Coach Claude Noel appreciates the efforts of his top line.

Bryan Little, Andrew Ladd and Blake Wheeler have carried the majority of the offensive load for the team all season and Noel went as far to call them a legitimate No. 1 line in the NHL. "You've really got to tip your hat to them, the three of them, they've done a good job at becoming a top line in the National Hockey League," Noel said. "Whereas before, even last year, you're like, 'Are they or aren't they or what are they?' Well, it's pretty hard to argue right now. They've certainly matured there." Evander Kane is the only forward outside that trio who has produced somewhat consistently this campaign.

Bryan Little left Tuesday's game against Buffalo briefly after he was hit in the hand by a shot from teammate Ron Hainsey.

He did managed to return to the contest though. Little had two assists and logged 16:13 of ice time in Winnipeg's 4-1 win over the Sabres. He has four points in his last two games after going pointless in his previous six.

Bryan Little has done enough this season to keep his number one center job.

Little has registered five goals and 21 points in 33 games. He has outperformed free agent signing Olli Jokinen to remain on the team's top line with Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd. He leads the Jets with a plus-10 rating and is among the best on the club on draws with a 52.8 winning percentage a total of 545 faceoffs. He is frequently criticized for not being productive enough to be a number one pivot, but he has been a fairly well-rounded contributor.