Jets: Olli Jokinen, Tobias Enstrom, Jim Slater and Bryan Little.  Zach Bogosian was skating for the first time but remains separate from the other players until the CBA is ratified.

NHL:  Ryan Garbutt (Dallas Stars)

Bryan Little - Importance to starting season well.  Ensuring you get enough rest.  Getting into game shape.  Does a shortened schedule favour the Jets?  Benefit of having teammates who played in Europe.  Expecting negative fan reaction?  

Jim Slater - Getting ready for the season.  Challenges for a shortened season.  Message for fans.  Was lockout worth it?  Will players have to win back fans or will they just come back?  Expectations as to when deal will be ratified.  How difficult will it get to be in game shape?  Different levels for different players.  Does shortened season help Jets with playoff push?  Expecting negative fan reaction?  

Zach Bogosian - First skate since August.  Where is he in terms of recovery.  Timeline for injury.  Has lockout been different since he was still a member of the team.  Good to have hockey back.  More difficult to be patient?  Biggest challenge dealing with the injury?  How will it impact his slap shot?  Talk about the injury specifics.  Was new CBA worth pain and suffering?  His skating timeline.  Was he experiencing any pain while holding the stick?  

Audio courtesy of TSN Radio 1290.

Enstrom skates with Ponikarovsky and Burmistrov as a number of players took to the ice this morning.

Following a Jets informal practice at the IcePlex we had a chance to talk to one of the newest members of the team.  Hear what he had to say about the city, his new teammates and his expectations for the season.

Alexei Ponikarovsky

Following Day 3 of the skate, the media had a chance to catch up with some of the players.

Coach Noel

Mark Scheifele

Jacob Trouba

Peter Stoykowich

Following Day 2 of the skate, the media had a chance to catch up with some of the players.

Zach Redmond

Mark Scheifele

Will O’Neill

The newest member of the Winnipeg Jets spoke with the media this morning and this is what he has to say about playing for the Jets next season:

-  Why were the Jets a good fit? Had 2 other offers but he looked at Jets lineup and felt it was a good fit for him.

-  What are his expectations? Felt that a lot of people wrote him off when he went to Cgy. Still feels he can be impact player.

-  Whatever the role he is asked to fulfill, he will do whatever the coach asks of him.

-  He knew his time was up in Calgary as the last season concluded. Also knows what it takes to play in a Canadian market.

-  Asked whether first few days of free agency were stressful. Said he wasn’t stressed. Left it up to his agent.

-  His family “isn’t afraid of the cold weather” and “loves the snow”.

- Asked whether he can help the young team mature. Reflects on his time in Florida and feels he can. Mentioned playing with Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour in Florida and how it was an “eye-opener”.

-  Do you know any players from lineup? He mentions that he has played with Antti Miettinen. Also knows goalie coach Flaherty.

- Asked again about factors – “Playing in front of a sold out crowd, like I experienced in Calgary. Also his family loves Canada”

-  Are you looking to prove something? Every time you step on the ice, you have something to prove.

Year 1 – 3.25M
Year 2 – 3.5M
Year 3 – 3.75M
Year 4 – 4.25M
Year 5 – 4.75M

Quotes from Conference Call:

“Happy to be in Winnipeg. Looking forward to success in Winnipeg. Want to stay as long as you can in a city you like & I like WPG”

“Negotiation just a side of business. Agent did the best he can. It’s business–it’s a process. Never easy to make a deal.”

“Not hard to give up 2 years of UFA years in signing the 5 year deal. Was looking for a long contract. Easy to sign the deal.”

“Everyone knew I had the offer from KHL but wanted to stay in WPG all along. Really good offer from KHL but wanted to be in WPG.”

“Big responsibility to become elite goaltender in NHL. Very excited for the chance to be best goalie in NHL in WPG.”

“Loved the fans last year in WPG. Loved being in Canada. Big family atmosphere in WPG. Feel really good in WPG.”

