Event of the Day: Boston Bruins versus Winnipeg Jets
Our event of the day is the colossal NHL clash between the Boston Bruins and the Winnipeg Jets at the TD Garden in Boston. Both sides are well in the hunt for playoff hockey this year, with the Bruins currently residing in fourth place in the Atlantic Division, whilst the Jets lead the way in the Central Division, with a record of 31-15. This crucial clash will almost guarantee goals, as the two franchises currently rank 28th and 26th in goals conceded, respectively. Boston have had a mixed start to the season and have flattered to deceive in recent weeks, having lost four of their last six games. This lack of consistency could come back to haunt the Boston outfit come the end of the season, as we have seen that, on their day, they can beat the league’s best sides. Left winger David Pastrňák has led the teams in both goals and points scored this term, and will be crucial if the Bruins are to have any chance of reaching the playoffs. They are currently in good stead to be playing post-season hockey for the third straight year as they go in search of their first Stanley Cup since the 2010/11 season.
Their opponents, the Jets, have impressed away from the MTS Center this term and currently boast a winning road record of 14-9. Winnipeg have one of the most fearsome offences in the National Hockey League and have averaged 3.46 goals per game so far this term. This offence is lead by the Jets’ right winger Blake Wheeler who has notched 61 points already and will be looking to add to his tally tonight at the TD Garden. Centre Mark Scheifele has also chipped in with a handy 59 points and leads the team with goals scored, having netted 25 times this season. With their playoff berth all but confirmed, the Jets will have aspirations to improve upon last year’s post-season run, when their season was cut short in the conference finals by the Vegas Golden Knights. Tonight should be a great game between two exciting teams.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Premier League where high-flying Manchester United welcome Sean Dyche’s struggling Burnley side to Old Trafford. United’s caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær will look to extend his 100% winning record at the helm to nine games tonight, having dumped Unai Emery’s Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Friday night. Elsewhere, there is a typically hectic schedule in the NBA tonight, as the Thunder look for their sixth straight win against the Orlando Magic whilst the New York Knicks will look to snap their nine-game losing run against the Charlotte Hornets. There are six games in total tonight in the English Premier League, with relegation candidates Newcastle and Cardiff both in action against top flight heavyweights Manchester City and Arsenal, respectively. The exciting Big Bash League continues down under as league-leaders Hobart Hurricanes welcome the Brisbane Heat to the Blundstone Arena. Finally, in the AFC Asian Cup, Qatar and the UAE will look to join Japan in Friday’s final as they face-off in the second Semi today at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL