Note: After doing battle with their foes from the Western Conference Final last season the Jets will kick off this two-game road trip with a re-match with their second round opponent in the Predators. This is just the second time the clubs will have met this season and the second game to take place in Nashville. The clubs are vying for top spot in the Central with Winnipeg coming into the action with a two point edge (with two games in hand). Yesterday the Jets held an optional practice and we also learned that they had recalled Cam Schilling as insurance with Ben Chiarot’s status uncertain. Today they are scheduled to hit the ice at 11:30 AM for morning skate (check the pre-game report for any updates and audio) with puck drop is at 7 pm.
Note II: The Moose completed their two-game series with the Admirals last night at Bell MTS Place in a game that saw the home side keep the good times rolling with a 4-1 win which means they are 4-0-0-1 in their last five games and 6-2-0-1 since the Christmas Break. Today they are scheduled to hit the ice for a practice at 12 noon out at the IcePlex as they get ready to finish off the six-game home stand with a pair of games against the Rampage. Both games are afternoon affairs (2 pm start times) and both games are promo games with Saturday’s contest being Grassroots Hockey Day (which will include a Mason Appleton mini bobblehead giveaway to first 3000 fans) and Sunday is the always fun Star Wars Day in support of Children’s Wish Foundation.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets must stay disciplined in second meeting of the year with arch-rival Predators. Ted sets up the game action which starts with his big matchup being Blake Wheeler vs Roman Josi. His five keys to the game include: 1) Stay out of the box. 2) Win goaltending battle. 3) Make special teams count. 4) Connor heating up. 5) Keeping pace.
Winnipeg Sun: Brossoit’s play has created a dilemma for Jets coach Maurice. The irony is that Connor Hellebuyck should probably only be playing 50-60 games at most so this may unintentionally help the Jets out with their long term goals to have a fresh starter as they attempt to go as deep in the playoffs as you can go.
Winnipeg Free Press: Hellebuyck happy with state of his game. (Paywall). The last three Cup winning netminders played between 49-57 games.
Winnipeg Free Press: Wheeler ‘all about winning’. (Paywall). The focus of the Jets captain is pretty clear this season. The guys also discuss, status of Ben Chiarot, play of Kulikov, Family trip this week.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
The Athletic Winnipeg: Analysing the Jets defensive structure, potential PP adjustments and clues about the team being ‘all-in’. (Paywall). Twenty thought on the Jets as they embark on the second half of the season.
Sportsnet: 31 Thoughts. Jets mentioned in thoughts 1 (fighting against bonuses) and 5 (Brassard).
Jets video:
Winnipeg Sun Jets reporter Ken Wiebe and Sun reporter Scott Billeck discuss a big win against the Vegas Golden Knights, Laurent Brossoit’s impressive form and the Jets’ ability to survive with significant injuries on the blue line.
NHL This Week with Illegal Curve:
Topics: Jets defeat the Golden Knights 4-1 and sweep their three game homestand, Jets/Predators Preview, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray gives Randy Carlyle a vote of confidence, Ducks lose 12th game in a row/Ducks trade Andrew Cogliano to Dallas for Devin Shore, Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner is booed mercilessly by Maple Leafs fans on Monday night, The battle between Calgary, Vegas and San Jose at the top of the Pacific Division, Anaheim trades Luke Schenn to Vancouver for Michael Del Zotto.
Guests: Justin Bradford (Penalty Box Radio), Joshua Cooper (covers the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings for TheAthletic.com), Ryan Wallis (Host, Vegas Golden Knights Insiders Show).
To listen click here.