“Last few days negotiations picked up. Chevy wanted me to stay and I wanted to stay. Always believed I could get a deal in WPG.”

“I want to win. I want to be successful. Organisation is going in a good direction, that’s why I signed a 5 year deal.”

Articles:

Jets Official Site:  Jets agree to terms with Ondrej Pavelec.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets sign Pavelec to 5-year contract.

Winnipeg Sun:  Pavelec re-signs.

NHL.com:  Jets sign Pavelec to five-year extension.

TSN:  Jets sign Pavelec to five-year, 19.5 million deal.

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff conference call on the deal:

“We’ve been working on the deal for quite awhile. Once we got to draft and could lay out positions face to face, it made it easier”

“The deal (with Pavelec) came together early this morning.”

“Pavelec still coming into the best years of his career. Excited that he wants to commit to the long term future of team”

“The signing shows commitment from the Jets but also from the player. When a team & player make a deal like this, its significant”.

On drafting Jacob Trouba:

“He’s someone that provides a lot of different qualities that we’re looking at in acquiring players. He’s a big strong defender that will be tough to play against, he loves to play a hard hitting game. But his character is something that is exceptional as well. He’s been a captain on different teams, and loves to play the game, from all aspects of it we’re happy and the draft is so unpredictable we’re very fortunate to get him where we were.”

On where Trouba ranked on the list:

“We didn’t get to the ninth guy, but he was well up on our list. As it started to unfold and get closer and closer to our pick, we started to get an air of excitement that there was the possibility that he would fall into our lap.”

On the qualities Trouba possesses:

“I met him at the combine, had some great conversations with him. He’s a genuine kid, he’s got real good charisma, you can just tell that he’s got a personality; he loves to play the game. He was very relaxed, very confident in the interview, but the way he plays the game, he plays it with a real passion, and excitement for the game. With his size, and with the strength and size we hope he’s going to continue to put on, we’re very excited about that.”

On the possibility of calling up the 9th overall pick before his four year term at the University of Michigan is complete:

“Obviously we’ll see how things progress, but again it’s all about continued development for him. I think it will be a good opportunity for him to be in a good program and play. At the end of the day, it’s no different than any other player, when he’s ready to play, we’ll make the push to see him play.”

“Anytime you have a young player, you have to be patient, that’s just the way it goes. He’s a piece of the future puzzle for us, when the future becomes the now, we’ll see how that all unfolds.”

On the number  of times he saw Trouba play in person:

“Three or four times actually, probably as recently as the tournament in Europe at the end of the season. He’s someone that’s shown good leadership ability with all the teams that he’s played; his teams have had success ultimately on the championship side of things. He’s excited to be a hockey player, and excited to be a Jet.”

“He is someone that competes very hard in all aspects of the game ,that’s why you love those kids when they play in those kind of tournaments where they are representing their country where there’s lots on the line, because those games matter. They go to become formative towards their character. The wins do some things for them, but the losses instruct as well.”

On the trade discussions involving the pick:

“There was a lot of talk, but there was not a lot that really transpired, obviously there weren’t any deals that were made. As it turns out, we didn’t have to move up to get someone in an area we would have to move up for.”

On the reaction at the draft table after Pittsburgh acquired the 8th overall pick:

“Anytime there is a trade that’s made involving a pick that’s right in front of you. You kind of wonder what they are thinking. You at least have studied the teams above you, before the pick to see what their needs might be, or where it might go. Certainly when that trade was made, you’re sitting there for a couple of seconds and wondering.”

On the strategy for the rest of the draft:

“There hasn’t been much sleep at all leading up to this, but that’s the excitement about it, now thirty picks are in the books, you take a look at your list and see where different things may fall into place. Obviously there’s still some picks ahead of us in the second round that leads to some unpredictability. I think, like you’ve seen in the first round, there will be some interesting selections all over the map in the second and subsequent rounds.”

