it, and we talk well together on the bench as well.”

Having ‘The Great 8’ in Winnipeg

With Washington being in the city, the focus also shifts to Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin. The Russian star is just six goals away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s regular season goals record and seven from breaking it.

When Jets players were asked if there was any Ovechkin memory that comes to mind from over the years, Ehlers said he couldn’t think of one specific moment but noted he is happy that the record is still seven goals away.

“I feel like every time we’ve played Washington, there’s been some type of milestone that he’s hit,” said Ehlers.

While he didn’t have a personal story, he said he does try to take some of Ovechkin’s game and turn it into his own.

“I don’t have nearly the same shot as he does, but he also shoots from everywhere, and that’s how you score goals in this league. You’re not going to get the perfect opportunity every single time, but as long as you get the puck towards the net, there’s a chance it’s going in.”

As for Scheifele, there is one moment that sticks out in his head every time he faces Ovi.

“The coolest thing was one time, Jay, our equipment guy, asked if I could sign a stick, and I was like, ‘Oh, who’s it for?’ He said, ‘It’s for Ovi,’ and I was like, ‘OK, can I get one too?’” Scheifele laughed. “So I ended up getting one back, and he was obviously very, very gracious. He said thank you during warm-up.”

Ovechkin and the Capitals will clash with Scheifele and the Jets for the final time this season starting at 7 p.m.