Jets Look to Capitalize on Momentum as Struggling Devils Seek Turnaround
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The Winnipeg Jets are riding high after snapping an 11-game winless streak with a convincing 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night. The team's renewed energy is set to collide with the struggling New Jersey Devils, who are desperate to break their three-game losing streak and seven-game slump in the past nine games. The Devils suffered a devastating 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday, followed by a 4-1 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. Despite a strong push, they failed to capitalize on their chances. Head coach Sheldon Keefe remained optimistic, acknowledging his team's strong play in the first period, but admitted that accountability is a pressing issue for a team that has underperformed this season. The Devils have placed defenseman Dennis Cholowski on waivers, citing a lack of impact from the former first-round pick. Forward Timo Meier echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for the team to step up its game. 'We have to move on,' Meier said. 'We've talked a lot, now it's the action that has to take over.' Meanwhile, the Jets have found a much-needed boost in their win over the Kings. Head coach Scott Arniel praised the crowd's energy, saying it was 'fun' to see the team respond to their supporters. The Jets also saw a long-awaited goal from Vladislav Namestnikov, who ended a 30-game drought in the first period. As the Devils look to bounce back, they'll be without winger Evgenii Dadonov, who remains on injured reserve with a wrist injury. The Jets, on the other hand, will monitor the status of defenseman Neal Pionk and forward Morgan Barron, who are both considered day-to-day with undisclosed injuries and illnesses.
