The Winnipeg Jets are gearing up for a crucial Game 2 of their second-round playoff series against the Dallas Stars, with hopes of evening the series after falling 0-1 in the opener. The stakes are high as the Jets prepare to take the ice on home turf, and they may be bolstered by the anticipated return of star defenseman Josh Morrissey.
Morrissey, who has been sidelined since sustaining an upper-body injury during the Jets' Game 7 matchup against the St. Louis Blues, is expected to make his comeback tonight. The injury occurred in the first period of that game when he was hit by Oskar Sundqvist, forcing him to miss Game 1 against the Stars. His presence on the ice could provide a significant boost for Winnipeg, which is looking to avoid going down 0-2 in the series before heading back to Dallas.
During the regular season, Morrissey showcased his offensive prowess, tallying 14 goals and 48 assists for a total of 62 points over 80 games. His contributions were vital in the first round against the Blues, where he registered three assists in the six games he played. With Morrissey back in the lineup, the Jets hope to regain their defensive edge that was noticeably lacking in Game 1, where the Stars were able to exploit gaps and generate numerous scoring opportunities.
Head coach Scott Arniel expressed optimism regarding Morrissey's return, stating, "probably" when asked if the defenseman would be in the lineup for Game 2. This positive outlook from Arniel comes as the Jets are set to field their healthiest lineup of the playoffs, which could prove pivotal in their quest to even the series.
The defensive pairing of Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo has been a strong asset for the Jets throughout the season. In the regular season, the duo outscored opponents 51-36 while holding a 56.03% expected goals share during their 1225:30 of ice time together. However, their playoff performance has been less impressive, having been outscored 6-1 and holding a mere 34.31% expected goals percentage in 73:42 of ice time. The Jets will be counting on Morrissey and DeMelo to turn the tide in their favor as they look to bounce back in Game 2.
As the best team in the NHL during the regular season, the Jets are well aware of the importance of this game. A loss would not only put them in a deeper hole against the Stars but also create additional pressure as they prepare to travel for Game 3. The Jets are determined to leverage their home-ice advantage, where fans are expected to rally behind them, creating an electric atmosphere at Canada Life Centre.
Game 2 is set to take place tonight, May 10, 2025, with puck drop scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. The Jets are ready to show their resilience and fight back against the Stars, and Morrissey's return could be the spark they need to ignite their playoff run.
In the backdrop of the playoff intensity, it’s worth noting Morrissey’s journey with the Jets. Drafted 13th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft after playing in the WHL, he has become a cornerstone of the franchise. Following a successful junior career, including a WHL Championship with the Kelowna Rockets in 2015, Morrissey has spent parts of ten seasons with the Jets, steadily evolving into a key player on the team.
As the Jets look to even the series, all eyes will be on Morrissey and his performance in Game 2. With the playoff atmosphere heating up and the stakes higher than ever, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this matchup unfolds. Will the Jets capitalize on their home-ice advantage and even the series, or will the Stars continue to assert their dominance? The answer will come shortly as the puck drops tonight.
