Note II:  After a week off, the Illegal Curve Hockey Show returns to its usual noon to 3 pm cst on TSN Radio 1290 as Drew, Richard and Ezra break down all the latest Stanley Cup news.  Guest:  Mike Heika (Dallas Morning News)

Jets news:

TSN:  Rona Roundtable podcast.  Rick Ralph had on former player agent and Maple Leafs assistant GM Bill Watters to talk about the Alex Burmistrov contract situation.  Watters was on to discuss his dealings with Burmistrov’s agent Mark Gandler.  Also in the first hour of the show you can also hear Trevor Nott of Nott Auto Corp discussing Burmistrov shipping his car back to Russia, for whatever that is worth.  Update:  Burmistrov said, 4 days ago (via his instagram), that he hopes his dad will be happy with the car.  It is a shame that we won’t be able to make any Yakov Smirnoff jokes.  Thanks to reader Garret for the heads up.

Winnipeg Jets official site:  Prospect profile – Connor Hellebuyck.  Taking a look at some of the young guns in the pipeline.

Jets Contract Week:

Richard broke down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.

RFA Bryan Little

RFA Zach Bogosian

RFA Blake Wheeler

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Rangers 4 Bruins 3 in OT | Wings 2 Hawks 0 | Kings 3 Sharks 0
Games: Senators @ Penguins

Rangers 4 Bruins 3 in OT (Boston leads series 3-1):

New York Post:  Kreider’s OT goal keeps Rangers season going.

New York Daily News:  John Tortorella defends decision to scratch Brad Richards.

Boston Herald:  Bruins give away Game 4.

Boston Herald:  Tuukka Rask now the fall guy.

Wings 2 Hawks 0 (Detroit leads series 3-1):

Detroit Free Press:  Howard, Red Wings thoroughly frustrating Blackhawks.

Chicago Daily Herald:  Toews says team is going to keep believing in themselves.

Chicago Daily Herald:  Blackhawks’ dream season now a nightmare.

Chicago Tribune:  Power play? Nothing to it.

ESPN:  Toews has night to forget in Game 4.

Kings 3 Sharks 0 (Los Angeles leads series 3-2):

L.A. Times:  Kings overpower Sharks to take 3-2 series lead.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks desperate for a Game 7.

Note II:  Stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we celebrate Winnipeg Jets Contract Week all week long.  Richard will be breaking down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.  Third up, RFA Blake Wheeler.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Catching up with the Jets.  Taking a look at what some of your favourite players are up to right now as well as other off-season news.

Winnipeg Sun:  Available Vigneault has to be tempting for Winnipeg Jets.  Perhaps after the firing in Vancouver there isn’t as much joy in Coach Noel’s joyland these days.  While Alain Vigneault is a known commodity to the True North organization, would they jump at the chance to renew this relationship if it meant discarding coach Noel?

Winnipeg Sun:  Change of scenery might be good for Alex Burmistrov, Winnipeg Jets.  There doesn’t appear to be a more polarizing figure amongst Jets fans these days than the young Russian centre.  Some point to his strong defensive play and lack of quality linemates while others suggest his east/west style of game is all sizzle with little substance.  Sounds like Burmistrov himself was surprised to see the headline proclaiming he wanted out of Winnipeg as he took to instragram and wrote “Ne, ne slyshal” which roughly translates to “no, I hadn’t heard”.

Contract Week:

RFA Bryan Little

RFA Zach Bogosian

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Penguins 7 Senators 3
Games: Bruins @ Rangers | Hawks @ Wings | Sharks @ Kings

Penguins 7 Senators 3 (Pittsburgh leads series 3-1):

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Things quickly turn out all right for Penguins.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Brandon Sutter hoping faceoff slump is over.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  It’s about time for these Penguins.

Ottawa Citizen:  Alfredsson doesn’t like Senators’ chances.

Ottawa Sun:  Back to reality for Spezza.

Note II:  Stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we celebrate Winnipeg Jets Contract Week all week long.  Richard will be breaking down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.  Second up, RFA Zach Bogosian at 10 AM CST.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg.  This doesn’t come as a big surprise.  He likely wants top line minutes but hasn’t shown the production to merit same.  But at the same time, this could simply be a ploy in the negotiations.

Winnipeg Sun:  Trouba fits right in.  Jets fans have to be salivating at the prospect of this young gun wearing the team jersey next season.  All indications are the Jets stole him when they drafted him 9th overall last year.

Illegal Curve:  RFA Analysis Bryan Little.  The Winnipeg Jets have an interesting off-season upcoming in terms of their pending unrestricted and restricted free agents. In the first of a series of in-depth analysis, Richard looks at RFA Bryan Little.

- Lukas Sutter and the Saskatoon Blades take on Winnipegger Brendan Leipsic and the Portland Winterhawks.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 2 Rangers 1 | Sharks 2 Kings 1
Games: Penguins @ Senators

Bruins 2 Rangers 1 (Boston leads series 3-0):

Boston Herald:  Torey Krug stirs echoes of Greg Hawgood.

Boston Herald:  B’s take 3-0 series lead.

Newsday:  For two periods, Henrik Lundqvist ruled before being vanquished.

New York Times:  Bruins take control of game and series.

ESPN:  First-rate showing for fourth line.

Sharks 2 Kings 1 (Series tied 2-2):

San Jose Mercury News:  It wasn’t easy, but Sharks get the win they needed over the Kings.

San Jose Mercury News:  Goalie Antti Niemi barely breaking a sweat against Kings.

Los Angeles Times:  Sharks hope they can finally live up Stanley Cup expectations.

Los Angeles Times:  Kings’ last line of defense is shifting in playoffs.

Los Angeles Times:  Kings discovering that the road to a repeat is tougher than expected.

Note II:  Stay tuned to Illegal Curve as we celebrate Winnipeg Jets Contract Week all week long.  Richard will be breaking down some of the contracts and decisions that GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will need to make as he figures out his roster for the 2013-14 season.  First up, RFA Bryan Little at 10 AM CST.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Mark Dekanich, formerly a goalie for the Jets AHL affiliate St. John’s IceCaps, has signed over in the KHL with Medvescak Zagreb which is based in Croatia.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Wings 3 Hawks 1
Games: Bruins @ Rangers | Kings @ Sharks

Wings 3 Hawks 1 (Detroit leads series 2-1):

Detroit Free Press:  With Mike Babcock at helm, don’t underestimate Red Wings.

Detroit Free Press:  Howard showing his mettle, leadership in playoffs.

National Post:  Bad blood boils in Red Wings’ upset of Blackhawks.

USA Today:  Red Wings’ quick burst downs Blackhawks.

Chicago Tribune:  Hawks not outworked this time — simply outplayed.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks dispute goalie interference call that wiped out tying goal.

Chicago Sun-Times:  After season in which it all came easy, Hawks find themselves in tough spot.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Down 0-2 to Bruins, history not on New York Rangers side.

ESPN New York:  Henrik Lundqvist has sore shoulder.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

USA Today:  USA wins bronze meal in shootout at worlds.  Jacob Trouba becomes the lone Jets player to come away from the tournament with some hardware.  He had an assist in the US win over Finland yesterday.  He played 18:19 and had three shots in the game.

CBC:  Blades drop Mooseheads at Memorial Cup.  Jets prospect Lukas Sutter had an assist and finished a -1 in the win over Halifax.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 5 Rangers 2 | Senators 2 Penguins 1 in OT
Games: Hawks @ Wings

Bruins 5 Rangers 2 (Boston leads series 2-0):

Boston Herald:  Rookies, Brad Marchand spark decisive win.  

Boston Herald:  Have no fear, Torey Krug is here!

New York Daily News:  Rangers can’t make their chances count, fall in 2-0 hole.

New York Times:  Breakdowns leave Rangers reeling.

ESPN:   Marchand, Bergeron stay on same page.

Senators 2 Penguins 1 in OT (Pittsburgh leads series 2-1):

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators have life after stunning OT victory.

Ottawa Citizen:  Do fans believe in miracles?

Ottawa Sun:  Alfie provides the fireworks.

Globe and Mail:  Spezza returns and finds his karma.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins power play goes dim.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  It’s a series again after missing chances.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  It doesn’t have to be this hard.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Jacob Trouba and his Team USA team mates were eliminated in the World Championships semi finals.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Red Wings 4 Hawks 1 | Sharks 2 Kings 1 in OT
Games: Rangers @ Bruins | Penguins @ Senators

Red Wings 4 Hawks 1 (Series tied 1-1):

Detroit Free Press:  Rookie Brendan Smith is Red Wings’ risk-taker.

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings pummel Blackhawks to tie series at 1-1.

Detroit Free Press:  Drew Miller returns, has a hand in Detroit Red Wings’ victory.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Red Wings won’t just roll over.

Chicago Tribune:  Wings play extra tough with Toews.

Sharks 2 Kings 1 in OT (Kings lead series 2-1):

San Jose Mercury News:  Logan Couture goal gives Sharks overtime win.

San Jose Mercury News:  General manager Doug Wilson’s defense of Raffi Torres results in $100,000 fine from league.

L.A. Times:  Kings are left crying foul after 2-1 overtime loss to Sharks.

TSN:  Quick receives game misconduct for abuse of official.

Hockey News:

Globe and Mail:  MacKinnon bests Jones, leads Mooseheads over Winterhawks.  Caught part of the game and MacKinnon looked simply fantastic.  Must have been nice for him when he burnt past Jones on the way to scoring one of his three goals on the game.

Globe and Mail:  Sweden, Switzerland advance to world championship final.  Not the final many were expecting.  Will you be watching?

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

CBC:  Memorial Cup – Players to Watch.  The Jets only have one player in the tournament as Saskatoon Blades Lukas Sutter is the lone rep for Winnipeg.  All eyes will be on the Memorial Cup now that Team Canada was eliminated from the World Championships.

Winnipeg Jets:  Prospect Profile – Ryan Olsen.  Always good to get a look at some of the prospects in the system.

- Jacob Trouba and Team USA will take on Switzerland today at 7 pm in the World Championship Semi Finals.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Penguins 4 Senators 3
Games: Red Wings @ Hawks | Sharks @ Kings

Penguins 4 Senators 3 (Penguins leads series 2-0):

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Sidney Crosby puts on a show in 4-3 victory.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Brenden Morrow’s contribution a big one.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Penguins far from satisfied after Game 2.

Ottawa Sun:  Crosby puts on clinic for Karlsson.

Ottawa Sun:  Senators lose a few pounds.

Globe and Mail:  Spezza could return for Sens as soon as Game 3.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Alex Edler suspended two games for knee-on-knee hit on Staal.  I was watching this live and you could see a fraction of a second before the hit that Staal was vulnerable.  The hit itself and the reaction by Staal was simply brutal.

CBC:  Don Cherry disagrees with Raffi Torres suspension.  Grapes feels the suspension was a result of the name on the back of the jersey.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch.  This isn’t just an NHL list, it is a list of all the professional leagues in North America.  Peggers are clearly not adverse to spending top dollar to support their team as the Jets are 2nd in the NHL and 10th overall.

- Andrew Ladd had two assists as Team Canada fell to Sweden in a quarter final shootout.

- Ondrej Pavelec and his Czech Republic team lost 2-1 to the Swiss.

- Jacob Trouba had a goal in an 8-3 US trouncing of Russia.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 3 Rangers 2 in OT | Kings 4 Sharks 3
Games: Senators @ Penguins

Bruins 3 Rangers 2 in OT (Boston leads series 1-0):

Boston Herald:  Forty years, 75 minutes needed for Bruins to beat NY in playoffs.

Boston Herald:  He’s Brad to the bone.

Boston Herald:  Nobody bigger than Zdeno Chara.

ESPN:  Torts: ‘We got spanked in overtime’.

New York Daily News:  NY Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist puts up ‘help wanted’ sign.

Newsday:  Rangers’ power play still not an advantage.

Kings 4 Sharks 3 (Los Angeles leads series 2-0):

L.A. Times:  Kings take 2-0 series lead over Sharks with 4-3 comeback victory.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks loss was unnecessary and possibly backbreaking.

