[5:00 PM] Jets @ Hurricanes

Who will WIN this matchup?

Winnipeg Jets (9-8-2)

@ Carolina Hurricanes (6-6-4)

 

Starting Goalies:

Connor Hellebuyck(WPG): Unconfirmed

Cam Ward (CAR): Confirmed

 

• The Carolina Hurricanes look to cap their five-game homestand with a fourth consecutive victory when they host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday. Carolina began its string of contests at PNC Arena by dropping a 4-2 decision to Anaheim for its third straight overall defeat (0-2-1) but rebounded with triumphs over Washington, San Jose and league-leading Montreal, with the last two being determined by one goal.

• Drew Stafford, who hasn’t played since Oct. 25 due to an upper-body injury, participated in Saturday’s morning skate and could return to the lineup against Carolina, although coach Paul Maurice would prefer he rejoin the lineup Wednesday at Minnesota. Connor Hellebuyck will return to the crease Sunday after Michael Hutchinson made 34 saves in the loss to Boston.

• Skinner and Lee Stempniak each registered a goal and an assist in the first meeting with the Jets while Rask added a tally five minutes into the third to push Carolina’s lead to 4-1 before the wheels came off. Cam Ward, who has made five straight starts, is 4-1-2 with a 1.62 goals-against average and .941 save percentage this month.

• Skinner, who halted his five-game drought Friday against Montreal, is three goals away from having reached double digits in each of his seven NHL seasons.

• Winnipeg entered Saturday with the fifth-highest total of shots (558) in the league but registered a season-low 12 against Boston.

• Following Sunday’s contest, Carolina faces a stretch during which it plays nine of 11 games on the road.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Carolina Hurricanes

Confidence: 5/10

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