As the Connor Hellebuyck saga potentially nears a new phase, the Winnipeg Jets remain focused on what they can control on the ice.
That includes ending their losing streak and an extended skid against the Dallas Stars.
With Hellebuyck’s team-imposed suspension nearing its end, the visiting Jets will try to avoid a fourth straight loss Thursday night against the surging Stars, who swept all four meetings between the teams last season.
An NHL MVP and three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Hellebuyck requested a trade from the Jets before the season and was subsequently suspended by the club for failing to report to training camp. With Winnipeg continuing to explore trade options, a reunion remains possible as the suspension is slated to end Friday, according to multiple media reports.
On the ice, the Jets are looking to halt an 0-2-1 skid that has followed their 4-1-1 start.
“We have big goals and aspirations for this season, so we know what we want to do,” Winnipeg forward Cole Perfetti said. “All that we want is guys that want to be committed to that goal with us.”
The Jets have lost each of their last three games by one goal, most recently a 2-1 decision at St. Louis on Tuesday. Seven of their nine games have been decided by one goal. Winnipeg has scored just three goals over its last two contests.
“Greasy goals, the stuff around the net front, get yourself into those hard areas,” Jets coach Scott Arniel said. “Those are things you have to work on all the time.”
Winnipeg’s Stuart Skinner made 26 saves against St. Louis and is 3-1-2 with a 2.65 goals-against average. Teammate Clay Stevenson has allowed nine goals while going 1-2-0 in three starts.
The Jets surrendered 16 goals while going 0-3-1 against the Stars last season.
Dallas has outscored its opponents 10-4 during a three-game winning streak, including a 3-2 overtime victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Tuesday. Mikko Rantanen recorded a hat trick, with Jason Robertson assisting on two of his goals.
Rantanen has 11 points (five goals, six assists) through nine games.
“He’s just a beast,” linemate Wyatt Johnston said of Rantanen. “He’s very special and can do things that not many other guys can do.”
Rantanen recorded nine points (two goals, seven assists) in four games against Winnipeg last season.
After stopping 18 of 20 shots Tuesday, Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger is 4-2-1 with a 1.13 GAA and .945 save percentage through seven starts. Backup Casey DeSmith has allowed a pair of goals in each of his first two starts.
After being held scoreless in the season’s first two games, Robertson has totaled nine points (three goals, six assists) over his last seven. He scored three goals against the Jets last season.
Meanwhile, Perfetti scored his sixth goal of the season Tuesday. He recorded three points in three games against Dallas last season.
Teammate Kyle Connor leads Winnipeg with 11 points, including eight goals, but has been held off the scoresheet in the last two games. He has recorded 35 points in 33 career games against Dallas.