Note: The Jets kicked off their five-game homestand with a dud last night as the Oilers handed them a 3-0 loss on Hockey Night in Canada. This Winnipeg squad will have some time to reflect on this loss as they won’t play again until Thursday night when they face the Leafs thanks to rescheduling by the NHL. The Jets are off today.
Note II: It wasn’t all bad news on Saturday for the Jets as despite the fact that captain Blake Wheeler would miss his sixth straight game (which equals all the games he had missed in all his previous seasons combined in Winnipeg) we learned that he has been cleared to play and could be back in the lineup as soon as Thursday.
Note III: The Moose 17-game homestand is nearing completion as they have just one series (five games) left to play in Winnipeg out at the IcePlex when Stockton comes to town starting on Thursday. On Saturday the team held a 3 on 3 tournament as they looked to break up a lot of practice with a different activity. The team is off today.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Jets searching for solutions after fourth-straight loss to Oilers. The Jets don’t have a lot of time or opportunity even to get it turned around against their western Canadian rival which makes the final two games of this five-game homestand against Edmonton pretty critical.
Winnipeg Sun: Rested Oilers make it look easy with win over lifeless Jets in possible playoff preview. Given how the Oilers have owned the Jets this season (spoiler alert: four straight wins) the local NHL squad had better figure out how to contain McDavid and company (company being Draisaitl) if they want to get past their likely first round opponent. Probably would help to figure out a rejuvenated Mike Smith in net.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Edmonton Sun: Mike Smith and Oilers blank Jets to close ground in North Division. Read about last night’s contest from a writer that covers the Jets opponent.
Winnipeg Free Press: Oilers’ power play sinks Jets. (Paywall). The Jets penalty kill looked solid to start but there are only so many man advantages you can give Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatil before they burn you and Winnipeg found that out the hard way giving up two special teams goals in the game.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets players, coaches joyful over Lowry’s long-term contract. Pretty clear that number 17 is viewed as a solid player both on the ice and in the dressing room for this Winnipeg team.
The Athletic Winnipeg: What Adam Lowry’s contract extension means for the Jets. (Paywall). Murat looks at cost analysis, Kraken protections, lineup impact and more.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: How lengthy break paid off for Oilers in win over Jets. Harnarayan Singh and Greg Millen take a look at how the rested Edmonton Oilers were able to beat the Winnipeg Jets.
Illegal Curve Hockey Show Podcast:
Topics: Jets sign Adam Lowry to a 5-year, $16.25 million dollar contract extension, Ramifications of the Lowry signing on the Seattle Expansion Draft for the Jets, Jets/Oilers Preview, News from Jets Game Day skate, When could the newly acquired Jordie Benn get into the starting line-up?
Guest: Sean Reynolds (Sportsnet)
To listen to part 1 click here.
Topics: Jets/Oilers Preview continued. Jets road trip in review. Final Thoughts.
Guests: Harnarayan Singh (Sportsnet play-by-play broadcaster) at 12:44 and Dave Jamieson (Dave Jamieson Show, TSN 1260 Edmonton) at 40:24.
To listen to part 2 click here.