San Jose Mercury News:  Raffi Torres’ past catching up to him.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Ready for Prime Time.  Barrie Colts coach Dale Hawerchuk gives Mark Scheifele a ringing endorsement as his Jr. career ends and he gets ready to try and make the jump to the pros.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets fans can just look at Capitals to see how hard it is to win.  Winning in the NHL isn’t easy, just ask the Southeast Division winning Capitals who got bounced from the 1st Round.  Ken spent the 1st Round watching the Capitals and has this insight for Jets fans.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Blackhawks 4 Red Wings 1
Games: Rangers @ Bruins | Sharks @ Kings

Blackhawks 4 Red Wings 1 (Chicago leads series 1-0):

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks’ supporting cast comes up huge in opener.

Chicago Sun-Times:   Disgruntled Viktor Stalberg is healthy scratch for Game 1.

Chicago Tribune:  Hawks’ Sharp continues his playoff tear.

Detroit Free Press:  Uh-Oh! It’ll be a short series at this rate.

NHL news:

Edmonton Journal:  Why the arena deal makes sense for Edmonton.  The arguing is finally over and it looks like Jets fans will be able to forget the not so friendly confines of Northlands Arena.

CBC:   NHL reveals pair of outdoor dates at Yankee Stadium.  While I like the concept of outdoor games, seems like the NHL has gone overboard in the number of games they have occurring.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

- Ondrej Pavelec and his Czech Republic team were hardly tested in a 7-0 romp over Norway.  Pavelec only faced 11 shots in the game.

- Jacob Trouba didn’t play in the loss Team USA suffered at the hands of Slovakia.

IIHF:  Quarter-finals set.  On the Finnish side, Team USA (Trouba) will battle Russia.  In Sweden, Team Canada (Ladd) faces off against Sweden and the Czech Republic (Pavelec) goes up vs. Switzerland.

TSN:  Scheifele shows promise in OHL final.  After some time off and with the focus on the playoffs, Jets fans can get focused on the next part of the season for Winnipeg.  For the next bit this will consist of negotiating with their many UFAs/RFAs and preparing for the NHL Entry Draft at the end of June.

Barrie Examiner:  Colts reflect on a long season, and look forward to next year.  A tough way to go into the summer after battling all the way to Game 7 of the OHL Finals, especially when you consider they had a three games to one series lead.  Interesting to note the first real news about the Scheifele injury.  Hopefully there will be some clarification over the next few days as to what exactly kept the Jets 2011 1st Round pick out of the final game.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Penguins 4 Senators 1 | Kings 2 Sharks 0
Games: Red Wings @ Blackhawks

Penguins 4 Senators 1 (Pittsburgh leads series 1-0):

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Murray comes up big with five blocks.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Power play, penalty-killers combine to set stage for Penguins’ 4-1 win against Ottawa.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Malkin starting to round into form.

Ottawa Citizen:  No early ambush as Senators drop opener.

Ottawa Sun:  Captain Daniel Alfredsson expects team will make adjustments after Game 1 loss.

Kings 2 Sharks 0 (Los Angeles leads series 1-0):

L.A. Times:  Kings flex home-ice muscle in shutout of San Jose, 2-0.

L.A. Times:  This time Los Angeles Kings have a key leg to stand on vs. Sharks.

ESPN:  Kings showing their championship swagger.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks can’t take advantage of their many opportunities.

San Jose Mercury News:   Logan Couture has mixed feelings for his friend, Drew Doughty.

NHL news:

National Post:  Stars fire head coach Glen Gulutzan as rebuilding begins.  Considering that the team was in a rebuild and they still almost made the playoffs, you would have thought he would still have a chance to keep his job.  But with new GM Jim Nill it is clear that he wants to put his stamp on this franchise.

Globe and Mail:  Leaf fans may have no joy – but they do have hope .  That was the most heartbreaking and cruel loss for Leafs Nation.  I loved seeing the passion fans had as they turned the streets of Toronto into a party scene.  They made Round 1 games seem like a Stanley Cup Finals and for that, the fans should be commended.

Globe and Mail:  Selanne won’t be rushed into deciding on playing future.  While it is clear that the Finnish Flash still has plenty left in the tank he will continue his off season of debating his future that has fans across the league awaiting his answer.  One quote that should have fans excited came from the exit interviews “We have such a good team here. We know we’re better than this. I think everyone feels there is some unfinished business here.”

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

IIHF:  Canada needs OT to beat Slovenia.  Jets captain Andrew Ladd failed to get on the score sheet and ended the game with two shots on net.  If you want to catch the highlights, click here.

The Coloradoan:  Colorado Eagles drop affiliation with Winnipeg Jets.  Probably makes sense to have your ECHL affiliate close to the AHL organization.  Colorado and St. John’s aren’t exactly in the same neighborhood.

Globe and Mail:  Horvat buzzer beater gives Knights OHL crown.  Despite a heroic effort, including tying the game late in the 3rd period, without both Jets prospect Mark Scheifele and Anthony Camara who was suspended, the Colts came up just short.  In fact they lost with 0.1 seconds remaining on the clock.  The London Knights win back-to-back OHL Championships.  Mark Scheifele finished the playoffs with 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 21 games.  Now that his Junior career is officially over, Jets fans can now speculate what next season will look like for the 2011 First Round pick.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores:  Bruins 5 Leafs 4 in OT | Rangers 5 Capitals 0
Games: Senators @ Penguins | Sharks @ Kings

Bruins 5 Leafs 4 in OT (Boston wins series 4-3):

Boston Herald:  One for history books.

Boston Herald:  Focused Rask better off than first Game 7.

Boston Herald:  Bruins emotionally drained after dramatic win.

CBC:  Playoff dreams dashed for Maple Leafs and their fans.

ESPN:  Despite loss, Leafs headed in right direction.

Globe and Mail:  Meltdown in Beantown sees Maple Leafs eliminated in overtime of Game 7.

Rangers 5 Capitals 0 (NY wins series 4-3):

New York Times:  One-sided ending to a tense playoff duel.

ESPN:  Lundqvist leads Rangers to Game 7 victory.

Washington Times:  Alex Ovechkin endures ‘frustrating’ series vs. Rangers.

Washington Examiner:  Referees play no role in Capitals’ Game 7 breakdown.

Jets, prospect and World Championship news:

Winnipeg Sun:  You Be The Jets Boss – The results.  Ken breaks down the results after the fans had the opportunity to play armchair GM.

-Andrew Ladd and Team Canada knocked off the Czech Republic and his usual goalie Ondrej Pavelec 2-1 on Sunday.  Ladd had three shots and Pavelec stopped 23 of 25 shots he faced.

- Jacob Trouba missed his second straight game as Team USA knocked off Germany 3-0.  The Jets Scott Brown added this about why the Jets 2012 first round selection has missed two games:

- Tonight we will have a victor in the OHL Championship as the Barrie Colts and London Knights face off for a chance to win the J. Ross Robertson Cup in London.  The status of Jets prospect Mark Scheifele has been kept a tight secret after he left Game 6 in the 3rd period, returned with under a minute to play and then missed all of OT.

OHL site:  Mark Scheifele player of the week.  The Jets top offensive draft pick was selected player of the week for the second straight week as he continued to rip up the OHL playoffs.  While the accolade is nice, everyone is wondering if he will be healthy enough to play tonight.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Rangers 1 Capitals 0 | Leafs 2 Bruins 1 |Wings 3 Ducks 2
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Rangers @ Capitals

Rangers 1 Capitals 0 (Series tied 3-3):

New York Daily News:  Emotions run high in Game 6 win.

Winnipeg Sun:  Henrik Lundqvist helps Rangers force seventh game.

Washington Post:  Capitals accuse Derek Dorsett of slew-footing Mike Green.

Washington Examiner:  Five Observations.

Leafs 2 Bruins 1 (Series tied 3-3):

Toronto Star:  History on the line in Game 7.

Globe and Mail:  Young, unheralded Leafs should take a bow after Game 6 win.

USA Today:  Plane issue grounds Bruins in Toronto.

Boston Herald:  Bruins pushed to brink.

ESPN:  Rask not worried about 2010 flashbacks.

Wings 3 Ducks 2 (Wings win series 4-3):

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings show they still have a sense of the moment.

Globe and Mail:  Veterans lead Red Wings to upset win over Ducks in Game 7.

ESPN:  Tough questions dog Ducks, Selanne.

L.A. Times:  Ducks’ stars lose luster as season ends in Game 7 loss to Detroit.

L.A. Times:  After promising start, it’s hard on Ducks to have it end this way.

NHL.com:  Ducks’ Selanne unsure about future.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

-  Trouba did not play in a 4-2 U.S. win over France.

- Kulda had 3 shots in a 2-0 Latvia loss to Germany.

Barrie Colts official site:  Colts Comeback to Force OT, But Knights Prevail 5-4 in Game 6.  What is better than a Game 7?  After an improbable third period comeback, the Knights and Colts will do battle in London for the OHL Championships on Monday night.  Mark Scheifele was hit by Josh Anderson of the Knights which forced him to leave the game but he returned with a minute to go in the 3rd period.  If you’d like to see the game highlights, here they are.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 4 Islanders 3 in OT
Games: Capitals @ Rangers | Bruins @ Leafs |Wings @ Ducks

Penguins 4 Islanders 3 in OT:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Malkin’s patience makes a difference.

Pittsburgh Tribune:  Penguins should thank the Islanders.

Newsday:  Tavares’ star is born after a strong playoff debut.

Newsday:  Islanders pump new life into their fans.

Note II:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 today from noon to 3 pm as the guys spend the show breaking down the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Guests:  Alan Strachan (Hockey Hall of Fame hockey writer), Jesse Rogers (ESPN Chicago).

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Jets captain Andrew Ladd had a goal and assist in a 4-2 Canada win over Belarus (Boxscore here).  You can watch the highlights of the game here.

- Ondrej Pavelec made 23 of 25 stops as he won his second game in two days leading the Czech Republic past Slovenia (Boxscore here).  You can watch the highlights of the game here.

Colts official site:  Knights avoid elimination, defeat Colts 6-4 in Game 5.  Mark Scheifele has two assists but it wasn’t enough as London was able to win and keep the OHL Finals alive.  Game 6 is tonight in Barrie.

Roto World:  Mock draft.  Expect a lot of mock drafts as we get closer to the NHL Entry Draft in New Jersey on June 30th at the Prudential Center.  Here is a bit more on Valeri Nichushkin.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Leafs 2 Bruins 1 | Capitals 2 Rangers 1 in OT | Wings 4 Ducks 3 in OT | Kings 2 Blues 1
Games: Penguins @ Islanders

Leafs 2 Bruins 1:

Toronto Star:  Leafs stave off elimination with gutsy Game 5 victory.

Boston Herald:  Faltering, not finishing.

Capitals 2 Rangers 1 in OT:

Washington Post:  Ribeiro, Caps snatch upper hand.

Newsday:  Henrik Lundqvist frustrated with OT loss.

Wings 4 Ducks 3 in OT:

Detroit Free Press:  Red Wings send it back to Disneyland for Game 7.

L.A. Times:  Ducks pushed into Game 7 with overtime loss.

Kings 2 Blues 1:

L.A. Times:  Kings advance on a long shot.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Blues are not the same.

Note II:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 Saturday noon to 3 pm as the guys spend the show breaking down the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Guests:  Alan Strachan (Hockey Hall of Fame hockey writer), Jesse Rogers (ESPN Chicago).

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Ondrej Pavelec played his first game for the Czech Republic and led his team to a 2-1 shootout win.

- Arturs Kulda had an assist as Team Latvia beat Slovakia 5-3.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Scheifele’s dominance makes Jets look wise.  An important part of his development is happening right now and the Jets have to be very happy with what they have seen from their first round selection in 2011.

- Mark Scheifele and his Barrie Colts teammates try to punch their ticket to the Memorial Cup tonight as they head to London up 3 games to 1.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 4 Islanders 0 | Senators 6 Canadiens 1 | Hawks 5 Wild 1
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Rangers @ Capitals | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Penguins 4 Islanders 0:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins backup Vokoun knew he had to be ready to play.

Newsday:  Islanders on brink of elimination after Game 5 loss to Penguins.

Senators 6 Canadiens 1:

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators crush Canadiens to advance.

Ottawa Citizen:  Coaching respect survives tough series.