On the type of players the Jets are looking for during day two:

 “There are obviously many different needs within the organization that you hope to address at different areas. Taking a defenseman with the first pick certainly adds to the stable of prospects in those regards. But you really have to look long and hard a the people who are around when your pick is coming up. Do you tend to shift towards to a position, but again, you have to look at the names that are around there.”

On the progress made in negotiations with the Jets’ RFAs.

“Not much (progress was made in negotiations), today was mostly a day of focusing on the draft. Tomorrow will be as well. Tomorrow’s going to be an interesting day, because as long as it took for one round today you’ll probably squeeze the rest of the draft in. Things will happen at a different pace tomorrow, and certainly you have to be on your toes from a selection standpoint. That’s going to be the main focus of the day.”

It has been quite a season to remember and here are what some of your 2011/12 Jets had to say about their 1st season in the city:

Ondrej Pavelec – Thoughts on playing in Winnipeg.  His own development.  Highlight from the year.  Playing in the World championships.  His RFA status.

Chris Mason – UFA status, is he willing to concede playing time?  Perception of Winnipeg market changed?  What was dressing room like?  Offseason plans.

Zach Bogosian – His personal game and development.  Gonna kill some Manitoba animals?  Was move easier or harder than expected?  What surprised him the most about Winnipeg.  Taking what he’s learned into next season. How far is this team from playoffs?  Highlight memory.

Tanner Glass – Down time in offseason.  Highlights from season.  His UFA status.  What has the GST line meant to him?  Having time to heal. 

Tobias Enstrom – #1 memory from past season.  How does he spend offseason.  Will he play in the World Championships? 

Kyle Wellwood – Best memories from the past season.  His personal development.  Will he be pulling for the Flyers to support his brother.  Summer plans. 

Jim Slater – How important is it to come back to team?  Would he be willing to sign before July 1st?  Having the trust of the coaching staff.  Wanting team to succeed.  Intrigued by learning his market value? 

Mark Stuart – What do the Jets need to do this summer?  Has he been asked to go to the World Championships?  What will he think about this year when reflecting on it 20 years from now.  Better memories (with playoffs) ahead.  Fans expecting more next year.

Andrew Ladd – What do the Jets need to do in offseason?  Is he playing in the World Championships?  Redemption for the season?  Change in culture from Atlanta to Winnipeg.  Can this be accelerated?  Most memorable moment.  Has the reputation of Winnipeg spread?  Higher expectations.

Dustin Byfuglien – Tough day?  Anything surprise you about Winnipeg?  How much of a toll did it take on the team?  What does team need to do to take next step?  How bad was the injury bothering him?  Will he play in the World Championships?  Improvements to his game?  Offseason plans.

Evander Kane – Perspective on the season.  RFA status.  Would he do anything differently?  Was it a fun year for him?  Problem being in the spotlight?  Growth as a person?

Blake Wheeler -  Thoughts on year 1.  How far away is this team?  His development.  What needs to be changed?   Was he playing hurt?  Did the year meet his expectations?  World Championships?  Offseason plans.

Bryan Little – What is he looking forward to next September?  Start/Finish to season.  How does he asses his personal game?  How far is team from playoffs?  Stanley Cup predictions.

Ondrej Pavelec

Andrew Ladd

Blake Wheeler

Dustin Byfuglien

The Jets held an optional practice today. We spoke with:

Andrew Ladd

Ondrej Pavelec

Mark Stuart

Chris Thorburn

Illegal Curve Hockey Show – Jets vs. Devils Postgame Podcast – January 14, 2012

Host Drew Mindell and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 loss against the New Jersey Devils.

Andrew Ladd

Jim Slater

Ron Hainsey

Tanner Glass

Andrew Ladd

Tanner Glass

Bryan Little

Mark Stuart

Ron Hainsey

Blake Wheeler

Dustin Byfuglien- All-star selection talk.  Big Buff got the podium treatment today as he hosted the media in the same place usually reserved for coach Noel’s press conferences.

