Note: The Jets hit the ice on Thursday for a practice although before they did they unexpectedly recalled Mikhail Berdin from the Moose on an emergency basis which turned out to be because number one netminder Connor Hellebuyck wasn’t feeling 100% according to his head coach. We will have to wait to see if number 37 is feeling well and can play tonight against the Hawks or if Eric Comrie will make his third start in the last four games. Morning skate gets underway at 10:30 AM so be sure to check back for the pre-game report to see how things will look tonight and to hear from players and head coach Paul Maurice. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM CDT and join us after the game on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.
Note II: The Moose are also in action as they kick off six games on the road starting with three games in three days which will kick off tonight in Milwaukee. While it is still possible Berdin flies to meet the team the likely starter will be Jets 2017 6th rounder Arvid Holm who hasn’t played in a few weeks as Berdin got both games last weekend. The Moose did announce the recall of goalie Philippe Desrosiers from the Trois-Rivieres Lions of the ECHL on Thursday. Puck drop is at 7 PM CT.
Note III: The Illegal Curve Locker Room is here and it is time to submit your orders before Saturday, November 6th. Check out and purchase all your IC branded shirts, hats, hoodies and more which are all made locally here in Winnipeg.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: How Nik Ehlers, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Kyle Connor’s offensive versatility is lineup-altering for Jets. (Paywall). Murat looks at the trio of forwards and how they have been game changers for this Jets club as they have given them a top nine rather than simply a top six.
Winnipeg Sun: Looking ahead to the Jets and Hawks. Scott with some thoughts as to why you should watch this game with the Jets rolling right now. He also looks at both teams points leaders, and gives you three thoughts about the opponent.
Winnipeg Sun: Ehlers dad looking for Oly tips. If Denmark beats Canada perhaps Paul Maurice will bear some responsibility. (Please note this is said as a joke). Never hurts for two coaches to chat shop and discuss strategies.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Fingers crossed’: Jets wait COVID test results for Hellebuyck. While he had covid in August I understand the team wanting to be careful for both the team and their top goalie’s sake. This may simply be a case of late nights of new fatherhood sapping his strength. But always best to be safe rather than sorry.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve).
Winnipeg Free Press: Maurice happy to share coaching knowledge with Ehler’s father. (Paywall). Not everyday you get another set of pro coaching eyes at your practice so it appears that the Jets bench boss took it as an opportunity to swap ideas.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets yet to hit their stride. Mike sees this long homestand as an opportunity for the Jets to work on some key areas including defence and their penalty kill.
CBC: ‘I really felt a willingness and an urgency’: Sheldon Kennedy meets with Winnipeg Jets leaders. It will be interesting to see if Kennedy’s words will have an impact on those who feel the Jets didn’t do the right thing. It is clear the well respected leader on and off the ice believes that change for good is possible.
Global News: 7 observations from the Jets’ 7-game point streak. Ken gives his thoughts on the local NHL club to date including his preamble and six other observations covering the following: 1) B is for balance. 2) Chemistry set lands on winning combination. 3) Copp’s bet on himself paying early dividends. 4) Defence corps finding its way. 5) Comrie passes two early tests. 6) PK still a work in progress.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Jets off to impressive start even with struggling penalty kill. Sean Reynolds and Ken Wiebe discuss how the Winnipeg Jets are succeeding so far this season even with a lacking penalty kill.
