Note: The Jets were very busy on Monday in Vegas. They recalled, on an emergency basis, Oskari Salminen from the Moose (third goalie) and hit the ice for a practice. We also learned that Cole Perfetti could potentially be ready for a game late in this series. Of course today’s focus is on game 1 against the Golden Knights. There will be a 11:30 AM CDT morning skate. All the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 8:30 PM CDT.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Vegas, we want you to be part of the conversation on the Illegal Curve Playoff Post-Game Show as we discuss and analyze the results of game 1.
Note III: The Moose were off on Monday after they concluded their regular season the day before. However there was some news as their parent club reassigned prospect Dmitry Kuzmin from the Flint Firebirds of the OHL to their AHL affiliate. The offensively minded left side defender will get a chance to practice with Manitoba as they prepare for their upcoming series against Milwaukee. The team is off today.
Note IV: The Ice find themselves in Moose Jaw today as they get set to play game 3 with the series tied 1-1 after they split things in Winnipeg with the Warriors. Puck drop is at 8 PM CDT.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Jets’ Bowness not playing underdog card vs. Golden Knights: ‘We’re here to win’. No question they do not feel like this is an eight vs one matchup. Time will tell if that assessment is accurate.
Sportsnet: Key storylines to watch in Round 1 for Canadian NHL playoff teams. For the Jets it is all about solving that Broiss-wall.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Ehlers, coach, in friendly ‘war’ over media status. Was a pretty funny line from Ehlers that he’s in a “media war” with Rick Bowness over his health status.
Winnipeg Sun: What will it take for Jets to beat Golden Knights? I feel like this is the least predictable first round series as folks make arguments for and against Vegas and Winnipeg. Good read from Ted on what it is going to require.
Winnipeg Sun: Six players who could have major impacts on series between Jets and Golden Knights. Ted gives you three guys per team who could have a significant impact on this series. I’m giving my vote to the Winnipegger on Vegas as the guy with the biggest chance (predicated on his health and he will play tonight) to unbalance this series.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Golden Knights’ Manitoba connections looking forward to playoff clash with Jets. From the players on the ice, to the media, colour analyst and GM there is a lot of connectivity between the Jets opponent and where they play hockey.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets ready to take the play to Golden Knights. (Paywall). Having a great start will go a long way for Winnipeg if they want to take control of the game.
Winnipeg Free Press: Bucky vs. Brossoit, goaltenders’ duel. (Paywall). These two close friends will have bragging rights on the line.
The Athletic Winnipeg: How Winnipeg Jets vs. Golden Knights centre matchups could impact the series. (Paywall). Good thing Winnipeg created that dynamic one/two punch of centre depth…oh wait (Just Kidding..kinda). Murat looks at what is happening up the middle and what it may do within this series.
Las Vegas Review-Journal: Ex-Knight Nate Schmidt relishes ‘great memories’ in Las Vegas. A former misfit returns home. How will Vegas fans react to number 88?
Global News: Eighth-seeded Jets ready for Vegas challenge against Golden Knights. Gonna be a heck of a game.
Global News: Jets set for unpredictable first-round playoff series. Who doesn’t love themselves some chaos? This series seems to be the one many pundits feel incapable of truly predicting a result. Could make for an excellent series. Or maybe a terrible one. See what I did there?
Jets video:
TSN: One Big Question: Are the Jets a sleeping giant or an easy out? The Winnipeg Jets came down to the wire in qualifying for the playoffs, but with the stellar play all season of Connor Hellebuyck, and a healthy Nikolaj Ehlers heading into the playoffs, could the Jets be a sleeping giant, or fodder for Vegas Golden Knights?
Sportsnet: Jets and Golden Knights both optimistic with return of prominent players. Dan Murphy and Ken Wiebe discuss the Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights matchup, including key pieces returning from injuries for both teams, and the one clear advantage that Jets have over the Golden Knights.
