GAMEDAY: Capitals at Jets

WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Jets begin a three-game homestand on Monday night when they welcome the Washington Capitals to Canada Life Centre at 6:30 CT.

The Jets are coming off a 5-0 loss in Vancouver on Saturday but hope to bounce back this evening facing the Capitals for the first time this season. There will be plenty of excitement for tonight's game as the Jets will welcome their newest additions from Friday's trade deadline Tyler Toffoli and Colin Miller to the lineup. 

"They know how to play the game. There’s not that many different systems in the NHL. They’ll know quickly that we play a pressure game," said Rick Bowness.

"They’re veterans, they know how to play the game, they understand the league and what you can and can’t get away with, regardless of the system. I feel very comfortable throwing them right out there."

Toffoli will play with a couple of familiar faces on the Jets second line with Sean Monahan and Alex Iafallo. The 31-year-old played with Monahan in junior and with the Calgary Flames and Iafallo was a teammate in Los Angeles. Toffoli will also play on the top power play unit with Mark Scheifiele, Kyle Connor, Monahan and Morrissey.

"We need that right-hand shot down by the net. Gabe (Vilardi) was there and showed how effective it can be, so Tyler is good for that," said Bowness.

"He has a little history with (Sean Monahan and Alex Iafallo) so it should be a comfortable fit for him for tonight, going into the game."

That comfort should carry over to the Jets man advantage considering how long Toffoli has been in the league.

"Yeah, I’ve been there all year. I’ve been there in and out throughout my career, to," said Toffoli.

"Obviously some really skilled players there. Just try to fit in and make all the plays and do what I do normally on the power play and try not to change too much.”

Miller will be paired with Dylan Samberg on the Jets third defence pairing and will get some power play time. Miller has one of the hardest shots in the NHL. 

"When he was in Vegas and Dallas, you had to respect that shot," said Bowness.

"It’s coming heavy and he’s able to get pucks down by the net. So we’re going to let him use it."

The 31-year-old defenceman knows Canada Life Centre well and how loud of a building it can be in the playoffs as he was a Vegas Golden Knight back in 2018 when the two teams met in the West Final.

"Yeah, it's always fun playing here," said Miller.

"Obviously in the playoffs, it's another level so look forward to being on the other side of it."

Winnipeg enters the day tied for second in the Central with Colorado and four points back of the Dallas Stars for first place. They will be facing a Capitals team that is three points out of a wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.

"They’re right there, they’re knocking on the door. They had a big game their last game, they’re scoring goals and they’re a desperate, hungry hockey team," said Bowness.

"That’s what we’re seeing straight through and that’s what we talked to the guys about this morning. Every game from here on out is going to get tougher and tougher."