Note: The Jets fell flat against the Islanders two days after they were flat against the Devils. All the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 11:30 AM CDT.
Note II: This afternoon, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Washington, 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.
Note III: The Moose have been playing desperate hockey for some time now and that is working for them as they put in some good practice time this week and came out like a lightning bolt in their game against the Canucks on Saturday afternoon. Even though the score was close (3-2 final for Manitoba) they dominated Abbotsford outshooting them 45-12. And the scoreboard watching last night was all in Manitoba’s favour with three of the four teams around them losing in regulation. Today the re-match with the Canucks goes at 12 PM CDT here in Winnipeg.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: No sugar to coat that loss by Jets. While it’s nice to point out the effort in the 3rd period it’s way too little too late. Analyst Kevin Sawyer had said on the broadcast that they could create momentum that could be brought into today when they take on the Capitals and that remains to be seen. But the Islanders went into a protective shell up 6-1 and outshooting the Jets by a significant margin.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets strand Hellebuyck in embarrassing loss on Long Island. Even goalies who win the Vezina can have off nights and he owns a piece of that loss given the second Islanders goal by Cal Clutterbuck beat him pretty clean from distance. However his team’s effort right from puck drop wasn’t even close to the level brought by the opponents and that’s on the entire club.
Winnipeg Free Press: Sinking to new depths. (Paywall). If the expectation was yesterday the Jets were supposed to rebound after a poor effort, then today against the Caps based on what we witnessed on Saturday it’s time for a Herculean response from a club that was dominated for 40 minutes. Mike gives you his thoughts from his spot inside UBS Arena.
New York Post: Islanders bounce back with stellar win over Jets in boost to playoff hopes. Check out this game recap from a writer that covers the Jets opponent.
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Podcast. On yesterday morning’s show we looked back at the road trip to date, Cole Perfetti return to the lineup/expectations for him, importance of finishing 1st in Central, Friedman’s report that Jets operating under assumption Gabriel Vilardi will return this season and did a Jets/Islanders preview. We spoke with Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press and Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.