Ondrej Pavelec

Andrew Ladd

Jim Slater

To listen to the interview, download part 3 of the podcast. To have the podcast sent to your iPod each and every week, subscribe to the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on iTunes, non iTunes users can subscribe via RSS.

This Saturday’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air at a special time from 8am-11am on TSN 1290. The podcast will be available on IllegalCurve.com & on iTunes by Monday morning.

Is this the year for the Sharks?

“Certainly hope so. It’s a different year as every season is different. This one for the Sharks is a work in progress, they haven’t been outstanding, they haven’t been bad, they’ve just kind of been. Over the last couple of weeks they are much more positively trending in an upward direction. They’ve taken over first place in the division by a point over LA, they’re in the three spot in the Western Conference right now.  The other thing, depending on how you look at it, they have to their advantage, they’ve played fewer games than everyone else in the Western Conference, they’ve only played 37 games and for example LA and Phoenix have played four more at 41. They have some games in hand, but you have to win those to make them count.

They’re in a pretty good place right now, they’ve won three in a row and seven of nine. They are trying to work on special teams which has been the biggest obvious problem this year, they are 17^th on the power play and 28^th on penalty kill, second worst in the league. There’s a lot of improvement to be made in those areas in the second half of the season. If they can get those improved and get the problems fixed there then they should be in pretty good heading into the playoffs, and then once the tournament starts…who knows.

They still have the core that got them to the Western Conference final last year, they have the goalie who won the Stanley Cup a couple of years ago with the Chicago Blackhwaks. They have what should be a better blue line with Brent Burns on it now. They have some pieces in place, but as I say, they’ve been average until recently, now they seem to be on the uptick.”

On Brent Burns growth into his role with San Jose

“I think that if you’re going to paint a perfect picture the growth into the role would have been a little more accelerated than it has been for Brent Burns. 6 goals, 10 points, you always think of the offensive side when you bring a defenseman with a big shot into a structure such as the Sharks have with some great offensive players. What you need to take a closer look at is his place defensively. That is the most important transition that the coaching felt he had to make in the first half of this season.

I’m not saying he brought bad habits with him from Minnesota, but he played within a different structure and a different system and had to assimilate here into what Todd McLellan and his staff wanted. I think that’s been the focus on the first half of the year. He is a +10, he is a plus player, we know what a big body he is, and what a great shot he has. I think that as he continues to increase his comfort level within the system and the structure the Sharks coaches bring into play, I think you’ll see a better second half from Brent Burns.”

On the performance of the additions of Michal Handzus and Colin White

“Michal Handzus has come in to a situation where the Sharks were looking to have better third and fourth line play, particularly in his case third line play. They felt that they were outplayed especially by Vancouver in the Conference Final by the 3^rd and 4^th lines. Handzus on the scene is one of the pieces that needed to change the third line. I think he has done that, he’s very good defensively, he’s a penalty killer, he’s very good in face-offs. Handzus numbers aren’t there as far as generating a lot of points. He’s a veteran presence, a guy who’s going to work with the players alongside him to make them better. Players like Jamie McGinn who’s having a breakthrough year for the Sharks, you talk to McGinn he credits a lot of his confidence and development this year from playing with someone like Handzus.”

“Colin White it’s a smaller body of work because of the injury situation he’s been through, he’s on IR and hasn’t consistently been in the lineup that much. What Colin White will bring to the Sharks still needs to be determined once he gets back off IR. He did have a stretch before he got hurt where he settled into a good defensive defensemen role, and of course he brings that experience coming from New Jersey with Stanley Cups.”

