2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Winnipeg Jets vs Vegas Golden Knights pre-game 5 report

The Jets delivered some bad news (Mark Scheifele will not play in game 5) and some potential good news (Nikolaj Ehlers is a game-time decision) while also dealing with a number of other players dealing with bumps and bruises associated with playoff hockey. These include Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kevin Stenlund and Mason Appleton. As well there is a question mark about the health of David Rittich who will practice today and if he isn’t fit to be in, then Arvid Holm will backup Connor Hellebuyck.

Warm-up news:

Nikolaj Ehlers declared himself good to go.

Jets projected lines & D pairs:

Connor-Dubois-Wheeler
Ehlers-Namestnikov-Niederreiter
Barron-Lowry-Appleton
Maenalanen-Stenund-Kuhlman

Dillon-Pionk
Schmidt-DeMelo
Samberg-Capobianco

Hellebucyk
Holm

Players media availability:

Coach media availability:

Topics:

1) The game-time decisions.
2) Potential to insert Kyle Capobianco into the lineup (:22)
3) What do they still need to see from Ehlers to know he’s ready? (1:01)
4) How do they create chaos in front of Laurent Brossoit? (1:34)
5) Lineup configuration (2:16)
6) Update on David Rittich? (2:35)
7) Finding balance between aggression and staying disciplined (2:57)
8) Finding the game 1 template again (3:41)
9) His message to the team ahead of this must-win contest (4:04)
10) What has he come to appreciate ab

Betway Odds:

Going back to the beginning of the season when Nate Schmidt was told they were being counted out by many his response was “perfect”. Well he might want to dust off that perfect as the oddsmakers are giving the edge (and a big one at that) to the home team over the visitors in game 5. Be sure to check out the latest game day odds from Betway.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 9 pm CDT.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game interviews from Jets players as well as from head coach Rick Bowness.

You can also join us afterwards for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).