Note: The Jets had an optional practice on Wednesday which was informative as we learned that Nikolaj Ehlers timeline has been extended by coach Maurice with a projected return date of late February. In addition to the Ehlers news it sounds like Dmitry Kulikov may not be rushed back into the lineup which would give the veteran D man more time to recover from his upper-body injury. We shall keep our focus on morning skate which gets underway at 10:30 AM so be sure to keep it locked for the pre-game report. Puck drop is at 7 pm.
Note II: The Moose are streaking…..as they beat division rival Chicago last night by a final score of 4-2 (a score that would indicate the game was closer than it was) which ran their points streak at home to 11 games (10-0-0-1). They improved to 23-21-3-2 and are within striking distance of a playoff spot and it was their most complete win of season. Today they are scheduled to practice at the IcePlex at 12 noon as they prepare for tomorrow night’s re-match with the Wolves.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Five keys to Jets vs Avalanche. Ken’s big matchup is Jets vs Avalanche top line. His five keys to the game include: 1) Home domination. 2) Secondary production. 3) Finding his form. 4) Slump busters. 5) Turn the tables.
Winnipeg Sun: Statue worthy? Maurice sees big things ahead for Scheifele. This headline makes me think of the sponge worthy episode from Seinfeld but I digress….this is quite high praise from the Jets bench boss for his top centre.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Sun: Injuries on back end gave Jets D-man Joe Morrow more playing time. Sometimes you just have to get an opportunity.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets forward now 1-3 weeks from return. Just when it looked like Ehlers would be back this news breaks.
Winnipeg Free Press: Veteran defenceman enjoys quality playing time. (Paywall). Good timing for Morrow scored that big goal.
Winnipeg Free Press: Ehlers’ return delayed for up to three weeks. (Paywall). Coincidentally it will be right around the trade deadline so it will be like acquiring a top six winger.
Sportsnet: Can trade deadline move spark Patrik Laine? Hopefully you didn’t read that headline too quickly or else you’d be made at Sean. He’s got quite a bit about the Jets in his notebook.
Sportsnet: 31 Thoughts. Few Jets notes including 7 (trade bait), 27 (Wheeler could set record) and 28 (importance of 33 on PP).
Jets video:
Sportsnet: How Paul Maurice should try to get Patrik Laine scoring again. Sid explains his thoughts on what Paul Maurice should do in order to get Patrik Laine back in scoring form for the Winnipeg Jets.
TSN: Maurice sees Stanley Cups, Jets captaincy, bronze statue in Scheifele’s future. During the Jets’ post-season run last spring, Mark Scheifele’s impact on the team’s success could not be understated with 14 goals in 17 games. And as Sara Orlesky explains, he’s only continued to build on that through the team’s first 57 games this season, but head coach Paul Maurice feels the best is yet to come for the 26-year-old star.
TSN: Jets embracing challenge of MacKinnon line. After going .500 in their last four games, all against Eastern Conference teams, the Jets are excited to be facing a divisional rival again, and are embracing the challenge of Colorado’s top line.
NHL This Week:
Topics: Jets-Rangers Recap, Jets-Avalanche Preview, Ducks coaching change, Malkin’s suspension, Latest trade talk.
Guests: A.J. Haefele (covers the Colorado Avalanche for BSNDenver.com), Dennis Bernstein (The Fourth Period), Kevin Woodley (InGoal Magazine & NHLcom).
To listen click here.