On Logan Couture’s ceiling

“I don’t think there is a ceiling for Logan, he can be a star in this league, he might have the potential to be a superstar in this league. If you look at the Sharks organization and the young players at the forward position there’s no one else that even comes close to the top prospect in this organization. He’s already a permanent fixture on the second line at centre, mostly playing with Ryane Clowe on his left wing. He’s a tremendous talent, you always look for that player who makes those around him better and Logan Couture absolutely does that. Does he still need work? Of course, he’s a young player. I don’t think there is a ceiling for Logan, I think he has a chance to be huge in the NHL.”

On the acquisition of Brad Winchester

“Winchester has been a great pickup. He was a pro tryout at training camp and signed to a free agent contract by Doug Wilson. Brad Winchester’s been terrific, in 37 games, he has four goals, seven points, gives you that big physical presence. He’s got a great shot, scored a goal the other night off the post in Anaheim, which was an amazing shot, a great goal. He’s a terrific locker room guy as well, very popular in the dressing room with the guys.”

On areas to upgrade at the deadline

“(GM Doug) Wilson tends to make a deal every year before the deadline. The Sharks will go through some organizational meetings next week, if you look through their history they’ve tended to make those moves after their meetings. I think you’d be looking to bolster their 3^rd and 4^th lines, maybe with a guy that could move up and play a second line role. Right now Benn Ferreiro who’s up from Worcester has been productive, he’s got four goals in only ten games this year. Playing earlier last week with Thornton’s line when Marleau was on the second line, and now Ferrerio’s playing on the second line with Clowe and Couture. He’s been good, but I think Wilson would certainly look to find a way to beef up the third line with a swing kind of player who could step up and play on a top line if needed.”

For the latest updates on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show, follow Illegal Curve on Twitter @IllegalCurve, or stay tuned to IllegalCurve.com

This Saturday’s edition of the Illegal Curve Hockey Show will air from 8-11am on TSN 1290. The podcast will be available on IllegalCurve.com & on iTunes by Monday morning.

The Jets had a spirited practice today for about an hour and a half.  Jim Slater was back on the ice.  So was Derek Meech in a red non-contact jersey.  Following the practice, coach Noel spoke* with the media.

Coach Noel -  Injury update (Little looking like a player, Buff won’t be on trip).  Not pushing players back too quickly.  Team hasn’t missed a beat despite injuries.  Improvement in goals against.  Decreasing the teaching.  Things Jets are doing right.  Jets road record.  What will be good enough?  Atmosphere in MTS Centre helps team prepare for road?  Excitement to get on the road.  Benefits to the team.  Beating team’s they need to.

*our audio equipment was unavailable so the recording isn’t the usual quality, but is sufficient to hear what the coach has to say about the team.

Blake Wheeler

Ondrej Pavelec

Zach Bogosian

Chris Mason - Reaction a day later. Fond memories of 2011. Preparing himself when he doesn’t play very often. 

Jim Slater - Injury update.  Game time decision.  2011 memories (gives Winnipeg some big kudos).

Blake Wheeler - Challenges Leafs present.  Closing out home stand on high note.  Year of transition.  Improvement in his game.  Level of play of the goalies.  

Nik Antropov – Expectation from the Leafs. 4 point game. New Year’s Resolution. No surprise at Mason’s level of play.

Kyle Wellwood - What does last night’s win do for team confidence.  Does he still get up for games against former teams?  Expectations of the Leafs.  Changes he has noticed with the Jets.  2011 memories.

Chris Mason

Evander Kane

Blake Wheeler

Zach Bogosian

Ron Hainsey

The Jets had a quick practice with almost everyone on the ice, with the exception of Big Buff and Bryan Little.  Jim Slater was on the ice but will be a game time decision.  Chris Mason gets the start.  Here is the audio:

Chris Mason – Getting start.  Won’t be wearing new pads.  Expecting from L.A.  Seeing something different from Jets.  Ready to go.  Importance of Buff.  Flood’s impact.  Importance of final two home games.

Patrice Cormier – Getting the call up.  Disappointment not starting with the Jets.  Playing hard in the AHL.  Getting called up.  Focus on his game.

