Note: The Jets had a day off on Friday as they spent time with their guests who are along for the ride on the family and friends trip. While the team was off there was news that Ryan Johansen was suspended two games for his high-stick of Mark Scheifele. Today the Jets conclude the last game before the Player & All-Star breaks tonight in Dallas against the Stars. The pre-game report will get you set up with AM skate that gets underway at 10:30 am and puck drop goes at 6 pm.
Note II: The Moose are also in action today as they face the Rampage in the fifth of six games during this home stand. Today is Grassroots Hockey Day (which will include a Mason Appleton mini bobblehead giveaway to first 3000 fans). Puck drop is at 2 pm.
Note III: Tune in for three hours of Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose and NHL hockey talk on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN 1290 Winnipeg starting at 9 am. Listen here.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: Jets need to go all-in at the trade deadline for the second year in a row. (Paywall). Murat looks at what Winnipeg needs to do ahead of the deadline at the end of February.
Winnipeg Free Press: Fathers, family and friends have a blast watching Jets on road trip. (Paywall). Great opportunity for some additional bonding among the players and their respective guests.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets’ gifted goal scorer a D-zone disaster with the puck. (Paywall). Eye test folks would agree with Andrew’s assessment of Laine’s game to date.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Sun: Just the facts, ma’am. Paul evaluates how the Jets have done against the best and worst competition in the NHL. Which he had originally done in an article he wrote previously in mid December.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets will look to add to Stars’ misery in soap opera season. Ted’s big matchup is Patrik Laine vs. Roman Polak. His five keys include: 1) Pile on the Stars. 2) Top line’s time to shine. 3) PK is A-OK. 4) Solve the Bishop. 5) Playing their roles.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ dads relish chance to be part of road trip and players love it too as long as they don’t snore. Always fun to have a little part of home with you and must help break up the monotony of the road. And when you’re on a winning streak it can only add to the joy.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets have grown into a complete team and it’s showing in the standings. Usually I am fairly aware of the Jets position in the standings for my pre-game reports but when I was working on today’s I was kinda shocked to see they have a 14 point lead on the Avalanche who sit 3rd in the Central. Ted on how they have now become a complete team.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Burke isn’t that high on Laine but sees over $9M next contract. Brian Burke talked about why he isn’t as high on Patrik Laine as some others, but the fact that the Finnish forward is a pure sniper means he’d take him in a heartbeat as a GM.
Jets audio:
TSN 1150 Hamilton: Central Division clearly a two-team race right now. Winnipeg Jets TV host Jamie Thomas joins TSN 1150’s Tatti and Louie B to discuss the Jets’ 5-1 win over the Nashville Predators, how the Central Division turned into a two-horse race.
