The Jets are back on the ice at IcePlex for a second consecutive day of practice as they prepare to finish off the three-game homestand against the Minnesota Wild at Bell MTS Place tomorrow night. It was a busy day yesterday and today we shall see if there are any changes to the lineup.
Practice Notes:
Via Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun we learn that Dmitry Kulikov and Matt Hendricks are both skating in non-contact uniforms today at practice. Dustin Byfuglien has returned to practice after he took a maintenance day on Wednesday. However defenceman Tyler Myers was missing from skate today. It appears Brendan Lemieux could make his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild tomorrow night if these lines are maintained.
Health Update:
Coach Maurice confirms that Tyler Myers took a maintenance day today indicating that “he had a little stiffness from practice yesterday. He’ll be in tomorrow.”. The Jets bench boss was asked about Dmitry Kulikov and said “I really liked the way he moved. Unless he has any kind of setback or he comes in more tender than we thought he would. I thought he was really good on the ice, much better than I was expecting. If he feels strong then he’ll probably get out of that sweater (non-contact) pretty soon.” On Matt Hendricks “I’d like to see him in a regular colour here next week.” Finally on Adam Lowry and whether he was trending towards playing on the road trip he added “its a slow process on this one but yes, I am quite hopeful that he plays in Pittsburgh.”
Line Rushes & D pairs (Via Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun):
Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Ehlers-Little-Laine
Matthias-Petan-Lemieux
Tanev-Copp-Armia
Morrissey-Trouba
Enstrom-Byfuglien
Chiarot-Poolman
Hellebuyck & Mason
Extra: Dano.
PP1: Byfuglien-Wheeler, Laine-Scheifele-Petan.
PP2: Morrissey-Trouba, Connor-Little-Ehlers.
Audio:
Brendan Lemieux
Connor Hellebucyk
Nic Petan
Coach Maurice: Status of Tyler Myers. On Brendan Lemieux making his NHL debut. On the benefit of Lemieux’s path to the NHL. What was conversation like when he sent Lemieux to the Moose. Has he seen the maturity in Lemieux’s game? Status of Kulikov/Hendricks/Lowry. On Hellebuyck’s confidence. Petan getting first power play opportunity. Line change with Poolman/Chiarot? Best shot blocker? Nikolaj Ehlers playing with Little and Laine. More on Ehlers. What does he need to see from Marko Dano?
All audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
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