Blake Wheeler – Learning to play with new linemates.  What they lose with Buff out of lineup.  World Junior talk.  Familiarity with Kings.  Kings talk.

Ron Hainsey – Playing without Buff.  Kings road weariness.  Talk about Kings.  Difficulty in switching up defensive pairings.  Things to build on from Colorado game.  Playing with lead on the road.

Tanner Glass -  Scoring in 1st period.  New coach in L.A.  Knowing L.A from time in Vancouver.

Tim Stapleton – Expectations of the Kings.  Straddling playoff line.  Lack of Big Buff.  Consistency in his game.  Playing with Kane/Wheeler.  Tight game tonight.  Being 13th forward.

Zach Bogosian – Playing without Buff.  Consistency in defensive pairings.  Flood’s impact.  Overall game plan for tonight.

Coach Noel – Injury update(Slater/Little/Byfuglien).  L.A. game plan.  Big Buff baby update.  New Year’s plans.

Following a post-Christmas skate, the Jets spoke to the media before the departed for Colorado.  We spoke to the guys about their Christmas break, the World Junior Tournament and facing the Avalanche.

Andrew Ladd – Being back on the ice. Getting everything he wanted for Christmas. Watching the World Juniors. Facing the Avalanche and heading onto the road.

Evander Kane – Heading back home for Christmas.  World Junior talk.  Facing Avalanche.

Nik Antropov – Altitude check in Denver.  World Junior talk including his Kazakhstan team beating Canada.  Expectations on facing Colorado.

Ron Hainsey – Holiday talk/Christmas Break.  World Junior chat.  Facing Avs.

Mark Stuart – Holidays chat.  World Juniors.  Facing the Avalanche.

Coach Noel – From injuries to holidays, the coach scrum is a great listen as per usual.

The Jets just couldn’t sustain themselves following their 4-0 win over Montreal last night.  This 4-1 defeat puts the Jets record.

Tanner Glass

Evander Kane

Ondrej Pavelec

The Jets had a light practice today after last night’s dominating 4-0 win over the Habs.  Only a handful of players took to the ice for the skate.  Scrums (only Thorburn took part in skate) with:

Tanner Glass

Nik Antropov

Tobias Enstrom

Chris Thorburn

Coach Noel

Ondrej Pavelec

Tanner Glass

Blake Wheeler.

Ondrej Pavelec – What he is expecting from Montreal.  Watched highlights from Montreal/Chicago.  Importance of quick start.  Missed opportunities/closing out games.  Keys to being successful.  Having success against Montreal.

Chris Mason -  Transitioning to the new goalie pads.  What stands out for him about the new gear.  Using team logo on pads.  When was it conceptualized?  

Nik Antropov – Talking about Montreal.  Importance of 2 points and a good start.  How he is feeling.  Comfort at home.  Doesn’t feel that back-to-back will be to Jets benefit (clearly he didn’t read the article written by IC’s Michael Remis on that topic, Jets are 4-0 when facing a team coming off a game the previous night at the MTS Centre).

Andrew Ladd – Being ready to start the game.   Team accountability.  Playing with Antropov & Wellwood.  Road vs. Home play for the Jets.  Travel impact.

Aleander Burmistrov – Thoughts on playing on the top line.  Comfort playing with Kane and Wheeler.  Importance of increased ice time.  Did he pick spot on Ellis in the Ducks game?  Expectations on the Canadiens.

Chris Mason – Jets goalie Chris Mason spent a lot of time today discussing his new goalie pads which are the talk of the internet.

Jim Slater – Speaks about concussions,  what to expect from the Islanders.

Coach Claude Noel – Talks about whether or not coach in Montreal should speak french.  If Winnipeg is also difficult.  On facing the Islanders.  What the fans mean to the home team.  On Jets playing physical.  What he’s hoping to see from his team tonight.  Talk about playoffs.  Whether he is done his Christmas shopping (being out and about in Winnipeg).  Eric Fehr’s position.  Burmistrov playing with Kane and Wheeler.  Concussions (including talking about one he suffered when playing in the AHL).

