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Winnipeg Jets News

Skinner was the first goalie off the ice at Pittsburgh's morning skate ahead of Game 3.

Skinner was serviceable for Pittsburgh in Game Two, saving 21 of 23 shots (.913 SV%), but received no goal support in a 3-0 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, as the offensively-challenged Penguins fell to a 0-2 series deficit. The 27-year-old Skinner has saved 38 of 43 shots (.884 SV%) through two games in the series and will need to be at his best on Wednesday in Game Three, with the Penguins entering a pivotal contest as slight +101 road underdogs.

Stuart Skinner
Skinner will start Game 2 vs. Philadelphia on Monday.

Skinner was serviceable for Pittsburgh in Game One, but allowed two goals in the third period in an eventual 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. The 27-year-old Skinner had mixed results during his playoff career with the Edmonton Oilers, but had a winning 26-22 record over the past three postseasons. The Penguins enter a crucial Game Two, looking to tie the series, as -138 home favourites against the Flyers.

Stuart Skinner
Skinner is expected to start Game 2 vs. Philadelphia on Monday.

Skinner was serviceable for Pittsburgh in Game One, but allowed two goals in the third period in an eventual 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. The 27-year-old Skinner had mixed results during his playoff career with the Edmonton Oilers, but had a winning 26-22 record over the past three postseasons. The Penguins enter a crucial Game Two, looking to tie the series, as -138 home favourites against the Flyers.

Stuart Skinner
The Jets have signed Garrett Brown to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Brown was a fourth-round pick (No.99 overall) in 2022 and signs with the Jets after finishing his junior season at the University of Denver. The 22-year-old rig-shot defenceman had two goals and 10 assists (12 points) in 33 games this season.

Garrett Brown
Winnipeg has signed Garrett Brown to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Brown was a fourth-round pick, 99th overall, of the Winnipeg Jets in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 22-year-old defenseman recently completed his third season of collegiate hockey, scoring 12 points (2G / 10A) in 33 games with the University of Denver.

Garrett Brown
Skinner will start Tuesday in St. Louis.

It's unclear who Pittsburgh will rely on between the pipes to begin their first-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers, but they will turn to Skinner on Tuesday in their final game of the regular season. The 27-year-old Skinner was solid in his most recent outing, saving 24 of 26 shots (.923 SV%), but did not receive enough goal support in a 3-0 loss to the Washington Capitals. He has a 2.55 GAA and .902 SV% in his last four games (2-2-0). The Penguins, resting numerous key players, enter Tuesday's contest as +173 road underdogs against a St. Louis Blues team that defeated the Minnesota Wild 6-3 last night.

Stuart Skinner
Hellebuyck will start in Vegas on Monday.

Hellebuyck struggled in his previous outing, allowing five goals on 20 shots (.750 SV%) in a 7-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, severely crippling Winnipeg's slim playoff hopes. That said, they will need a win on Monday, along with some luck elsewhere in the league, to stay in the race. The 32-year-old Hellebuyck, the back-to-back reigning Vezina trophy winner, has had a largely disappointing 2025-26 season and hasn't been able to elevate his game at opportune times, including posting an ugly 2.81 GAA and .874 SV% in five games this month (3-2-0). The Jets enter Monday's contest as +150 road underdogs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Connor Hellebuyck
Chibrikov is expected to draw into the Jets lineup on Monday.

With Winnipeg out of the playoffs, they will be dressing some of their young talent on Monday vs. Vegas as Nikita Chibrikov draws back into the Jets' lineup. The 23-year-old forward last appeared in a Jets jersey on November 11th, 2025 and has yet to pick up a point in any of his eight appearances this season.

Nikita Chibrikov
Namestnikov (undisclosed) is not expected to play on Monday.

Namestnikov had just returned from an upper-body injury three games ago but will head back to the press box on Monday in Vegas with an undisclosed injury. The veteran forward has struggled to put up points from a bottom-six position this season, with his 14 points being his lowest career mark ever across his 13-year career.

Vladislav Namestnikov
Pionk (undisclosed) is not expected to play on Monday.

Pionk has missed significant time due to injuries this season and will return to the sidelines on Monday due to an undisclosed ailment. The 30-year-old defenseman is averaging 22:43 time-on-ice and has 12 points (3G / 9A) in 51 games this season. Colin Miller is returning from a knee injury and will draw into the lineup as Pionk's replacement.

Neal Pionk
Yager is expected to make his NHL debut on Monday.

One of Winnipeg's top prospects is expected to make his NHL debut in Vegas on Monday as Brayden Yager is expected to draw in Winnipeg's lineup for his first career appearance. The 21-year-old was Pittsburgh's 2023 1st round pick (14th overall) but was acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh for Rutger McGroarty in August on 2024. Yager enjoyed a solid first season with Manitoba (AHL) in 2025-26, with 10 goals, and 30 points in 68 games played.

Brayden Yager
Hellebuyck is in the starter's crease at the Jets' morning skate.

Hellebuyck struggled in his previous outing, allowing five goals on 20 shots (.750 SV%) in a 7-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, severely crippling Winnipeg's slim playoff hopes. That said, they will need a win on Monday, along with some luck elsewhere in the league, to stay in the race. The 32-year-old Hellebuyck, the back-to-back reigning Vezina trophy winner, has had a largely disappointing 2025-26 season and hasn't been able to elevate his game at opportune times, including posting an ugly 2.81 GAA and .874 SV% in five games this month (3-2-0). The Jets enter Monday's contest as +150 road underdogs against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Connor Hellebuyck
Hellebuyck will start Saturday vs. the Flyers.

Hellebuyck allowed two goals on 22 shots in the Jets' win in St. Louis on Thursday. Hellebuyck is starting to heat up for the Jets, who are hoping it's not too little, too late. He's won three in a row while allowing just five goals on 62 shots (.919 SV%). Tonight he'll face the Flyers as -126 home favourites.

Connor Hellebuyck