Note: The day started off with the news that Sam Gagner would be the Winnipeg nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
Note II: Prior to puck drop the team announced their end of the season awards. The regular season home finale got off to an inauspicious start for the Jets as the Sharks opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the game although the home team quickly responded and thereafter cruised to a 6-2 win. While the two points gained were critically important, there was no time to revel as the game that took place after between the Predators and Flames in Calgary was also quite significant. It required extra time which saw Nashville comeback to eliminate Calgary from playoff contention. Which means it will be Winnipeg and Nashville vying for the final playoff spot.
Note III: No rest for the Jets as they left for St. Paul immediately after the game where they will take on a Wild team who played last night as well. Minnesota was outshot 22-5 in the middle frame but only found themselves down 2-1. Three 3rd period goals saw them pick up the win in Chicago. There will not be a morning skate. However, all the relevant news will still be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM CDT.
Note IV: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Minnesota, 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 (For a variety of ways to enter click here).
Note V: The Moose kick off their final road trip of the regular season with a chance to clinch their playoff spot tonight in Texas when they take on the Stars. They’ll have a chance to punch their ticket if they can get a win. Morning skate gets underway at 11:15 AM and puck drop is at 7 PM CDT.
Note VI: The Ice finally found out who their next round opponent would be after Saskatoon defeated Regina last night in game 7. They’ll face the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Eastern Conference Semi-Final. These two teams also met last season in the second round. Game 1 is in Winnipeg on Friday.
Jets news:
Daily Faceoff: Do the Winnipeg Jets have what it takes to play spoiler in the playoffs? While the odds suggest they will clinch a spot they need to take care of that business first. In this piece Frank Seravalli and former NHLer Mike McKenna debate if Winnipeg has the capabilities to play spoiler.
Sportsnet: Jets poised to close in on playoff spot following thumping win over Sharks. It could be mission accomplished tonight in the battle of Friendly Manitoba vs Minnesota Nice.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets peaking? Hold your horses. They sure seem to be firing on all cylinders as the expression goes but it won’t mean much if they fail to get to the playoffs.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets can seal playoff spot with one point after win. As they say “win and you’re in”. In this instance if both the Jets and Preds lose out, they are still in but better to control ones own destiny.
Global News: Jets throttle Sharks 6-2 to move within a point of a playoff spot. It was another impressive win by Winnipeg.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Jets on the verge of playoff spot with dominating win, need just one point. (Paywall). Murat gives you his take on last night’s victory.
Winnipeg Free Press: One point away, Jets chalk out path to playoffs with 6-2 victory over Sharks. (Paywall). So close they can taste it.
Winnipeg Free Press: Pionk aiming to up his game. (Paywall). Seems like he has turned the corner of late but it definitely appeared that he was being hampered by something during this season.
San Jose Mercury News: Erik Karlsson becomes first NHL defenseman in 31 years to reach 100 points in a season. Jets fans may be getting PTSD from players seemingly always securing milestones when they face Winnipeg although the two points banked probably soften the blow. Even if you aren’t a Sharks fan you should likely marvel at this accomplishment.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Are the Jets finally building an identity they can ride to a potential playoff berth? Sean Reynolds and Ken Wiebe discuss the level of urgency the Jets played with, Erik Karlsson’s 100-point milestone and his Norris trophy outlook, and if we are seeing an identity from the Jets that they can carry over should they make the playoffs.
TSN: Flames have playoff dreams dashed; Jets move one point away from clinching. The Jets are one point away from securing their spot in the playoffs after a win over the Sharks, while the Flames had their playoff race come to an end with a loss to the Predators on Monday. Craig Button joins SportsCentre to discuss what went wrong for Calgary and how Winnipeg was able to turn things around.
Ice news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Ice well rested and ready for Round 2. (Paywall). And now at least they finally know who their opponent will be in the next round.
