On today's episode of Locked on Wild, we gear up for a massive weekend against the Winnipeg Jets with the possibility that Jared Spurgeon will be back in the lineup as soon as today. We discuss a possible "changing of the guard" with Brock Faber excelling so much that he can (and should) continue to draw top assignments even with Spurgeon back. We also discuss the possibility that Faber gets moved off the top Power Play unit and where he can still improve. We take a look at how the Jets shifted the entire direction of their franchise after looking like they were going to take a step back in the offseason. We look at how they have managed to keep winning despite losing Kyle Connor, and how Connor Hellebuyck has bounced back to his usual form. We discuss how much of a bump the Wild would get with a win in their playoff chances, and update the Wild Card standings ahead of today's action. We also dive into today's keys to the game, which include:

1. Stars need to shine bright in the biggest games. The Wild need a strong game from Kaprizov-Boldy and Eriksson Ek to set the tone
2. Let the physical players answer Winnipeg's physicality
3. Get to the front of the net to get past Connor Hellebuyck

Make sure to join us after the game for a Locked on Wild POSTCAST breaking down all of the action!

Click the link below to vote for Locked on Wild for Best Hockey Podcast of 2024 in the Sports Podcast Awards!

https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild

Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: linktr.ee/LockedOnWild

Follow Locked On NHL: linktr.ee/lockedonNHL

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices