It’s one of the biggest games the Winnipeg Jets will play all year: and it’ll probably make for an uncomfortable Friday around the city.
The Jets go head to head with the Nashville Predators in Game 4 of their NHL playoff series Thursday, but thanks to some television-centric scheduling, the game will most likely lead to some sleep deprivation around Winnipeg.
Puck drop is slated for 8:30 p.m.: a lot later than most Jets fans are used to. That could mean completion of three periods close to midnight — and the way the two teams are matched up, overtime is never out of the question.
If game four goes into double overtime like it did on Sunday, fans are looking at a game time around three hours and 42 minutes, which would push the final whistle past 12:30 a.m.
Even without extra frames, the game won’t likely end until closer to 11:30 p.m.: games one and three went an average of two hours and 37 minutes.
So, just what can Jets fans do to make sure they’re good to go Friday morning for school or work?
Global News talked to a sleep expert from the University of Manitoba Thursday. The first answer is an obvious one: be sure to go to bed right after the game wraps up.
“We’re going to be pretty excited when we get home,” Dr. Diana McMillan said, “but don’t put the replays back on the TV to watch again.
“Try to get yourself in a quieter mode.”
Dr. McMillan suggested fans also:
- stay hydrated
- eat a big breakfast Friday morning
- get out in the sun as much as possible to feel renewed
Another big tip? Make sure you’re not going overboard on the caffeinated drinks on game night. It’ll make for a better workday on Friday, and it’ll serve another purpose this weekend.
“You’ll be more refreshed come game time on Saturday,” Dr. McMillan said. “It’s really important for our fans to be able to go the distance.”