Montreal Gazette:  Silver lining to this dark cloud.

Hawks 5 Wild 1:

Chicago Sun-Times:  Crawford making fans believe; Blackhawks advance to next round.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Wild needs to find finishers to reach next level.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Jacob Trouba and Team USA beat Finland 4-1 and the young prospect finished +2 with 12:33 total time on ice.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Chevy’s choice – Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault.  Since AV remains with the Canucks the point is moot, for now.   What do you think?  Should GM Cheveldayoff given his coach a more ringing endorsement when given the opportunity? (Question 3 in his End of Season presser).

Yahoo Canada:  Mark Scheifele has a massive night.  The Jets prospect had back-to-back five point nights as he helped the Colts storm back from a 3-1 deficit.  His four 3rd period goals helped to give Barrie a 3-1 series lead and he solidified his hold on the OHL point lead (39 points – 15 goals, 24 assists).  Game 5 goes Friday, May 10th in London.

OHL Network:  London at Barrie Game 4 post-game (video).  Listen to coach Dale Hawerchuk and Mark Scheifele talk about the big win last night which starts at 1:10.

NHL Mid-Week Replay:

Illegal Curve:  Replay.  Interview with Ed Willes of the Vancouver Province.  Interview with Arthur Staple of Newsday.  Cover all the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay:

Part 1:  Paul Edmonds (Goldeyes talk to open the show at Shaw Park).  Interview with Shawn Simpson of The Team 1200.  Interview with Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post.  Breaking down the Habs/Sens, B’s/Leafs and Pens/Isles.

Part 2:  Interview with Randy Hahn of CSN Bay Area.  Breaking down the Rangers/Caps, Sharks/Canucks, Hawks/Wild, Ducks/Wings and Kings/Blues.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Bruins 4 Leafs 3 in OT | Rangers 4 Capitals 3 | Kings 3 Blues 2 in OT | Ducks 3 Wings 2 in OT
Games: Islanders @ Penguins | Senators @ Canadiens | Wild @ Hawks

Bruins 4 Leafs 3 in OT:

Boston Herald:  The break B’s need.

Toronto Star:  Maple Leafs lose heartbreaker, but what a night of hockey.

Rangers 4 Capitals 3:

New York Post:  Rangers nip Capitals to even series.

Washington Post:  Martin Erat suffers apparent injury to left wrist or forearm.

Kings 3 Blues 2 in OT:

L.A. Times:  Kings beat Blues, 3-2, to move within a win of advancing in playoffs.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Blues are on the brink.

Ducks 3 Wings 2 in OT:

L.A. Times:  Nick Bonino scores OT goal for Ducks win and series lead.

Detroit Free Press:  Howard did it all, but Wings still lose in OT.

Jets prospect and World Championship news:

- Ladd scored the opening goal in the 7-1 rout by Team Canada over Norway.

- Trouba finished -2 with 7:54 time on ice (lowest of US defencemen) in a 5-3 loss to Russia.

Winnipeg Sun:  Prospect Mark Scheifele a Colt becoming a thoroughbred.  Paul had a chance to catch up with the Jets prospect as he continues his run in the OHL finals.

Winnipeg Sun:  Scheifele thinks Hawerchuk will make fine NHL coach.  Jets 1.0 fans are very familiar with the man known as ‘Ducky’.  Can his success at the Junior level translate to the NHL?  We will have to see if/when he gets that opportunity.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Islanders 6 Penguins 4 | Senators 3 Canadiens 2 in OT | Hawks 3 Wild 0 | Sharks 4 Canucks 3 in OT
Games: Bruins @ Leafs | Capitals @ Rangers | Kings @ Blues | Wings @ Ducks

Islanders 6 Penguins 4:

Newsday:  John Tavares gives Isles a reason to believe.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  It’s time for Vokoun.

Senators 3 Canadiens 2 in OT:

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators take 3-1 series stranglehold with OT win.

Montreal Gazette:  Price hurt, Canadiens hurting.

Hawks 3 Wild 0:

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks respond in Game 4.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Wild down to third goalie.

Sharks 4 Canucks 3 in OT:

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks sweep and have something to talk about.

Vancouver Sun:  Canucks ‘took too many penalties,’ failed to unplug Sharks’ power play.

Jets prospect news:

Winnipeg Jets official site:  Plays of the Year Showdown.  First play of the year has Kane up against Pavelec.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Mark Scheifele leads Colts past Knights 6-3.  Quite the night for the Jets first round selection in 2011.  He went off for five points (two goals, three assists).    Barrie now takes a 2-1 series lead and Scheifele is the clear playoff points leader with 34 points (11 g, 23 a) as he sits seven points up on Max Domi.

OHL:  Game 3 post game presser (video).  Mark Scheifele and Dale Hawerchuk break down a critical game 3 victory (starting at the 1 minute mark).

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Bruins 5 Leafs 2 | Rangers 4 Capitals 3 | Wings 3 Ducks 2 in OT |Kings 4 Blues 3
Games: Penguins @ Islanders | Canadiens @ Senators | Hawks @ Wild | Canucks @ Sharks

Bruins 5 Leafs 2:

Boston Herald:  Bruins offense erupts in victory.

Toronto Star:  Bruins crash Leafs’ playoff party.

Rangers 4 Capitals 3:

New York Times:  Tortorella said it was close, and he was right.

Washington Post:  Capitals power play falls flat late in game.

Winnipeg Sun:  Marc Staal’s return an emotional lift for Rangers.

Wings 3 Ducks 2 in OT:

Detroit Free Press:  Wings’ offense rises to occasion in must-win Game 4.

Kings 4 Blues 3:

L.A. Times:  Kings rally to beat Blues 4-3.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Tarasenko makes his NHL playoff debut.

Jets World Championship and prospect news:

Winnipeg Sun:  One great sports city.  I agree with Paul that Winnipeg is a fantastic city to enjoy the sports scene and there is also no doubt that the landscape looks radically different now than it did when he first began.  Even just a comparison between 2013 and 2010 is significant enough.

- Andrew Ladd scored his 1st goal in Canada’s loss to Switzerland;

- Jacob Trouba had an assist in a 5-1 USA win over Latvia;

- Speaking of Latvia, Arturs Kulda scored the lone goal.

OHL:  Game 2 in the books as London wins 4-1 over Barrie (boxscore).  Jets prospect Mark Scheifele didn’t get any points in the loss and finished the game -2.

Stanley Cup news:

Scores: Penguins 5 Islanders 4 in OT | Wild 3 Hawks 2 in OT | Senators 6 Canadiens 1 |Sharks 5 Canucks 2
Games: Bruins @ Leafs | Capitals @ Rangers | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Penguins 5 Islanders 4 in OT:

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Penguins captain Sidney Crosby showing few signs of fatigue.

Newsday:  Islanders lose to Penguins in overtime despite John Tavares’ first playoff goal.

Wild 3 Hawks 2 in OT:

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Gritty leads to pretty as Wild wins Game 3 in overtime.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Blackhawks’ No. 1 line not on top of its game.

Senators 6 Canadiens 1:

Ottawa Citizen: Another toothy win.

Ottawa Citizen:  War of words between MacLean, Therrien continues after game.

Montreal Gazette:  An embarrassment in every way.

Sharks 5 Canucks 2:

San Jose Mercury News:  San Jose Sharks seek first playoff sweep.

Vancouver Sun:  These Canucks showed no push back or resolve.

Note II:  Reminder that if any Stanley Cup Playoff games go to overtime, we will be having our #ICOTpool contest.  Similar to the #ICGWG contest in that you pick one player (total) from either team and @ tweet us (@illegalcurve) with your selection as well as the hashtag #ICOTpool.  Winner gets IC Gear.

Jets prospect news:

TSN:  Colts beat Knights to open OHL final with a victory.  The Knights are the heavy favourites but Mark Scheifele and his Colts team doubled up 4-2 last night.  Scheifele finished the game with one goal and one assist.

Yahoo Canada:  OHL playoff MVP watch – Max Domi, Mathias Niederberger, Mark Scheifele heading into final.  After last night’s Game 1, Mark Scheifele remains in the top spot for the OHL playoff points race as his 29 (9 G 20 A).  Max Domi has 26 (10G 16 A) having played one fewer game.  Will that coupled with a potential OHL Championship trophy be enough to win him the hardware?

IIHF:  USA beats Austria 5-3 in opening game of World Championships.  Of note to Jets fans was Jacob Trouba played 16:34 of ice time.  He finished a -1.  Old fan favourite Tim Stapleton has a goal for Team USA.  For the boxscore which shows Trouba’s numbers click here (pdf).

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Islanders 4 Penguins 3 | Canadiens 3 Senators 1 | Hawks 5 Wild 2 | Sharks 3 Canucks 2 in OT
Games: Rangers @ Capitals | Leafs @ Bruins | Ducks @ Wings | Blues @ Kings

Newsday:  Islanders rally to beat Pittsburgh, tie series.

Montreal Gazette:  Canadiens show character despite missing key players.

Montreal Gazette:  Coach Michel Therrien keeps his cool in wake of Maclean comments.

Chicago Sun-Times:  Hawks cruise to a 5-2 over the Wild.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks’ old guard comes through in Game 2 win.

Globe and Mail:  Playoff beards fit right in with warrior mentality.

Globe and Mail:  Sound and fury, signifying little has changed in NHL.

Note II:  Reminder that if any Stanley Cup Playoff games go to overtime, we will be having our #ICOTpool contest.  Similar to the #ICGWG contest in that you pick one player (total) from either team and @ tweet us (@illegalcurve) with your selection as well as the hashtag #ICOTpool.  Winner gets IC Gear.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playing poker.  Remind me not to play poker with Ed.  He picked up some tells during Kevin Cheveldayoff’s presser.

TSN:  Staal named Team Canada captain.   Jets fans won’t be surprised to read that captain Andrew Ladd was named alternate captain for Team Canada at the World Championships which begin in Helsinki and Stockholm tonight.  Team Canada starts the tournament against Denmark on Sunday.

Winnipeg Sun:  You be the Boss.  There are literally thousands of people throughout our province who want to help Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff make decisions that would help move this team forward.  Ken gives you an opportunity to vote for the changes you would most like to see this team make.

Jets official site:  A Swift Season.  The Jets focus on the season that was just enjoyed by prospect Adam Lowry as he celebrates his Player of the Year award.

Illegal Curve:  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff end of season press conference.  The Jets GM met with the media for about 30 minutes on Wednesday for his end of season presser.  If you missed it, we’ve broken it up into 15 questions for ease of listening.

Jets prospect news:

Yahoo Canada:  Knights heavy favourites over Colts.  Game 1 goes tonight as Mark Scheifele looks to put the exclamation point on his OHL career.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Senators 4 Canadiens 2 | Capitals 3 Rangers 1 | Blues 2 Kings 1 | Red Wings 5 Ducks 4 in OT
Games: Islanders @ Penguins | Senators @ Canadiens | Wild @Hawks | Sharks @ Canucks

Winnipeg Sun:  Capitals stay red hot, down Rangers in series opener.

Ottawa Citizen:  Senators steal on in Montreal.

Montreal Gazette:  Habs-Sens rivalry ignited with one nasty hit.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Late Jackman goal lifts Blues to 2-1 victory.

Detroit Free Press:  Wings erase Ducks’ comeback on Nyquist’s goal in OT.

Hockey Night In Canada 2013 Playoff Opening:

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun:  You be the Boss.  Ok arm-chair Gms, time to show how you would improve this Jets roster.

Winnipeg Free Press:  For first time, Jets GM Cheveldayoff is poised to put stamp on the franchise.  We are about to see what this GM is made of with all the work he has this summer.

TSN:  Button’s Mock draft.  The focus of this article is the Avalanche taking Seth Jones.  Of note is the suggestion that the Jets 2.0 might be getting a flash from the past as a former Jets 1.0 player’s son could be playing in the same city that his father once brought fans to their feet.  Although Max Domi is a goal scorer whereas Tie was better known for his pugilism.

Winnipeg Sun:  Surgery possible for Kane.  Fans will have to hope once it is further evaluated it will be determined that surgery is unnecessary.  If it is required, then hopefully they get it done sooner rather than later so the recovery can begin that much sooner.

