Note: The Jets concluded their three-game road trip last night in Pittsburgh against a Penguins team that they do not have a ton of historical success against in the state of Pennsylvania. Given it was a back-to-back for Winnipeg and Pittsburgh had been off and waiting since Tuesday it seemed set up for a loss but the Jets played their most complete game of the season and picked up the 4-1 win. It means they’ve won seven of eight games while improving to 28-14-1 on the season. They are off today.
Note II: The Moose, who lost Jansen Harkins to an emergency recall but gained Ville Heinola, were in action against the Marlies in Toronto as they played the fifth game of their six-game road trip. The game was tied 1-1 courtesy of leading scorer Alex Limoges ripping home a shot in the 1st on the power play. However, there was a medical emergency in the stands which necessitated the game being suspended. Manitoba will be in Belleville tonight to conclude things against the Senators. Puck drop is at 6 PM CST.
Note III: The Ice will conclude their homestand tonight in Winnipeg as they face Medicine Hat. Puck drop is at 8:05 PM CST.
Note IV: Join us this morning at 9 AM CST on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show for two hours of mostly Jets talk. We’ll be joined by Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press and Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Following flu-ridden night, Perfetti bags three assists as Jets down Penguins. We’ve seen some impressive performances from guys who are dealing with the flu after Mark Scheifele had his hat trick last month while under the weather and last night Cole Perfetti was excellent despite how he had felt.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Sick performance: Feeling much better, Cole Perfetti leads Jets over Penguins. The Jets could have stunk up the joint and felt good given they had six wins in seven games going into the game last night but instead they didn’t make any excuses and played one of their most complete games of the season.
Winnipeg Free Press: Perfetti’s three-point night paces Jets past Penguins 4-1. (Paywall). The rookie was excellent as he pushes his name back into the Calder conversation, Mike has more from his spot inside PPG Arena.
Winnipeg Free Press: Coaches split on tech on benches. (Paywall). You could see when Rick Bowness was asked about it that he is clearly not a fan of the distraction they can be on a bench during the game.
Pittsburgh Tribune: Hobbled Penguins unable to keep up with Jets. We’ve been sharing Seth’s work (and he ours) since the inception of Illegal Curve. Be sure to check out his game recap.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Makeshift Penguins outshot, outmatched by high-flying Jets in lopsided loss. Get insight into the game from the perspective of a beat writer that covers the Jets opponent.
Daily Faceoff: I’m sorry Rick Bowness. One of our favourite guests and former NHL netminder Mike McKenna pens this piece about how he was mistaken about the bench boss hire in Winnipeg. Of course he wasn’t the only pundit who held that position.
Global News: To trade or not to trade — Jets a winner either way. John goes Shakespearean with his latest article on Winnipeg and what they may or may not go in six weeks time.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: How will Jets’ urgency to win this season inform their approach at trade deadline? Ken Wiebe joins Ron MacLean and Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada to discuss Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s comments about seizing their opportunity for a deep playoff run by being active at the trade deadline.
