Jets’ Byfuglien, Laine out for game vs. Canucks

Winnipeg Jets big man Dustin Byfuglien starts off the shift fine mid-way through the third against the Los Angeles Kings, but would leave at the end of this play with an undisclosed ailment.

The Winnipeg Jets will be without two key components for their game against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.

Defenceman Dustin Byfuglien was ruled out earlier Sunday afternoon, while rookie Patrik Laine was originally listed as questionable, according to head coach Paul Maurice.

When it came time for warmups there was a noticeable 18-year-old missing.

This will be the second straight game that Byfuglien will miss after he left Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings with an unspecified injury.

“He’s still listed as day-to-day,” Maurice told reporters after morning skate. “We think he’s getting better. We’re hopeful that he’s ready for New Jersey.”

The Jets are scheduled to play the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

Laine’s absence comes at a pivotal point in the rookie scoring race as Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews pulled into a tie with Laine at No. 1 on Saturday night. Both players sit at 61 points, but Laine has played eight less games after missing time in January due to a concussion.

Jets forward Marko Dano returns to the lineup in his place.

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