Winnipeg Sun:   GM Kevin Cheveldayoff can tap dance with the best of them.  Lots of questions may have remained for the media following the presser (you can hear the entire press conference below) but after this summer many will be answered as Cheveldayoff will be forced to make a number of moves.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Young prospects will get every opportunity to stick with the big club.  They will not be promote prospects simply because they are high draft picks.  It will be a merit based system in which those who have earned the right to suit up for the big club, will do so.

Illegal Curve:  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff end of season press conference.  The Jets GM met with the media for about 30 minutes yesterday for his end of season presser.  We’ve broken it up into 15 questions for ease of listening.

Illegal Curve:  Adam Lowry wins WHL Player of the Year.  The 2011 3rd round selection is looking like quite the selection as the former Swift Current captain takes home the hardware.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores: Bruins 4 Leafs 1 | Penguins 5 Islanders 0 | Sharks 3 Canucks 1
Games: Senators @ Canadiens | Rangers @ Capitals | Kings @ Blues | Red Wings @ Ducks

Globe and Mail:  The NHL … in all its opening-round glory.

Boston Herald:  Just like the Bruins of old.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Fleury gets shutout, Dupuis scores twice as Penguins smack Islanders in Game 1.

San Jose Mercury News:  Sharks are victorious in a game of hard knocks.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail: Don Cherry not backing down – still doesn’t think women should be in men’s locker rooms.  First up is Ying for one side of the conversation.

CBC:  Ron MacLean – dressing room a place for all media.  And next up is Yang as the other half of the Hockey Night in Canada duo makes a counter argument.

Note II:  Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be giving his end of season media press conference today and stay tuned as we will bring you everything from the MTS Centre.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  It’s all about team for Scheifele.  While he knows the eyes of Jets brass and fans are focused on him, he has to keep his eyes on the present and that is helping the Barrie Colts win the OHL Championship.  He sits first overall in playoff scoring and could end his junior career with a chance at a Memorial Cup.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Scores:  Blackhawks 2 Wild 1 in OT | Blues 2 Kings 1 in OT | Ducks 3 Red Wings 1
Games: Leafs @ Bruins | Islanders @ Penguins | Sharks @ Canucks

Chicago Sun-Times:  Bryan Bickell’s overtime goal gives Blackhawks 1-0 series lead vs. Wild.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch:  Steen steals Game 1 for Blues.

TSN:  Selanne’s third-period goal puts Ducks past Red Wings.

Globe and Mail:  A nation’s eyes turn to quartet of Canadian teams to fill 20-year Stanley Cup void.  Seems unreal that it has been that long since a Canadian team has raised a Stanley Cup but you have to go back to the 1993 playoff series when the Habs beat Gretzky and his L.A. Kings.  There have been five Canadian teams in the Finals during this drought but none were able to achieve the ultimate goal.

NHL news:

The Tennessean:  Predators, Patric Hornqvist agree to five-year, $21.25M extension.  And so it begins as teams on the outside of the playoffs start getting their business done.  Good extension by the Preds as they show players that guys will stay in Nashville.

Edmonton Journal:  Why video analysis is crucial to analyzing pro hockey.  A very long but interesting read on the value of video in the NHL.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Jets official site:  Jets at the World Championships.  Couple of Jets will for sure be playing for their respective countries as they clearly don’t want their hockey seasons to end.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Is this the face of an Olympian?  So what do you think?  Can Andrew Ladd make the jump to the big ice surface?  Would the captain make your Olympic roster?

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets to pick 13th in draft.  In an extremely anticlimactic 30 minutes TSN ran through the draft order and the only surprise was Colorado jumping ahead of Florida for the top pick.  The actual selection process took place at the NHL offices and commissioner Bettman explains the procedure for selection (see below).  The Illegal Curve crew will be down in New Jersey covering the draft on June 30th.

Illegal Curve:  Jets forward grades.  The guys gave out their end of season grades for the Jets forwards.  Agree or disagree?  You are welcome to add your grades to the list.

Illegal Curve:  Jets defencemen/goalie grades.  Similarly they gave out the marks for the defence and goalies.

Illegal Curve:  Jerseys off our Backs.  At the conclusion of the Season Finale against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday, the Jets literally gave the jerseys off their backs to fans who were randomly selected during the 1st and 2nd intermission.  For those who missed the giveaway here are some sights from this end of season promotion.

Jets prospects:

OHL: Colts win Bobby Orr Trophy after Game 7 victory.  After blowing a 3-1 series lead, Mark Scheifele and his Colts held on to win the game by a score of 3-1 last night.  The Jets 2011 1st round pick had two assists which gives him 27 points in 15 games (8G 19 A) and the playoff points lead.  They now take on Max Domi and the London Knights for the OHL Championship.

Stanley Cup Playoff news:

Globe and Mail:  Penguins, Blackhawks rise above the playoff herd.  Erik Duhatschek is thinking we are gonna see a re-match of the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals (Sans Eddie the Eagle and Mario Lemieux).

Chicago Sun-Times:  Jonathan Toews is playoff leader for Blackhawks.  Can he take this team back to the promised land once again?  Many pundits are picking him to do exactly that.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  For Wild captain Koivu, ‘winning is all that matters’.  The Wild captain isn’t going to roll over and let the Hawks walk all over his team.  While many expect the Wild to be more complete team in the next year or two, these guys want to win now.

Winnipeg Sun:  Ovechkin’s playoff message ‘I’ll step on you’.  Local Sun reporter Ken Wiebe is covering the Capitals and Rangers opening round series so be sure to stay tuned as Ken brings his thoughts to this series.

NHL news:

Denver Post:   Avalanche wins NHL draft lottery, setting up likely Seth Jones pick.  Well at least the Jets won’t have to worry about facing the Avs…..oh wait.

Sports Illustrated:  NHL wants everyone on the ice, regardless of orientation.  The big news outside of the NHL yesterday was the revelation that current NBA basketball player Jason Collins came out about his sexual orientation becoming the first male athlete in any professional sport to be open.  The NHL, NHLPA and You Can Play have been working together to ensure tolerance in the NHL.

NHL Draft Lottery procedure:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Odds of winning the draft lottery.  The Jets hot streak at the end of the season virtually guaranteed that if they didn’t make the playoffs they would be setting themselves up for a very low opportunity to get a high draft pick in the very deep 2013 draft.  The only good news is despite the chances being poor, the league removed the 4 space max movement when you win, so conceivably the Jets could go from 13th to 1st.  The draft takes place tomorrow.

Winnipeg Sun:  Making the grade for the Jets.  The guys broke down the Jets by grades yesterday and so did Ken in this article.  What do you think?  You are welcome to share your grades on this team.

Winnipeg Sun:  Higher learning.  Jacob Trouba did a lot of listening while here in Winnipeg and we shall get a quick opportunity to see what he learned while he joins Team USA camp for the World Championship.

Jets official site: 12-13 Season Recap Video.  Video showing some of the biggest moment with the Winnipeg Jets this season.

Jets prospect news:

Yahoo Canada:  ‘Lucky’ Belleville Bulls force Game 7, beast of burden bears down on Barrie Colts.  Game 7 between Scheifele’s Colts and Brassard’s Bulls goes Monday night in Belleville.

NHL news:

CBC:  Dallas fires GM Joe Nieuwendyk.  The big news of the day yesterday wasn’t that all the playoffs positions in the West were set.  It was the report that broke mid day that Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk had been fired and was being replaced by Red Wings Assistant GM Jim Nill.

NHL.com:  All 16 teams decided  for the playoffs; seeds still to be determined.  While Jets fans cannot be happy that their team did not finish above the line the good news is they were in it until game 82.  While the teams playing today, the last day of the regular season, are already in the playoffs, they still have to determine who they are going to be playing against.

West:
1st – Chicago vs. 8th – Minnesota2nd – Anaheim vs. 7th – Detroit
3rd – Vancouver vs. 6th – San Jose
4th – St. Louis vs. 5th – L.A.

East:
3rd – Washington vs. 6th – New York (Rangers)

Jets tribute to the fans video:

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  The mourning after.  Perhaps I should have called this Winnipeg Jets Mourning Papers.  Too soon?  The time for reflection began in earnest yesterday as the players met with the media in their season ending exit interviews.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Enough of Buff: Get rid of him.  Strong words but can the Jets afford to trade him?  Our own Richard Pollock took a look at the trade environment for a player of Buff’s stature a few weeks back.  What do you think?  Would you want to see the rugged defenceman who can take over games in a different jersey next season?  Or perhaps similar to Pavs commitment(see below), would you like to see Buff in a Jets uni tearing through the opposition just in a more trim composition?

Winnipeg Free Press:  Summer could be a sizzler.  Going to be busy for the Jets brass that is for sure.  Here is a complete list (courtesy of Capgeek) of the Jets RFAs and UFAs:

RFA: Wheeler, Little, Burmistrov, Tangradi, Peluso, Bogosian, Redmond, Postma and Kulda.
UFA:  Antropov, Wellwood, Santorelli, Miettinen, Gagnon, Hainsey, Clitsome, Meech and Montoya.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Pavelec wants more.  He made a pretty strong statement to us yesterday that he will be using this summer to get better.  He said rather than sitting at home in the Czech he would come back to Canada (Montreal/Winnipeg) early to get an early start on his training.

Winnipeg Free Press:  It’s broke–Fix it.  Ed looks at ten things the Jets must address to become a contender.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jokinen not pulling any punches.  While he had a terrible season, as he himself points out, the one thing you have to admire is his willingness to stand in with the media and take questions.  Yesterday he probably spent more time answering questions that any other member of the Jets and that has been consistent throughout the season.  For Jets fans and for Jokinen, they will have to hope this was simply an aberration and not the new norm for the aging forward.

Winnipeg Sun:  Up in the air.  It is going to be one interesting summer for the Winnipeg Jets management as they decide how they would like this team to look for the 2013-14 season.

Winnipeg Sun:  Noel not worried about next year.  While the coach might joke about going fishing and shopping during the off season, you know that his focus will quickly return back to this team and the things that he needs to do to improve them as they move forward. 

Winnipeg Sun:  Playing for his Czech.  Now the talk switches to playing for your respective country in the World Championships.  While many Jets would likely be members of their home county teams, as a result of injuries from the season, many will be forced to sit this tournament out.

Winnipeg Sun:  Decisions…Decisions.  I absolutely agree with Ken that the Jets need to lock up Zach Bogosian for as long as possible.  It is quite evident that he loves playing in this city and as Ken rightly suggests, this city loves him back.  Ken also examines the other important players that will need new deals. 

Jets official site:  Season reflections.  Kristi provides some thoughts from the Jets room as the season came to a close.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Claude Noel end of season press conference.  The Jets bench boss met with the media for his final interview for the 2013 season.

Illegal Curve:  Jets players end of season interviews.  Nik Antropov, Jacob Trouba, Zach Bogosian, Chris Thorburn, Evander Kane, Bryan Little, Jim Slater, Andrew Ladd and Ondrej Pavelec.

Jets prospect news:

Yahoo Canada:  Barrie misses first chance to advance.  Austen Brassard and his Belleville Bulls refuse to go away despite being down three games to one.  Actually it is now three games to two as they beat Mark Scheifele and his Barrie Colts 3-1 in Belleville last night to force a Game 6.  Brassard finished with a goal and Scheifele had an assist.  The Colts will try and finish the series off in Barrie tonight and win a date to face the London Knights who won in dramatic fashion in OT over the Plymouth Whalers.  Max Domi, son of former Winnipeg Jets pugilist Tie Domi, had five points including the OT goal which launched him into a tie with Mark Scheifele for playoff points (25).

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Expect the unexpected in playoffs.  Eric Duhatschek with a comprehensive look at the 2013 playoffs.  Eric will be joining the guys on Monday for a special edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show as the preview the 2013 playoffs.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:  Crosby returns to practice.  What is truly amazing is Sid the Kid remains tied for 2nd overall in the NHL in scoring despite missing his 12th straight game today when the Pens play their season finale against the Hurricanes.  His Pens meanwhile haven’t missed a blink and still have a nine point lead on both Boston and Montreal in the East.  Whenever they get him back Pittsburgh is going to go from a very scary playoff team to a juggernaut.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Wild pummeled 6-1 at home with playoffs on the line.  Seeking a return to the post season for the first time since 2008 all the Wild had to do was beat an Oilers team that was well below the playoff line.  This task seemed fairly routine considering the complete ownership Minnesota has had of Edmonton (Oilers have only won once in 20 trips to St. Paul).

