Winnipeg Jets at Anaheim Ducks
On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe provide updates from the morning skate, including injury reports, lineup decisions, and brief notes arriving a few hours before puck drop.
Coach Scott Arniel Sets Expectations
Following a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Friday night, the second straight defeat to start a six-game road trip, head coach Scott Arniel used Saturday for meetings and motivation. The Jets gathered in Anaheim, where Arniel met individually with each healthy player to prepare for their matchup with the Ducks.
“To be straight up, I had one-on-ones with players,” Arniel told reporters at the Honda Center. “Because we have a large number of new guys and we’re teaching them as we go, I never really got a chance since training camp to say ‘OK, this is now what I expect of you.’ And to review with our players that have been here last year, touching on the things I expect from them every night.”
“Each guy knows their role, what I expect and what the coaches expect of them. So let’s go out and do it as a whole.”
Morning Skate and Lineup News
At the Sunday morning skate, forward Cole Perfetti received clearance to make his season debut after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first 14 games. This marks a key roster boost for the Jets ahead of their contest against Anaheim.
Game Context
The Jets are seeking to rebound from consecutive losses and find consistency on a difficult road stretch, while the Ducks aim to capitalize on home-ice advantage at Honda Center.
Author’s summary: After two early road losses, coach Scott Arniel regrouped his Winnipeg Jets with one-on-one talks before Cole Perfetti’s long-awaited season debut against Anaheim.