Columbus vs Winnipeg: Do or Die for Playoff Hopes

0:00It's April 4, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NHL News today, your AI Power Team Report. Columbus Blue Jackets face off against the Winnipeg Jets tonight on home ice, both squads scrapping for playoff spots in their conferences. The jackets have struggled lately, playing some sloppy hockey under coach Rick Bownes, but a win here could keep them right in the eastern mix. Jets are three points out in the west, hungry to close the gap. Both teams bounce back from rough losses midweek. Jets got smoked 5-1 by Carolina, managing just 10 shots on goal, their lowest ever. Jets fell 3-0 to Dallas. Bownes is preaching basics, telling his guys to simplify when they're off their A-game, flip the puck out instead of forcing risky plays that lead to. Turnovers. Players are fired up despite the setbacks. Jets forward Cole Perfetti says, there's no quit in the room, they've gone 10 wins, five losses, four ties, since the Olympic break, treating every. Game like a must win.

1:01Jackets need that same grit to snap their skid and handle Winnipeg's quick counters. Line up news has some twists. Jets grieves gets the start in net for Columbus. Mason-Marchman looks good to play after skating, but Isaac Lundishram's banged up from a puck hit and probably sits. Former Jacket Gus Nyquist with Winnipeg is also a game time call, though he might watch from the bench. Jets matchups do or die for both. Simplifying and battling hard could tip the scales toward postseason dreams as the race titans up.