We now have three teams (Minnesota, Detroit and Columbus) battling for the 7th and 8th position in the West with all three teams playing today.  The Red Wings have 54 points while Minnesota/Columbus have 53.  Both Detroit and Minnesota have an ROW of 21 whereas Columbus is at 18. 

Here are the games:

Predators @ Columbus
Red Wings @ Stars
Wild @ Avalanche

Globe and Mail:  MacLean the perfect mix of strategy, motivation and comedy.  He was a fan favourite during his years as a member of the Jets 1.0 and has been great with the media when he has been here as a visiting head coach.  .

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Kane stresses progress.  The seasons had ups and downs for the talented winger.  One can only imagine the level he might achieve when this team has linemates that compliment his talent.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Something more is required.  The team was what it was and it is quite obvious that many players know that changes will be made during the off season.  Even had Winnipeg snuck in the reality is this team has to make a number of improvements before they can be considered a serious playoff contender.

Winnipeg Free Press:  This end-of-season scenario old, and Jets fans and players know it.  Captain Ladd was rightly not looking at any positives following his team’s elimination from the playoff race.  He wants to be in the playoffs and challenge for a Stanley Cup.  A player with two rings already clearly showing the heart necessary to want more and the team is going to need to clone him or simply replicate his work ethic if they hope to be making it to that promised land.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playoff hopes dealt fatal blow.  It was a fun ride while it lasted but alas the Jets couldn’t overcome that five game losing streak which took them from first in the conference to second, but dropped them from third to ninth in the conference.  Now as the NHL turns its focus onto the playoffs Jets fans are left with the task to wonder what can be done to improve this team and how might they look for the 2013-14 season.

Winnipeg Sun:  Taking up where the Thrashers left off.  There has been a lot of futility surrounding this franchise but with the move to the West perhaps a corner will be turned.  Kirk also touches on players want new mindset for next season, pranks, booing contest winners, his comments regarding the coach Noel post-game firestorm and life out West.

Winnipeg Sun:  Just weren’t good enough.  It was interesting hearing the post-game comments from many of the Jets who discussed when they found out (listen below) they had been eliminated.  Hard to play with intensity when you know it cannot help you achieve your goal of making the playoffs.

Winnipeg Sun:  Next contest – The NHL draft lottery.  The fear of many was realized last night when the Jets were ensured a ninth place spot in the East.  Not good enough for the playoffs but also too high to get a top five pick.  The Jets have a chance for improvement in draft position due to changes to the system but there odds are not great.

Illegal Curve:  Presentation of the Winnipeg Jets awards.  These included the Dan Snyder Memorial trophy, the community service award as well as the Molson 3 Star winner.  Post includes video so you can get a taste of the atmosphere inside the MTS Centre.

Jets on a Deadline:

Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd, Ron Hainsey, Blake Wheeler, Ondrej Pavelec and Evander Kane.

Coach Noel post-game presser. Following his team’s 4-2 loss to the Canadiens, coach Noel spoke with the media.

Montreal Canadiens: Coach Therrien, Brian Gionta, Carey Price and PK Subban.

Post-game podcast from the Press box: Guest Host Michael Remis and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the Jets play against the Canadiens.

Jets on a Deadline:  Game recaps, post-game audio, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

Scoreboard watch:  Senators @ Capitals | Rangers @ Hurricanes

Note: Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess during tonight’s game you can win IC Gear by participating in our twitter Game Winning Goal and 50/50 contests. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess by hashtaging (#) our Game Winning Goal (GWG) and 50/50 contest. (i.e. #ICGWG Thorburn #IC5050 $44,445.00).

Note II:  Want to meet Guy Lafleur?  You can today at Polo Park from 11 am to 12:30 pm as he signs autographs for charity (Winnipeg Pet Rescue).  Meet a Hall of Famer and support a great cause.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Ondrej Pavelec needs to be even better for Jets to contend.  Pavelec makes world class saves consistently game in and game out.  However if you asked him if he could improve he obviously would agree that there are areas in which his game could get better.  What are your thoughts on Pavelec’s game?

Winnipeg Free Press:  Hanging hats on hope.  When you no longer control your own destiny you lose the ability to determine your own path and so now the Jets are down to their last chance for romance tonight against Montreal.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Noel encouraged by improvements over last season.  When asked what specifically he notices he stated that it was a maturity of his team as they spent time growing together as a team this year.

Winnipeg Sun:  Antropov drives Jets fans crazy — in more ways than one.  He’s like an enigma wrapped in a riddle that you just cannot figure out.  He has tons of talent and leaves you wanting him to play a full season like he did on Tuesday night against the Capitals.

Winnipeg Sun:  Need to win — and pray.  One of the worst feeling in sports has to be knowing that your fate lies in the hands of someone else.  This became reality when the Jets left themselves below the playoff line trailing two teams by one point with just one game to play while the rest have games in hand.  Going to be some serious nail biting and scoreboard watching at the MTS Centre tonight.

Winnipeg Sun:  Special teams not special enough.   They rank 29th in the league in power plays and 23rd for penalty kills.  Hard to be a playoff team when neither of these reflect the word ‘special’.  Unfortunately for Winnipeg this was best exemplified with a power play opportunity to tie the game with time running out in the 3rd period against the Capitals but instead it was an exercise in futility.

Winnipeg Sun:  Noel gives Pavelec big endorsement.  Pavelec has some detractors who reference his numbers as reason alone to cast him aside for a better alternative.  Coach Noel doesn’t share a similar mindset, despite being mindful of Ondrej’s stats.  He was fairly unequivocal in the confidence he has in Pavelec as his number one tender.

National Post:  Jets, Habs with plenty to prove as season winds down.  It will be difficult for the Jets to not scoreboard watch as both the Rangers and Senators games begin an hour earlier than they do.  All the Jets can control is how they play so it will require another 60 minute effort to at least keep themselves in the conversation.

TSN:  Top 10 Coach Noel clips.  Coach Noel’s post-game anger during the scrum following the loss to the Capitals has led TSN to focus on  some of the more remarkable statements from the Jets bench boss during the past couple of years.

Jets prospect news:

TSN:  Bolts edge Bulls in OT.  Another barn burner in Barrie as these two fairly evenly matched teams played another game which required extra time.  The Colts took a commanding 3-1 series lead, have just lost once in three rounds and are one win away from the OHL Championship.  Jets 2011 draft pick Mark Scheifele scored one goal and had one assist and now leads all playoff scorers with 24 points (8 G, 16 A) in 12 games.

Jets opposition (Canadiens) news:

Montreal Gazette:  Tinordi gets a second look.  Getting the call from Hamilton has to be exciting for the young first round pick (22nd overall) back in 2010.

Montreal Gazette:  Habs know they need to play tougher.  This is not going to be a fun Montreal team to face as they are surly and ready to play to get themselves ready for the post-season.

NHL news:

Chicago Tribune:  Hawks clinch Presidents’ Trophy.  Hawks were the best in the West and took home some impressive regular season hardware.  Coincidentally the Penguins are the best in the East.   Might we see a re-match of the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals?

Vancouver Sun: Roberto Luongo in while Cory Schneider heals.  Bet folks in Vancouver are happy they didn’t trade away Roberto.

Globe and Mail:  Peplinski says ban bodychecking for kids or ‘we’re going to become dinosaurs’.  More and more veterans of the game are speaking out and should be heard.

CBC:  Maple Leafs fan takes aim at CN Tower goal light (video).  A Toronto Maple Leafs fan wants to celebrate his team’s return to the NHL playoffs by turning the CN Tower into the world largest goal light.

NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve:

Replay:  Winnipeg Jets & Eastern Conference playoff picture.  Dustin Brown suspension for elbow to Jason Pominville.  Interview with Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette.  Break it Down: Montreal Canadiens Power Play.  6 Things We Learned This Week.  Interview with Andrew Gross of The Record.  Prospect Pulse.  The Relationship Between Players/Coaches and the Media, Keep Your Eye On.

Scoreboard watch:  None.

Note:  Tune into the NHL Mid-Week Show on TSN Radio 1290 tonight from 6 pm to 8 pm as the guys discuss all the latest NHL news.  Guests:  Pat Hickey (Montreal Gazette) and Andrew Gross (The Record)

Jets news:

TSN:  After loss to Capitals, Jets focus on Rangers, Senators.  Until there is an x beside Ottawa and New York the Jets still have a chance.  It might be highly unlikely but at this point it is all they have.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Just not good enough — yet.  If things play out with the Jets finishing in ninth spot a lot of people will have their worst fear realized.  Out of the playoffs but not getting a top draft pick the Jets are in a no-mans land.  There is also a video component to this article in which Gary discusses the Jets scenarios.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Win against Montreal Jets’ last hope in playoff push.  And now it is down to just one game left.  As Blake Wheeler said following last night’s loss all this team can do is leave it all out on the ice on Thursday and then they have to have a lot of help, which as a team you never want to rely on others, but at this point is the reality for Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Caps just too much for Jets.  Who would think that a game in which Alexander Ovechkin was largely unnoticeable would result in a Jets loss.  After weathering an early storm and giving up a weak goal, the Jets almost stormed back and showed some fortitude coming back from a two goal deficit.  Unfortunately just as quickly as they tied things up they surrendered the lead for good just 37 seconds later.  Jets tried their best to tie the game late and an ineffective power play when they were down by one goal ensured that there would be no fairy tale ending.

Winnipeg Sun:  Need a miracle now.  Take a look at the standings at the top of the papers.  A lot more x’s which signify that more teams have qualified for the playoffs as both the Capitals and Islanders punched their tickets last night.  Now there are just two teams (Rangers & Senators) which the Jets can possibly catch but the odds are against Winnipeg.  Ken also covers veteran providing a spark, tough sledding for defensive pairing, soft start for Pavelec, road improvement and play of Erskine.

Globe and Mail:  Desperate Jets down to last gasp.  The loss crushed Jets nation who were hoping against hope that their team could pull it off against the Capitals.  Despite the Jets play of late, the Capitals have been even hotter and managed to pull off their biggest win of the year.

TSN:  Coach Noel post-game.  Last night’s post-game was the Coach Noel show as he voiced his displeasure with some of the questions sent his way.  It was like a train wreck that you wanted to turn off but couldn’t look away from.

Illegal Curve:  Jets on a Deadline.  Game recaps, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

Jets prospect news:

OHL:  Belleville vs. Barrie.  Scheifele and Brassard reunite for Game 4 of the 2nd Round series.  Currently the Barrie Colts have a 2 to 1 edge in games.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Maple Leafs thank fans for ‘continued loyalty’.  Not sure an email of thanks can offset the sting of a 75% increase in playoff ticket cost.

Globe and Mail:  Ken Dryden warns of ‘catastrophic repercussions’ on concussion issue.  When Ken Dryden speaks many in the hockey world listen.

Scoreboard watch: Islanders @ Hurricanes | Rangers @ Panthers

Note: Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess during tonight’s game you can win IC Gear by participating in our twitter Game Winning Goal contest. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess by hashtaging (#) our Game Winning Goal (GWG). (i.e. #ICGWG Clitsome).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  ‘Every game is huge,’ says Pavelec.  Ondrej Pavelec is trying to stay even keel without putting too much on the game which is probably the right approach.  One thing he said might not be accurate however as he states “Now I’ll have a good nap” as according to Rick Ralph the hotel where the Jets are staying was testing the fire alarms.  That will make for some unhappy Jets.  We shall see if that impacts tonight’s results.  Article includes video of Pavelec talking following practice.

Sportsnet:  Season on the line.  People are talking about the little team that could.  The one many pundits to be a bottom basement team who now have a chance to challenge for the 3rd spot in the East.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Unlikely heroes slice Sabres.  The opening goal was scored by Aaron Gagnon on a great feed by Derek Meech, which are not two names Jets fans are used to seeing on the score sheet.  Pretty ironic that the game winning goal (his second game winner of  the season out of three goals total) was scored by Antti Miettinen who had been a healthy scratch and who has been much maligned for his lack of production.  While the top line had plenty of chances the Jets are always happy to not have to rely on them every single game.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Pleased to Meech-ya.  Nicely done by the Manitoba native as he replaced Zach Bogosian and played an instrumental role in yesterday’s game.