The Jets rewarded their fans on Teemu Selanne night with a 5-3 victory. We spoke with Andrew Ladd, Chris Mason and Zach Bogosian.

Andrew Ladd

Chris Mason

Zach Bogosian

Chris Mason – Challenges the Ducks will present.  Jumping on Ducks early.  Teemu Selanne hype.  Getting back to Jets game.

Alexander Burmistrov – Injury update.  Ready to go.  Watching from press box.  Importance of quick start.  Playing against Selanne.

Zach Bogosian – Selanne mania.  Special to be a part of this as a player?  Expectation of the crowd.  Jumping on the Ducks.  Difference in goalies play with puck.  Challenges to face Ducks forwards.  Playing till he’s 41.

Tobias Enstrom – Injury update.  Keys to the Ducks. 

Antti Miettinen – Talking first practice with the Jets.  Thoughts on the MTS Centre.  Teemu mania.  Relationship with Selanne back home.  Knowledge of Winnipeg before being claimed.  Ready to go.

Ondrej Pavelec – Offers his thoughts on the loss. Pace to the game. Talking about the goal by Ovechkin. .

Ron Hainsey – Talking about the loss. How he felt on the ice. Caps 1-2-2 formation. Not taking advantage of chances. Can’t win scoring zero goals. Had chances.

Blake Wheeler -  Talks about the game and what Jets did wrong.  Creating chances.  Taking cute out of game.  Neutral zone problems.  Sloppy game.

Ondrej Pavelec – Talking about Capitals team.  Is this game more important since it is against division rival?  Keys to stopping Capitals snipers.  Challenge to play against skilled players.  Looking at the standings.

Evander Kane -  Bunched up teams in the East.  Success of his line.  What he expects from the Capitals.  Watching the standings.  Hitting the post.  Over-accuracy.

Dustin Byfuglien – Jets goal celebration.  Confidence of the team.  Keeping group loose.  Good and bad goals deserve celebration.  What he see’s from the Capitals.

Bryan Little – Chemistry of the line.  Is there too much ice time?  Extra speed?  What he expects from Washington.  Eye on the standings.

Tanner Glass- Nicest shootout goal he remembers.  What he expects from Washington.  How the GST line has gotten it done.  Working on the faceoff.  Scouting of the opposition.  Watching the standings.  Fans reaction to the GST line.  Reaction to fans chanting GST  during the Wild game.  Jealousy of the nickname.

Mark Flood – What he expects from Washington.  Facing the big guns of the Caps.  His level of play.  Impact of returning players on his game.  Following success of the IceCaps.

Coach Noel -  As team gets healthy, concern over losing Mark Flood.  Better than some of the other d-men.  Injury updates.   Capitals team – expectations.  Watching the standings.  Making due with what you have.  And a lot more.

Zach Bogosian – Getting first goal.  Play of Pavelec.  Ending streak.  Thought on hit.

Ondrej Pavelec – Thoughts on win.  How team got it done.  Team is learning how to win close games.  Breakway save, knowing players on other team.  Confidence boost.  Fans help.  Difference in game vs. Saturday’s game. 

Bryan Little – Thoughts on game.  Was his goal a Buff pass or shot.  Jets confidence at home.  Play in 3rd period.  Missed opportunities.  Talk about his line.  What this game proves.  Team character.  Another GWG. 

An interesting practice today.  Burmistrov wasn’t on the ice and won’t be playing tonight.  Both Nik Antropov and Eric Fehr were on the ice but won’t be playing tonight.  The Jets picked up Antti Miettinen off waivers.  They also placed Arturs Kulda on waivers.

Ron Hainsey – Returning to the ice. Talks about the injury. Whether he expects to play more minutes.

