Note: The Jets took Wednesday off but are back in action today as they look to erase the memory of that 7-5 defeat at the hands of the Red Wings on Tuesday and start anew today in Buffalo against the Sabres. With it being a gameday all eyes will be on morning skate which gets underway at 10:30 AM CST. All the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 6:00 PM CST.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Buffalo, we want you to be part of the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show as we discuss and analyze the results of the game. This season you’ll have a chance to win great schwag including authentic Jets jerseys, hats, etc after every single game and now a grand prize of a pair of tickets to an NHL game of your choice (For a variety of ways to enter click here).
Note III: The Moose had a good tilt last night in Toronto but a lapse in the 3rd on the penalty kill allowed the home team to pull out a 3-2 win in regulation. Jansen Harkins continues to contribute scoring his seventh goal (on the breakaway) in his ninth AHL game while Dominic Toninato scored off a tic-tac-toe play on a Manitoba power play. Moose goalie Oskari Salminen was asked to save not one but two penalty shots in the 3rd period and he was up to the task. The loss means they’ve lost three of four on the six-game trip (five of last six games overall). They are 17-12-2-1 which is 4th in the Central. Re-match with Marlies on Friday.
Note IV: The Ice and Thunderbirds had a clash of the two best teams in the CHL last night in Winnipeg and no surprise that OT was required to determine the winner. Ultimately the visitors took it 4-3. The Ice conclude their homestand on Saturday against Medicine Hat.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ structure has seen them weather storms, battle for top spot in division. Anyone who said they expected this from this team before the season began is likely not being honest. I thought the Jets would be a playoff team and said as much on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show before the 2022-23 campaign got underway (which wasn’t some huge feat of prognostication) but not many saw this level of success coming. However when you combine good coaching, excellent goaltending and career years from your players it would appear to translate into success.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ GM Kevin Cheveldayoff looking to ‘seize moment’ if moment comes. In other news the sky is blue and grass is green. The insight is if an opportunity presents itself, take it. If not, then don’t. He was also asked about getting big guns signed, sending 1st rounders to junior, Wheeler’s handling of captaincy stripping and Russian prospects.
Winnipeg Free Press: Will Chevy go all-in? (Paywall). The fellas spent 32 minutes with the Jets GM and I am not sure what exactly he said. He could teach a masterclass in saying a lot but not saying a lot.
Sportsnet: Jets’ Cheveldayoff remains calculated, but sees opportunity as deadline looms. Wieber was also part of the chat with the Jets GM on Wednesday in Buffalo and he filed this story about it.
Sportsnet: With eyes on a division title, Jets must re-establish defensive prowess. Whatever that was last night it wasn’t “it”. While 37 had an off night so did the team around him.