Winnipeg Sun:  Wellwood lost to Jets.  Another late season exit for Kyle Wellwood who last year was lost to a broken foot and is now done after suffering an “upper body” injury, which we all know is something to do with his hand after he blocked a Vanek shot in the win over the Sabres.

Winnipeg Sun:  Game snapshots.  At times during the season you could question the team’s heart/desire to win but not last night.  They started off the game taking it to the Sabres and played a complete, 60 minute hockey game and if not for a red-hot Enroth the score may have been five or six to one.  Ted also looked at Enroth’s brilliance, Kane’s penalty shot predictability, play of Pavelec, AHL connection gets it done, Ladd a star, Santorelli a catalyst and more.

TSN:  Jets win sets up season-defining clash with Caps.  I think it is finally fair to say that tonight is now the biggest game of the year as the Jets look to get back above the playoff line at the expense of their Southeast division rival.  It is the final game the Jets play against a fellow member of the division and a win could ensure that a division banner is hanging from the MTS Centre rafters.

Globe and Mail:  Surging Jets keep playoff hopes alive.  Who would have believed that this team would pull off a 6-0-1 run after losing five straight games between March 28th to April 4th.

Illegal Curve:  Jets on a Deadline.  Game recaps, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

Jets affiliate news:

Yahoo Canada:  Anthony Camara snipes Game 3 OT winner.  Mark Scheifele was limited to just one assist in the win and he now has the lead in playoff points with 22 in 11 games (7 goals, 15 assists).

Jets opposition (Capitals) news:

Washington Times:  How Caps can clinch Southeast.  It might not be do or die for the Caps but it certainly is for the Jets (although based on the Senators slide perhaps not).  If the Capitals win, they clinch a post-season berth.

Washington Post:  It all comes down to this.  The Capitals have reeled off win after win ever since they tore apart the Jets on back to back nights in the MTS Centre back in March and haven’t looked back as they erased a nine point standings deficit to now sit one point up with a game in-hand.

Video of the night – Pavelec flashes the gloves:

Scoreboard watch:  Penguins @ Senators

Note: Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess during tonight’s game you can win IC Gear by participating in our twitter Game Winning Goal contest. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess by hashtaging (#) our Game Winning Goal (GWG). (i.e. #ICGWG Wright).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Rangers now only have Jets to fear.   And based on the way New York is playing and who they have remaining there is likely not too much fear for the Blueshirts.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playoffs or no, faith in future is warranted.  It will be a bitter pill to fall short for many Jets fans despite the knowledge that many pundits predicted the Jets would be cellar dwellers this season.  The good news is this has been an exciting season that has come down to the final week.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bogosian likely concussed.  Still trying to figure out how that qualified as a legal hit by Okposo but regardless, the Jets are going to be hard pressed for success without Zach Bogosian in the lineup.  He is just too important a piece of the puzzle to be replaced easily.

Globe and Mail:  In tough to make playoffs.  The task is a tall one for the Jets but coach Noel is right, the only thing this team can do is win the games in front of them and worry about positioning when they’ve played their last game.  According to Sportsclubstats the Jets chances fell another 3.6% to just 15.7% but fans don’t lose hope because as they said in Dumb and Dumber “..you’re telling me there’s a chance“.

Winnipeg Sun:  No Bogosian, Jokinen for Jets against Sabres.   The loss of Bogosian is big.  Monumental even.  He has been contributing offensively while eating up big minutes on the ice.  Likely to see Zach Redmond step in for him as he has finished his two game conditioning stint with the IceCaps.  Still no word as to who might fill in for Olli Jokinen.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Noel from Buffalo.  Bogosian (Day-to-Day).  Jokinen (6-8 weeks with high ankle sprain).  Antropov (day-to-day).  Peluso (day-to-day – cleared).  Slater (day-to-day – aways away).  Being without Bogosian.  Zach Redmond a possibility?  Any concern putting Redmond in if he needed to?  Vibe in the room.  Success on the road help?  Status of Evander Kane.

Jets affiliate and prospect news:

TSN:  Marlies take shootout win over IceCaps in season finale.  Zach Redmond added another assist as he continued his remarkable road back to the NHL.  The IceCaps closed out a forgettable second season in the AHL.

Jets opposition (Sabres) news:

Buffalo News:  Enroth in goal as Sabres look to stop repeated groundings by Jets.   No Miller against the Jets tonight.

Buffalo News:  Pysyk still has plenty to play for.  The Sabres are taking a look at their younger players as they play out the season and this is just one of the young guns the Jets will face tonight.

Buffalo News:  Grigorenko in, Kaleta out.  Another prospect getting a chance to play against the Jets as the Sabres look to play spoilers for the Jets playoff chances.

Buffalo News:  Miller’s time with Sabres is near the end.  Who would have believed you would ever read this headline in a Buffalo newspaper?  Of course with Buffalo appearing to be ready for the re-build makes sense that they trade Miller to a team in need of a goalie.

NHL news:

USA Today:  Blue Jackets bolster playoff push, top Sharks.  The little team that could just keeps on winning as they march towards a return to the playoffs.  They are now tied with the Wild for 7th in the West and are ahead of the Wings and Stars who are both three points back.

Globe and Mail:  This week’s five games to watch.  While Jets fans would probably argue that all three of the games should be on the list, they did get two of three onto the list of five.  Somewhat surprisingly the Jets at Capitals game was the one left off the list.

Illegal Curve Hockey Replay:

Part 1:  Winnipeg Jets & Eastern Conference Playoff Preview.  Western Conference Playoff Preview.  Interview with Jack Edwards of NESN.  Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders preview.  Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders forwards preview.  Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders defense preview.

Part 2:  Interview with Arthur Staple of Newsday.  Winnipeg Jets vs. New York Islanders preview (Goalies and Special Teams).  Break it Down: New York Islanders Power Play.  Break it Down: New York Islanders Penalty Kill.  Winnipeg Jets week ahead.  Interview with Bruce Dowbiggin of the Globe & Mail, Cheers & Jeers.

Scoreboard watch:  Rangers @ Devils

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bogo’s status uncertain.  The hit by Okposo should be reviewed by the league.  His shoulder went right into Bogosian’s head and how the refs failed to call a penalty on the ice is beyond understanding.  Bogosian was rightly pissed off and tried to get to Okposo in the next few minutes.  Despite staying in the game he just wasn’t 100% and had to leave in the 3rd.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Where the devil was Kane in warm-up?  We didn’t notice until the pre-game skate was well underway and then it was uncertain what this meant exactly.  Coach Noel gave some vague answers post-game as to what this might have meant but it was likely because he has a lingering injury from the Tampa game.  If you watched Kane skating last Thursday and then again on Saturday, it wasn’t the same player.  Good for him for at least giving it a go knowing the importance of the game for his team.

Winnipeg Free Press:  One is better than none in Jets’ emotional race to the finish.  Looking at it from a  glass half full perspective is the best way in which to evaluate a tough loss to a very good Islanders team.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets-Isles game an emotional roller-coaster.  That game caused heart palpitations even for those with hearts working perfectly fine.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets aren’t miles behind the Isles.  Considering the Jets played without Bogosian for parts of the game and a completely healthy Kane and they didn’t do too badly against the Isles.  Regardless of how you feel about Jokinen, his loss meant that coach Noel had to shorten the bench which makes it tougher on the other forwards.

Winnipeg Sun:  Fans get their money’s worth.   I jokingly tweeted that fans paid for the seat but only need the edge, and this proved correct as that was easily one of the most exciting games of the year.

Winnipeg Sun:  Gutsy play pays off for Winnipeg Jets.  Even some of the players discussed post-game (listen below) that they were surprised that coach Noel pulled the goalie with just over two minutes to go in the 3rd.  However it worked out and so coach Noel gets the praise for that decision.

CBC:  Did You See That? Lubomir Visnovksy steals point from Jets.  Not only that he robbed Kyle Wellwood of his chance to cement his name in the record books with the first every hat trick for the Jets 2.0.

Jets affiliate and prospect news:

Toronto Star:  O’Dell scores shootout winner as IceCaps beat Marlies.  The IceCaps are trying to salvage the small victories right now.

Yahoo Canada:  Barrie Colts win big, wrest home-ice advantage from Bulls.  After losing a close one last night, Mark Scheifele led his Colts in a 5-0 romp over Belleville.  He finished the game with three points (2 G, 1 A) and has now tied Vincent Trocheck for top spot in playoff points.

Jets on a Deadline – Islanders 5 Jets 4 in shootout:

Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little, Ron Hainsey, Eric Tangradi and Kyle Wellwood.

Coach Noel post-game presser. Following his team’s 5-4 shootout loss to the Islanders, coach Noel spoke with the media.

New York Islanders: Coach Capuano, Travis Hamonic and John Tavares.

Illegal Curve Post-game podcast from the Press box: Host Drew Mindell and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the Jets play against the Islanders.

Illegal Curve Jets on a Deadline:  Game recaps, post-game audio, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

Scoreboard watch: Capitals @ Canadiens | Leafs @ Senators |

Note:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 today as the guys discuss all the latest Winnipeg Jets and NHL news starting at 8 am until 11 am due to the 2 pm start time of the Jets and Islanders game.  Guests:  Jack Edwards (Play-by-play voice of the Bruins), Arthur Staple (Newsday) and Bruce Dowbiggin (Globe and Mail).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Line of fire.  That is a lot of time to develop the right chemistry and it is clear that these three know how to play with each other.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Top Trios.  And considering the cold streak they went on during the five game losing streak and they could be even higher.  Thankfully for Jets fans they have gotten hot at the right time.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Major matchup.  Stud vs. Stud is what this could have been labeled.  Shall be quite the battle throughout today’s contest.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Wins + wins = post-season.  Can the Jets maintain this pace?  Courtesy of this home stand we will find out if they can make it a perfect six for six today.

Winnipeg Sun:  Is Jets winning streak too little too late?  Jets fans have to hope it isn’t and they can go along way to ensuring this by beating a very good Islanders team this afternoon.  Of course, if when all is said and done, the Jets find themselves on the outside looking in, they can look back at that mini sweep to the Capitals.  But for now, only thing to do is continue looking forward at their next opponent.

Winnipeg Sun:  Clitsome & Bogosian – The best defence.  Coach Noel has said that if he felt the lineup needed tweaking that they wouldn’t be afraid to make a change just because they were in the midst of a winning streak.  Consider that the Jets gave up a two goal lead the last two games and perhaps the coach sees something that could use a change.

Winnipeg Sun:  Time for Winnipeg Jets to close the gap.  All this winning and all the Jets have done is simply kept pace with the rest of the teams vying for a playoff spot.  Another 60 minute challenge for the home squad and the crowd is going to play an important role today. 

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets face red-hot Islanders on 5-game win streak.  The time for winning against ‘lesser’ opponents is over.  The Jets now have to face a team ahead, not behind them in the standings for the first time in awhile and these Islanders are red-hot.   Going to be an excellent test for Winnipeg.

NHL.com:  Best moment of the week? Wings, Niemi, Ladd.  The Jets captain is up for this honour by virtue of his strong play against the Bolts on Tuesday.  In re-watching the highlights I have to say that I think this was probably the most expressive I’ve seen the captain after he scores the shootout winning goal for his team.

Jets affiliate and prospect news:

NHL.com:  Renewed focus in second period lifts Hamilton Bulldogs over St. John’s IceCaps.  Young Finnish goalie Juho Olkinuora made his first professional appearance and it was a rough night for him as he gave up three goals in the loss.  On a positive note, Zach Redmond continuing his miraculous recovery, got an assist on the lone goal for St. John’s and added three shots on net.

The Telegram: There and back again, a goaltender’s tale.  Quite a bit about the newest net minder in the orgranizaton including his preference to be called Jussi instead of Juho.   Some other tid bits about the Finnish goalie who had his first start for the IceCaps last night.

