Jets Face Ducks Without Morrissey as Connor Reaches Milestone

The Winnipeg Jets host the Anaheim Ducks in Winnipeg as the teams meet during the regular season, with the Jets seeking a fourth straight win and adjusting after Josh Morrissey's upper body injury. The matchup also marks Kyle Connor's 700th NHL game.

According to NHL.com, Winnipeg enters the game after beating Colorado 3-2, with Connor scoring his second game winning goal of the season and the 67th of his career. The victory extended his franchise record ahead of Mark Scheifele's 65.

NHL.com reported Morrissey is day to day and will not play against Anaheim. The Jets replaced him on defense with Mario Ferraro alongside Neal Pionk, while Haydn Fleury and Tyrell Bauer returned to the lineup.

"I think it's just a matter of the six guys that are playing. Just everybody stepping up and doing what they can do best," said Haydn Fleury, Winnipeg Jets defenseman.

Fleury is also expected to handle responsibilities on the second power play unit after Morrissey's absence created a larger role for other defensemen.

"Josh is one of the premier defensemen in this league, so there's no other Josh Morrissey coming into the lineup. So I think all the rest of us just have to do what we do best and play our game," said Haydn Fleury, Winnipeg Jets defenseman.

"I think just keep it simple. Shoot. Make the right play at the right time is the biggest thing," said Haydn Fleury, Winnipeg Jets defenseman.

Fleury added that his power play approach would focus on putting opportunities toward the net for teammates.

"I think if that lane's there to shoot it, deliver it to the net, and let our forwards get to work down low," said Haydn Fleury, Winnipeg Jets defenseman.

Rookie center Viggo Björck remains without a point through four NHL games but has continued as the second line center. NHL.com reported the 18 year old became the seventh youngest player in franchise history to debut at 18 years and 204 days old.

"I mean, I think you're definitely getting like more comfortable," said Viggo Björck, Winnipeg Jets forward.

Björck said the adjustment from European hockey has involved a faster pace and different playing conditions, while he continues to develop alongside NHL players.

"First game was obviously a bit nervous, and a lot of new stuff, but I think as the game goes on and you get to play more, you get more comfortable," said Viggo Björck, Winnipeg Jets forward.

"Yeah, I mean, I think it's a fast, like a bit of a faster game, a smaller ice and other stuff happening," said Viggo Björck, Winnipeg Jets forward.

"I think that's the (biggest difference). And guys are good in close space. But I think the adjustment is going pretty well," said Viggo Björck, Winnipeg Jets forward.

Viggo Björck continues to skate with Morgan Barron and Gabe Vilardi on the second line. Barron highlighted the young player's progress within the group.

"Obviously two good players. It’s been a lot of fun watching Viggo continue to grow and get to know him as a guy," said Morgan Barron, Winnipeg Jets forward.

"And obviously you’ve seen what Gabe’s done in this league. Two really talented players. Just kind of go out there and do what I can to help them out," said Morgan Barron, Winnipeg Jets forward.

Coach Scott Arniel said Winnipeg must limit Anaheim's speed and offensive movement. The Ducks enter the matchup after starting the season with two wins in three games.

"They're quick, they're big. So we're gonna have to really do a job in our end of the ice, making sure we cut them off quickly," said Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets head coach.

"Don't give them room to allow their defence to get motion and movement. The faster we can close and cut people off, that limits how much they can do on our end," said Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets head coach.

According to NHL.com, Anaheim features young forwards including Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke, while Winnipeg goaltender Clay Stevenson is scheduled to start against the Ducks.