Note: Eleven years to the day the Jets won a 9-8 contest in Philly it looked like they were recreating that type of game last night in L.A. as they kicked off a three-game road trip with a wild, comeback 6-4 win over the Kings. No rest for them however as they are in Arizona where they will play the Coyotes in their home opener at Mullett Arena. There will be plenty of eyes on this game from across the NHL as the Coyotes will be playing on the campus of Arizona State. Be sure to check back for the pre-game report followed by puck drop at 9:30 PM.
Note II: Tonight, after the final buzzer sounds between the Jets and Coyotes, we want you to be part of the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show as we discuss and analyze the latest game for the NHL team of Winnipeg. This season you’ll have a chance to win great schwag including authentic Jets jerseys, hats, etc after every single game (For a variety of ways to enter click here).
Note III: The Moose have a final day of practice as they prepare for a pair of weekend games against division rival Iowa here in Winnipeg starting tomorrow with a 2 PM start.
Note IV: The Ice will play their final road game of an incredible 13 game stretch to start the season tonight in Brandon as they kick off a home and home against the Wheat Kings. The battle of Manitoba’s two junior clubs will move to Winnipeg on Saturday for the home opener.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: ‘An ugly win:’ Jets pull out unlikely victory after getting outplayed by Kings. It isn’t often you praise a goalie when he gives up four goals but Connor Hellebuyck stopped 39 shots last night and was sensational in the win for Winnipeg. If not for 37 that game was over in the first period.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Appleton’s grinding style opening things up for snipers on Jets top line. They appear to be using the philosophy from the old Nintendo game ‘Ice Hockey’ where you had to choose three players for your line but wouldn’t want three of the same because that led to deficiencies. Joking aside Appleton is a hard-working player who has earned his way up from the AHL and is back to looking comfortable with his old club.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets win ugly with 6-4 victory over Kings. (Paywall). Aside from the play of Connor Hellebuyck and the third/fourth lines it was an ugly game for big stretches of time for the Jets.
Winnipeg Free Press: Perfetti learning on the fly. (Paywall). There are still times when you watch him that you can tell he is a young player but his relative inexperience is offset by a thirst for knowledge and trying to get better each and every single day.
Global News: Jets overcome early 2-goal deficit to beat Kings. After that 1st period I am sure the CTV News Desk was calling the game for the Kings but good news for the Jets is that hockey is a 60 minute game which gave them plenty of time to get back into the contest.
Los Angeles Daily News: Kings’ early lead fades away as Winnipeg hands them 3rd loss in 4 games. Read about last night’s game from the perceptive of someone who covers the Jets opponent.
Sportsnet: Jets’ Connor confident he’ll start lighting the lamp soon. He is too good not to start finding the back of the net.
Jets video:
TSN: Have the Jets discovered their template for success? The Jets are coming off an impressive 4-0 shutout of the St. Louis Blues and are on the road in Los Angeles tonight. Craig Button joins That’s Hockey to discuss Winnipeg’s template for success. (Note this was recorded before the Jets/Kings game).
Jets prospect news:
Sportsnet: Canadian NHL Team Prospect Reports: Top three players in each system. For the Jets he picks Rutger McGroarty, Ville Heinola and Chaz Lucius.