Yahoo Canada:  Brassard scores twice as Bulls beat Colts for 1-0 series lead.  The Jets have two 2011 Entry Draft picks facing off as 1st rounder Mark Scheifele takes on 5th rounder Austen Brassard.  Last night (Game Summary here) both players looked very good but it was Brassard who skated away with the Game 1 victory.  His two goals, including the game winner with under two minutes to go in the 3rd, led his team to the win and halted the Colts eight game winning streak in the playoffs.  Scheifele finished with two assists on both Barrie goals giving him 18 points in just nine games which is good enough for second in OHL playoff scoring.  Game 2 is tonight at 6:05 pm cst.

Jets opposition (Islanders) news:

Newsday:  Islanders on verge of playoff berth.  Both teams are desperate for the points today which should translate to one amazing contest for fans of either team.

New York Times:  Islanders expect playoff atmosphere in Winnipeg.  I believe it was Evander Kane the other day who said if you cannot get motivated for these types of games then there is something wrong and he is absolutely right.  While fans would hope their Jets would be comfortably in a playoff position, I expect today’s game and the atmosphere to be a preview of what we might see if the Jets make the post season.  Of course, a win and two points will go a long way to making this a reality.

National Post:  Islanders stay focused on playoffs despite talk of early move to Brooklyn.  This team has done very well on the road so they are not likely to be too worried about what is happening back in New York.

NHL news:

Ottawa Citizen:  Erik Karlsson expected back in time for playoffs.  The healing powers of some hockey players are quite remarkable.  Fans in Winnipeg have been marveling at the comeback of Zach Redmond from his life threatening injury to playing his first game back in the AHL last night.  Now fans in Ottawa are about to see an unexpected return as their Norris trophy winning defenceman returned to practice yesterday.

Globe and Mail:  Finishing strong no guarantee of a long playoff run.  I remember I took a look at this a few years back as I was hoping to see if there was a pattern from teams playing well over the final 10 games of the regular season and whether that would translate to success in the playoffs.

Scoreboard watch: Rangers @ Sabres

Note:  Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 Saturday as the guys discuss all the latest Winnipeg Jets and NHL news starting at 8 am until 11 am due to the 2 pm start time of the Jets and Islanders game.  Guests:  Jack Edwards (Play-by-play voice of the Bruins), Arthur Staple (Newsday) and Bruce Dowbiggin (Globe and Mail).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bogo gives props to Pavs’ brilliance.  When asked following the game what was the nicest save by Pavelec, Bogosian admitted it was on an error he made early in the game.  All the players on this teams continue to praise the play of their goalie.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Another thrilling drama.  It was something but Jets fans are probably hoping for a little less drama and a little more scoring separation between their team and the competition.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Bouncing back shows maturity.  Two straight games.  Two straight 3-1 leads in the 3rd period and both times the Jets failed to hold on to win in regulation.  However as Gary says, it was massive that they were able to persevere and win the game in either a SO or OT.

Winnipeg Sun:  One down, four to go for Winnipeg Jets to make NHL playoffs.  Buff played the role of hero and now the Jets just need to keep the winning streak rolling.  Kirk also touches on Pavelec making a save of the year candidate, his countrymen friends and putting things in perspective.

Winnipeg Sun:  Crazy train keeps a-rolling.  It is enough to give healthy people heart palpitations.  Fans pay for the seat but they only need the edge.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets having trouble closing the deal.  Ron Hainsey spoke about the team not closing the deal when they are up by a couple of goals with under 10 minutes to go in the 3rd period.  It is a problem.  The Jets won’t be able to have these types of gaffes against the Islanders on Saturday if they hope to continue this incredible winning streak.

Winnipeg Sun:  Hold on against Hurricanes, win in OT for fifth straight victory.  Just another crazy night in Winnipeg. 

TSN:  Jets run winning streak to five games.  So many guys have contributed to this streak but the Jets top line deserves major credit as they have 30 points collectively during the five game win streak.  Ladd has 11 points (4 G, 7 A), Wheeler has 10 points (3 G, 7 A) and Bryan Little with 9 points (1 G, 8 A).

CBC:  In the Room – Ondrej Pavelec.  Mitch Peacock talks playoff experience with the Jets goaltender yesterday afternoon.

Jets on a Deadline – Jets 4 Hurricanes 3 in OT:

Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler, Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey, Dustin Byfuglien and Ondrej Pavelec.

Coach Noel post-game presser. Following his team’s 4-3 win over the Hurricanes, coach Noel spoke with the media.

Carolina Hurricanes: Coach Muller and Tuomo Ruutu.

Illegal Curve Post-game podcast from the Press box: Guest Host Michael Remis and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the Jets play against the Hurricanes.

Jets on a Deadline.  Game recaps, post-game audio, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

Pavelec with save of the year candidate:

Note: Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess during tonight’s game you can win IC Gear by participating in our twitter Game Winning Goal and 50/50 contests. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess by hashtaging (#) our Game Winning Goal (GWG) and 50/50 contest. (i.e. #ICGWG Wheeler #IC5050 $42,625.00).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Noel puts top trio among NHL elite.  Led by Andrew Ladd they have certainly been red hot for most of the season and their importance to this team cannot be understated.  When they went cold the teams scoring shut down.  Now that they are red hot, the team finds themselves on a four game winning streak.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Respect due for Hainsey.  While he is often derided for his lack of offensive production, Hainsey has been a work horse, playing in all 42 games for the Jets and currently sits sixth in the league in blocked shots at 106.  As tirelessly as he has been on the ice, he worked just as hard for his fellow players during the lockout as a member of the negotiating committee.  For these reasons he was unanimously voted by the Winnipeg branch of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Nod ‘an honour, obviously, but unexpected’.  Surprising to see Ron Hainsey almost lost for words.  The always insightful Jets blue liner seemed touched that he had been nominated for the award.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Santorelli finding his niche with Jets.  He has been a nice fit with his new team.  Hopefully he can share his shootout skill with some of his team mates.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Burmi goes from doghouse to penthouse.  Such is the beauty of the NHL, that you can quickly find yourself going from dispensable to indispensable in the blink of an eye.  Once Burmistrov showed that he was willing to do what coach Noel & company were asking of him, he has been rewarded with more and more responsibility and ice time.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Redmond’s rescuers to receive honour.  As well they should since their quick thinking not only saved his career but also his life.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Current Jets tackle trivia test.  Meech, Bogosian, Clitsome and coach Huddy put their knowledge of the Jets 1.0 to the test.

Winnipeg Sun:  Vote of confidence.  Paul gives his reasons for nominating Ron Hainsey for the Masterton.

Winnipeg Sun:  Zach Redmond returns to action with IceCaps.  Still cannot believe that he is returning to the ice so quickly after sustaining such a horrific injury.

Winnipeg Sun:  Hole in One for True North foundation.  Two major brands get together to feed off the popularity of the other.

Winnipeg Sun:  No love for shootout.  Fans would groan if a game got to the shootout as it was well known that Pavelec wasn’t having the best luck in these game concluding contests.  However something has changed of late (although that is clearly not his disdain for the shootout itself) as he has looked much better during the shootout.

Winnipeg Sun:  Holy (bleep)!  Coach Noel showed some confusion when asked about being pixalated during the Jets/Bolts highlights.  Evander Kane adds some interesting thoughts on the refs.  Lots of praise for Ladd.  Coming of age for the 1st line.  Kane on the playoff race.

Globe and Mail:  Jets want to resurrect Winnipeg White Out as they close in on playoff berth.  I’m on record as saying I like the White Out tradition but I also think you shouldn’t put the cart before the horse.  This talk can pick back up at this time one week from today when the Jets have played their final game against the Habs and we should have a pretty good idea if they are in the playoffs or not.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Noel post-practice audio.  Pixalized after his disallowed goal.  Rarely is he demonstrative, what caused this?  Does he ever hear from NHL if they got call wrong. Ladd setting the tone.  Importance of players who have playoff experience considering number of players who have none on this team.  Any difference with Ladd’s line this season?  Did he talk before the season about being put together as a line?  Streaks – finding solutions.  Does he need to look back at the past Carolina game?  Any chance of Antropov tomorrow night?

Jets opposition (Hurricanes) news:

News and Observer:  Skinner out, but not clear how long.  Jets fans won’t be seeing the smooth skating Skinner as he has returned to Raleigh following the game in Ottawa.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Lowe in damage control after press conference gaffe.  It is a shame that he is back tracking because it is rare that someone actually speaks what is on their mind, so while you might not like what he said, those are clearly his thoughts.  His apology is simply a reaction to the negative response those thoughts he verbalized elicited.

Columbus Dispatch:  Dare to dream.  With the victory over the Ducks last night, the very surprising Blue Jackets have slipped back into the 8th spot in the Western Conference.

NHL Mid-Week with Illegal Curve Replay:

Replay:  Winnipeg Jets playoff push, Edmonton Oilers management changes.  Break it Down: Carolina Hurricanes Power Play.  Interview with Ryan Rishaug of TSN.  Six Things We Learned This Week.

National Anthem in Boston:

Scoreboard watch: Sabres @ Bruins

Note:  Tune into the NHL Mid-Week Show on TSN Radio 1290 tonight from 6 pm to 7 pm (an hour instead of the usual two today) as the guys discuss all the latest NHL news.  Guest:  Ryan Rishaug (TSN)

Jets news:

Ottawa Citizen:  Homerism in NHL three star selection.  Jets middle of the pack in this analysis.  As we have selected the three stars before I can tell you that we try to pick the best players on the ice and do not focus on which jersey they wear.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Shootout ace Santorelli chips in.  Just how critical these two points will be remains to be seen but we might be looking back at this extra one at the end of the season.  Especially when you consider that all the teams the Jets needed to lose last night (Capitals, Islanders, Senators) won, with the exception of the New York Rangers.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Shootout at MTS corral.  Prior to game time, many were suggested a final score of 5-4 or 6-5 as the expectation was a high scoring affair.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Leadership of Ladd again is the key.  What more needs to be said about the leader of the Jets?  He was simply fantastic last night as he put the team on his back.  He now has more assists (23) this year in 43 games than he had in 82 games last year (22) and combined with his 18 goals has him 18th in the NHL for total points. 

Winnipeg Sun:  Captain Ladd comes through.  His shootout goal was the insurance the Jets needed to secure the win and it was fitting that he scored it.  Even though shootout goals don’t count in an individual tally, it was technically Ladd’s 3rd goal of the game and some Jets fans desperate to see their first hat trick, tossed hats onto the ice in celebration.

Winnipeg Sun:  Snapshots.  Jets on a nice little run right now.  Strong 2nd periods.  Finally getting some out-of-town help.  Questionable call negates goal.  No Stamkos on shootout.  Pavelec’s black stick.

Winnipeg Sun:  Just win baby!  Love it or hate it, the shootout is a reality and the Jets now have a secret weapon as Mike “shootout specialist” Santorelli helped this team secure a critical two points.  He wouldn’t share his secrets with us, but did share how much he enjoyed scoring in front of the MTS Centre crowd.  Here is a quick hit of his goal in the shootout last night.

Winnipeg Sun:  Third line gets kudos from coach.  Coach Noel showed what happens when he rolls out the lines as he got some significant contributions from Burmistrov and company last night.

TSN:  Jets run winning streak to four with win over Lightning.  After losing five straight the Jets have turned this sinking ship around.  They are still going to need to keep up this momentum and have some of their competition falter, but they have put themselves back into the playoff conversation.

Jets on a Deadline – Jets 4 Lightning 3 in SO:

Winnipeg Jets: Andrew Ladd, Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler and Mike Santorelli.

Coach Noel post-game presser. Following his team’s 4-3 SO win over the Lightning, coach Noel spoke with the media.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Coach Cooper, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis.

Illegal Curve Post-game podcast from the Press box: Host Drew Mindell and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the Jets play against the Lightning.

Jets on a Deadline.  Game recaps, post-game audio, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars of the night.

NHL news:

CBC:  NHL adds 5 outdoor games in 2014, including 1 in Vancouver says report.  In totally insane news, the NHL takes a unique concept and decides to mass produce it.

