According to Brian Munz of TSN 1290 Winnipeg it was a small crew of Jets players on the ice this afternoon for Winnipeg at the MTS IcePlex. They included Michael Hutchinson, Nic Petan, Mark Stuart and Chris Thorburn.
Audio:
Blake Wheeler: Was he happy with the way his team progressed, despite the loss. On the majority of players opting not to skate today. On the chances not quite going in. How is the team’s mood today? Do they have a target in mind (in terms of wins)? Where is the Malkin hit on his radar? Does the playoff race impact any Malkin situation?
Patrik Laine: How does he feel following last night’s game? Breaking down the shorthanded goal against the Jets on his play. What went through his head when he saw them score that goal? How does he typically handle when something goes wrong on the ice? Did he notice more pressure on himself? How good is he at shaking performances he doesn’t like? Importance of not losing two games in a row? What did he learn about the Penguins the last time they played them? What didn’t he like about his game last night? How will he know for next time if he should “make that pass again or not”?
Jacob Trouba: What’s the mood like today? What part about the game didn’t they like? Did they play a patient game? A bit of a learning effort last night? Does this year feel any different (chasing playoffs)? Where is the Malkin hit on Wheeler on the radar? Might it be different if it was earlier in the season? Do they have a target in mind (in terms of wins)?
Connor Hellebuyck: On how many games he may play down the stretch. What did he see last night? On the improved team defence. What is the challenge for him playing some of these elite teams? What does he tell himself when he is facing the Penguins? How big a difference is the team playing defence vs. a month ago? Does he study individual players tendencies? Does he recognize which players are shooting on him? On playing like they did last night for remaining stretch of schedule.
Coach Maurice: How does he eliminate plays like the Laine one without eliminating creativity? How big does the score factor into the decisions? Did the Sharks do anything different to limit Laine? Is it harder for younger players to follow up a game against Colorado with one against San Jose? What is it like prepping for two elite teams? How much of their last month’s success been desperation vs. following the path? How much patience has he seen from his team? What did he see from Laine’s game overall and how does he bounce back from the tough ones? Where is the Malkin hit on Wheeler on his team’s mind? Would temperatures be up for the opening faceoff? Thoughts on Josh Morrissey’s offence. Because Morrissey plays with freelancers, is it hard for him to be more offensive? Do they have a target in mind (in terms of wins)?
All audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
