Things are looking up for the Winnipeg Jets, as sniper Evander Kane returns to the lineup Thursday in New Jersey after missing eight games with a right knee injury.
After Kane collided knee-on-knee with linemate Mark Scheifele on Oct. 9 and was forced to leave the Jets’ season opener, Winnipeg lost its next four games.
But the team has turned things around, winning three of their last four with Kane out of the lineup.
Earlier this week, head coach Paul Maurice was unsure if Kane would return during their current road trip.
“He’s strong and he’s chopping at the bit. He probably tried to squeeze himself in the lineup a week ago,” Maurice told reporters Thursday. “We’ve missed him.”
The 23-year-old Kane is coming off a disappointing 2013-14 in which he scored 19 goals and registered 22 assists.
The forward is expected to skate on a line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler.
“Just looking for a good start, and hopefully make it through the first two minutes this time. After that, everything will take care of itself,” Kane said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
The Jets (4-5-0) face off against the Devils (4-3-2) at 7 p.m. ET at Prudential Center.
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