Bryan Little - Talks facing off against the Wild.  Need for shots against Wild netminders.  Fast game.  Whether it is a statement game.  Building a rivalry with Wild.

Dustin Byfuglien – Talks about the injury in 1st period of game against Detroit.  Playing at home and taking advantage of it.  Discusses the Wild.   Measuring tape.  Minnesota guys playing against home state team.  Bragging rights during summer.  Throwing pucks on net.  How the Andrew Ladd birthday prank fell apart.

Chris Thorburn – Talks about the expectation for the Wild game.  Still snakebitten but expects to come out of it.  GST chant discussion.

Nik Antropov -  Had a setback in Detroit, aiming for Thursday.  Frustration with being out of lineup.

Eric Fehr – Not cleared for tonight.  Won’t go into detail about injury.

Coach Noel – Discusses availability of Miettinen.  Talks about his skills, what he will bring to the mix.  Burmistrov being day to day.  Roster decisions.  What he will do without 12 forwards.  Possibility of bringing someone from St. John’s.  Wild hockey.  What Ron Hainsey brings to the lineup.  Parallels between Jets and Wild.

GM Kevin Cheveldayoff – Talks about the Jets picking up Antti Miettinen off waivers and placing Arturs Kulda on waivers.

The Jets had the day off yesterday but had a very intense, uptempo practice today at the MTS Centre. Tobias Enstrom, Ron Hainsey and Eric Fehr were all on the ice in regular practice gear.  Dustin Byfuglien and Nik Antropov were not on the ice.

Andrew Ladd - The Jets captain (and birthday boy) spoke about what they can expect from the Wild.  What the team learned in the loss to Detroit.  Was almost (:46 seconds in) the victim of a birthday prank by Big Buff and Nik Antropov (pie to the face).  Buff bringing him a cake was the giveaway.  Talks birthday gifts and curling.

Ron Hainsey -  Talks about his injury.  His discussion of “blocking shots”.

Zach Bogosian - Discusses challenge of the Wild.  Need to have a quick start.  Potential rivalry with the Wild.  Need for a bounce back game.  Talks curling (even though he didn’t participate).  Preventing ‘bad stretches’.  Tough week ahead.

Blake Wheeler -  Talks North Stars.  Growing up being a Wings fan.  Lots of Minnesota (Vikings/Twins/Gophers) sports talk.  Putting power into his game/being physical.  

Jim Slater  – Talks returning to Winnipeg.  Expectations from the Wild.  Matching up against a balanced team.  GST line chant.  Going home and playing in Michigan.  Red Wings as a future conference rival.

Tobias Enstrom -  Discusses his shoulder and how it feels.  Trying to get back into the lineup.

Coach Claude Noel - Player injury update. Talks upcoming game against the Wild. What they learned in loss to Detroit.

Following the Jets 4th win in a row on this home stand, ending with tonight’s 4-2 Jets win, Ez spoke with the Jets.

Blake Wheeler

Chris Mason

Tim Stapleton

Evander Kane

The Jets had an up tempo practice today at the MTS Iceplex.  Fehr & Hainsey were not on the ice.  Enstrom was in a red practice jersey.

Following the skate, players came out and spoke with the media:

Evander Kane

Chris Mason

Kyle Wellwood

Andrew Ladd

Nik Antropov

Coach Claude Noel

Ondrej Pavelec

Andrew Ladd

Bryan Little

Tanner Glass

Not surprisingly the players were asked about realignment and what to expect from the Bruins.

Evander Kane

Chris Thorburn

Ron Hainsey

Tanner Glass

Blake Wheeler

Andrew Ladd

Coach Claude Noel

Carl Klingberg

Coach Noel press conference

Scrums with Ondrej Pavelec and Blake Wheeler.

Blake Wheeler

Ondrej Pavelec

The Jets had an optional today and following the skate we spoke with some of the players.

Zach Bogosian

Blake Wheeler

Carl Klingberg

Coach Noel press conference