USA Today:  Top prospects await bottom teams.  There is another race going on as some teams fight for those final few playoff spots and that is a race to the bottom.  Once there you have a very good chance to add a significant piece to your roster with a good pick in the deep 2013 Entry Draft.

Globe and Mail:  Welcome to the mild, mild West.  Long gone are the days Smythe division dominance of Edmonton and Calgary.  Of course with the Jets moving West next season, Jets fans might not be too unhappy seeing the power outage in Alberta.

Scoreboard watch: Islanders @ Panthers | Leafs @ Capitals | Hurricanes @ Senators | Rangers @ Flyers

Note:  Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess during tonight’s game you can win IC Gear by participating in our twitter Game Winning Goal and 50/50 contests. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess by hashtaging (#) our Game Winning Goal (GWG) and 50/50 contest. (i.e. #ICGWG Wright #IC5050 $43,500.00).

Jets news:

ESPN:  Trying to shake history, make playoffs (Must be ESPN Insider for full article).    Does this team have enough in the tank to get it done?  We are about to find out.

Winnipeg Free Press:  It’s one last gasp for this group of Jets.  The time for tired cliches is officially over.  Tonight is the first do or die (or the time for tired cliches is almost over) match of the next six.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Burmistrov has heard the boos.  Cannot always have sunshine and lollipops.  He hears the cheers when they are merited (i.e. on this move he pulled) and similarly when he makes an error he can expect a negative reaction.  While he might view it as scapegoating, the truth is there are high expectations on the enigmatic young forward and that is probably a good thing.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Grinders share spotlight.  When you get a goal from Chris Thorburn or James Wright it is seen as an extra bonus to the other tasks they are given on a nightly basis.  These guys know their roles and if they can chip in with the occasional goal to help out the primary scorers on the team, coach Noel will take it, but that certainly isn’t the expectation. 

Winnipeg Free Press:  Noel’s task is at hand.  It will be tough for coach Noel to stick to rolling four lines if they go down a goal or two.  It is at this point, when the tendency to ride your big dogs becomes most prevalent, that he will need to continue to trust in all four lines.

Illegal Curve:  Winnipeg Jets prospect Adam Lowry signs three year deal.  The Jets obviously like what they see from this young man.

Winnipeg Sun:  Ondrej Pavelec living out big-league dream.  Ken gets some insight from the Jets net minder on how he decided to become a goalie and how his approach to the game continues to develop and progress.

Winnipeg Sun:  Pavelec staying focused.  While 38 games is certainly not a lot in the normal course, during this lockout shortened season Ondrej Pavelec has played all but four of his team’s games and if you ask him, he would be happy to have played them all.

Winnipeg Sun:  Rested and ready.  While this game certainly won’t end the Jets season if they lose, they simply cannot afford to have a let down game.  They need to jump on Tampa early and sustain the pressure for the entire 60 minutes.  If you want to take time off, you can in two weeks (i.e. out of the playoffs) but the Jets need to leave it all out on the ice for each and every one of the six games remaining starting tonight against the Bolts.

NHL.com:  No pressure but Jets don’t have much wiggle room to make playoffs.  On any given night in the NHL any team can beat another, so there is no time to be taking anyone lightly.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Noel post-practice audio.  Thought today’s practice was pretty good.  Challenge first game back.  His focus during the last couple of days.   Excitement of the next 10 days.  Biggest challenge for him as a coach this week.  Sticking to the game plan (Using 4 lines vs. 3), not afraid to shorten but would prefer not to.  Importance of getting scoring from 3rd and 4th line players.  Will he match lines?

Illegal Curve:  Jets post-practice audio.  Evander Kane, Ondrej Pavelec, Olli Jokinen and Chris Thorburn.

Opposition (Lightening) news:

Tampa Bay Times:  Garon knows tenure ending.  Has to be tough knowing that you are the odd man (or goalie in this case) out.  Especially considering that there are still has a few weeks to go in the season. 

ESPN:  Ben Bishop extended two years.  Tampa feels strongly about Bishop clearly (although we suspect they felt the same about Lindback).  Can they change the culture to be a bit more defensive minded?

Tampa Bay Tribune:  Visor saves Thompson from worse injury.   While a visor is not a guarantee to avoid injury, as was seen (no pun intended) in this instance, it can go a long way to preventing a significant issue.

NHL news:

The Tennessean:  Preds’ playoff chances are gone.  Just like that, the team that made it to the 2nd round of the 2012 playoffs have been eliminated from competing after they lost last night to the Canucks.  Impressively this is just the second time in nine seasons that Nashville will miss the post season.

Globe and Mail:  ‘Impatient’ MacTavish takes over for Tambellini.  Will the trend of teams booming after relieving their general manager of their duties (Toronto & Columbus) continue in Oil town?  While this season seems over in terms of post season aspirations, it shall be an interesting off season for Mac T and the Oilers brain trust.

Winnipeg Sun:  Clitsome fitting right in.  You know you’ve done something right when the coach says that you have filled in quite nicely for the team’s top defenceman.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playoff math? Just win, baby.   Unfortunately for the Jets that five game losing streak really might have cost them a post season spot.  They are now forced to play catch-up and all the teams they are attempting to overtake refuse to lose.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Enstrom out — now week to week.  Coach Noel modified his day-to-day assessment to the dreaded week-to-week which means we likely won’t be seeing Tobias for a little while.

Winnipeg Sun:  News and Notes.  Ken covers the injury news regarding Enstrom as well as players staying focused and other missing Jets and IceCaps awards.

Metro News:  Jets take a tour of Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  The players had an opportunity for a sneak peek at the Museum which dominates the downtown landscape.

Edmonton Journal:  Coach Perry Pearn shocked at Zach Redmond’s return.  Interesting to read that of all the injuries that coach Pearn has been present for he considers Redmond’s the worst he has witnessed.

Illegal Curve:  A pictorial summation of the Winnipeg Jets open practice.  For those fans on the outside looking in, yesterday was a chance for those on the wait list to get preferential treatment.  Fans were given access to the Jets practice.  It was a party atmosphere inside the MTS Centre as approximately 2500+ showed up to watch their team run drills.

Illegal Curve:  Jets post-practice audio.  Blake Wheeler and Andrew Ladd spoke to the media.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Claude Noel open skate audio.  Status of Enstrom (From day-to-day to week-to-week).  Playing without Enstrom.  Clitsome playing well with Byfuglien.  Watching the other games going on in the NHL yesterday?

Jets affiliate news:

TSN:  Kolarik nets hat trick as Penguins spoil IceCaps’ home finale.  Not the way the IceCaps wanted to end the season at Mile One Centre but fitting perhaps considering how things have gone for them this year.  Despite three assists from the captain they dropped their final home game and now head on the road to finish off the season.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  ‘Dream’ playoff matchups would be boon to CBC, TSN.  Considering how many Canadian teams might be in the playoffs this year many fans are saying “what lockout” and that has the above networks salivating.

Globe and Mail:  General managers on NHL’s firing line.  Could be quite a different look to a number of teams next season.

Note:  Stay tuned to @illegalcurve as we will be at the MTS Centre today as the Jets return to practice.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun:  A little help would be nice.  The Jets cannot get any luck.  All the teams they have needed to lose, just keep winning or lose in OT or a SO.  Check out the records in the last 10 games of the teams the Jets are chasing (Capitals are 8-1-1, Islanders 7-1-2 and Rangers 6-3-1).   All Winnipeg can do is keep their three game win streak going.  The Jets game in Washington (Tuesday, April 23rd) could have massive implications if all the teams keep winning this week.

Winnipeg Sun:  Hockey in his blood.  Despite his well known last name, Ryan Bowness is someone Jets fans are probably unfamiliar with.  Kirk does a bio on the Jets’ manager of hockey operations.

Jets affiliate and prospect news:

The Telegram:  It’s official – IceCaps ousted from playoff contention.  Such is life in the AHL, where your team dynamic can chance overnight.  The team that made it to the Conference Finals last year, won’t even get to the playoffs this season.

The Telegram:  He’s Glenn Stanford’s right-wing – Driven to improve, says IceCaps vice-president of operations Rob Mullowney.  Learning a bit about some of the staff from the IceCaps.

Hockey news:

ESPN:  Yale wins first NCAA hockey title.  Not known as a hockey powerhouse, the Bulldogs surprised many with their victory yesterday.

Illegal Curve Hockey Show replay:

Part 1:  Winnipeg Jets week in review, Dustin Byfuglien as a forward, Dustin Byfuglien as a defenseman, Dustin Byfuglien trade possibilities,  Dustin Byfuglien trade possibilities, Interview with Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington.

Part 2:  Remaining schedule breakdowon, Remaining schedule breakdown, Sochi Olympics Insurance Issue, NHL & NHLPA partnership with You Can Play, Interview with Damien Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Rapid Fire (NHL Awards), Cheers & Jeers.

Scoreboard watch: Rangers @ Islanders | Lightning @ Capitals

Note: Tune into the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN Radio 1290 today as the guys discuss all the latest Winnipeg Jets and NHL news starting at noon until 3 pm. Guest: Chuck Gormley (CSN Washington) and Damian Cristodero (Tampa Bay Times)

Note II: The Jets have the day off today.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Playoffs hurt, are hard… and Buff can’t wait to get back.  When you’ve been a champion the desire to repeat for some players is massive incentive.  Dustin Byfuglien wants to show this team what the post season can be like and he has been a major force in moving the Jets towards the promised land.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Hunger pains.  Check out that list of players who have never had the chance to play in the playoffs.  Pretty long list.  While the Jets know it is going to be difficult to get into the dance, they sure want to get a ticket.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets take some needed R & R.  They now get to sit back, relax, recoup their energy and watch other teams play catch-up, although the Jets will be hoping that is just in games played and not in wins.

Winnipeg Sun:  Time to rest.  42 games in 83 days.  The Jets have finally finished the sprinting portion of their season and now get to rest for a few more days before game number 43 on Tuesday.

Winnipeg Sun:  Redmond ready for takeoff.  Simply unbelievable that the young D-man is ready for action once again.  Coach Noel feels he will need a solid week of practice so we could possibly see him for the road trip.  Paul also covers the Jets picture day, Gagnon scoring in bunches and a rested bunch of Jets.

Winnipeg Sun:  Panthers’ broadcasters were right – Winnipeg Slurpees are different.  As a recovering slurpee addict (June 13th, 2011 being my last, man I miss them) I can attest that the slurpees in Canada, and specifically in Winnipeg are vastly superior than anywhere else.  In case you missed it, Steve Goldstein and Bill Lindsay from Fox Sports Florida took some time out from the Jets blowout win to go over some fun facts about Winnipeg, including our obsession with everyone’s favourite frozen beverage.

Globe and Mail:  Claude Noel worked hard for his stripes.  An interesting read on the Jets always quotable head coach.

NHL.com:  Twelve pressing questions for season’s final weeks.  Question 10 pertains to the Jets and whether they are peaking at the right time.

Jets affiliate and prospect news:

VOCM:  IceCaps filling a truck with food.  St. John’s has teamed up with Purolator to fight hunger in the city.

OHL:  Eastern Conference Finals set.  The Belleville Bulls and the Barrie Colts will be doing battle starting on Friday, April 19th.  Why this matters is that two Jets prospects will be going head to head as 2011 5th round pick Austen Brassard faces off against fellow 2011 1st round selection Mark Scheifele.  As Homer J. Simpson once said “Fight, Fight, Fight for your parents (insert Jets fans here) love”.

College Hockey News:  2013 CCM Division I All-Americans announced.  Jacob Trouba of Michigan cracked the West 1st team and Juho Olkinuora of Denver was on the West 2nd team.

NHL news:

Globe and Mail:  Logistics thorniest issue for NHL and Sochi Games, Fasel says.  Fans really aren’t overly interested in hearing about logistics.  They want Canada vs. USA.  That is what truly matters to fans.

CBC:  NHL, NHLPA team with You Can Play to combat homophobia.  Sad in this day and age that this is even a newsworthy event.  Both the NHL and NHLPA deserve major kudos for being at the forefront of  professional sports leagues getting involved.  Many players are behind the You Can Play initiative led by Flyers scout Patrick Burke.  Check this video which is just one of many showing support (although this one features Dustin Byfgulien and Tanner Glass, players Jets fans are familiar with) for the You Can Play cause.