“The Winnipeg Jets (17-19-3) will continue their up and down season tonight against a hobbled Tampa Bay Lightning (19-15-4) squad.
“With a 7-11-2 record away from the MTS Centre, Winnipeg kicks off the year with a three-game swing through the Eastern Conference. After tonight, they'll head a stone's throw away to face the Florida Panthers, followed by a Saturday afternoon match-up against the Buffalo Sabres. Tampa Bay's 11-5-2 record at home doesn't inspire any extra confidence.
“With Stamkos, Brayden Point, Cedric Paquette and Brian Boyle all hurt, tonight will see 2013 draft selection Adam Erne make his NHL debut.