Note: We have come to the end of September and all this month we have brought to your attention the Pass it Forward program. This is a local initiative which provides help to youth in Winnipeg who wish to play hockey but require aid in getting the necessary equipment. You can still head to any Perth’s Drycleaners which allows people to donate gently used hockey equipment to any Perth’s location in Winnipeg. They are giving away an autographed game used stick as the grand prize for contributing.
Note II: The NHL regular season kicks off on Tuesday, October 1st and for Jets fans that means a welcome to the Western Conference against an old foe, the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place at 9 pm cst. Be sure to stick with us before and after all Jets games this season for comprehensive coverage of the game. Start by ensuring you follow Illegal Curve on twitter @illegalcurve and by liking us on Facebook.
Note III: While we primarily provide links to the web sites of the daily papers that cover the Jets, you should be aware that in the hard copy of today’s Winnipeg Sun they have an extensive Jets season preview insert which provides 48 pages of coverage.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets’ version of ‘Breaking Bad’. Finding the right formula to ensure that Kane is being used to his full effect is going to be one of the keys this season if Winnipeg wants to get to the next level.
Winnipeg Free Press: Taking a look at the lineup. A breakdown of each player in the lineup and what can be expected from them this season.
Winnipeg Sun: Front lines need to score. This team cannot be a one-trick pony because the rest of the league will have no problems isolating the Ladd, Little, Wheeler line if they are the sole scoring unit on the team. Perhaps we will see a balanced attack coming from all lines this season.
Winnipeg Sun: Getting to know the Jets coaching staff. While most fans are familiar with head coach Claude Noel, here are the rest of the members of his coaching staff.
Winnipeg Sun: Noel’s passion strikes chord with players. But can he translate that passion for success because ultimately this is what he will be judged upon.
Winnipeg Sun: Sick of the early exits. Time to show the fans what this team is made of. Most of the core of this team have long term contracts and it is time to reward the faith fans and the organization has placed in them by getting this team over the hump and into the playoffs.
Winnipeg Sun: Chipman’s hands are on the wheel. It is a Made in Manitoba success story as Chipman moved his corporation from the AHL to the NHL, and there is no reason to think he would change his style once he got to the big leagues. Especially considering it was this involvement that was likely to his success.
Winnipeg Sun: Goalies need quick start. No doubt the goalies are going to have to improve their numbers while the defenceman and forwards in front of them help cut down on the numbers of shots they have faced in the past.
Winnipeg Sun: Will rookies make impact? For the Jets to have any hope of success the key will be the play of Mark Scheifele as he centres the 2nd line between Evander Kane and Devin Setoguchi. While Trouba’s play will be important, Scheifele is key to providing the Jets with a more balanced attack.
Winnipeg Sun: Third time’s a charm for the Jets. Each year fans have had something new to deal with. In year 1, it was the move from Atlanta, year 2 the reality of the lockout and now in year 3 it is a move to the Western Conference.
Winnipeg Sun: Chevy’s a man with a plan. The organization showed confidence in their general manager, extending his contract an additional two years this past summer. He is now free to continue placing his stamp on the team.
Winnipeg Sun: In with the new Jets. The addition of Frolik and Setoguchi could pay immediate dividends for this team. From the start of pre-season I have liked Frolik’s game. He is steady, able to play in all situations and doesn’t make many mistakes. Setoguchi has shown some chemistry with Evander Kane and can finally provide the secondary scoring this team desperately requires.
The Province: How to make the NHL better. Winnipeg is cited in this article about improving the NHL by moving franchises north. Couple of things to point out, namely; 1) The wait list, as near as I can tell, has over 6000 on it, as opposed to the 900 listed in the article and I’m sure it is a typo but the claim was fans pay $1000 per year to be on the list, whereas the actual number is $100.00. 2) Love the unnamed source which injects doubt about the long term viability of the franchise.
Illegal Curve: Coach Claude Noel from Banff. Here are the topics covered on Day 2 in Banff: His thoughts on practice today. How would he assess the two days in Banff? Is it like cramming for an exam? Was the altitude training part of the thinking being in Banff? What can he tell about Dustin Byfuglien’s status (day to day, expected to be a player). Update on Bogosian and Clitsome (look ok). Getting down to final decision for the roster. If Scheifele remains with guys he was with today (Kane/Setoguchi) what went into making him 2nd line centre? What is his level of concern with not having a permanent linemate for Evander Kane?
Illegal Curve: Jets place Pardy and Cormier on waivers. The roster decreased from 26 to 24 yesterday which leaves the team with one final move to make. Here is the complete list of players remaining with Winnipeg.
Illegal Curve: Ivan Telegin suspended for not reporting to St. John’s. The organization is being tight lipped about the reasons and all we have heard is he has returned to Russia for ‘personal reasons’.
The Telegram: O’Dell keeps up his forward progress. After you get that close to making the parent club, the most important thing a young player can do, is use his time down on the farm to his best advantage and it sounds like that is exactly what Eric O’Dell is doing.
Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay:
Part 1: Winnipeg Jets Preview. Interview with Shane Hnidy (TSN 1290 & TSN Jets). Interview with Kevin Allen (USA Today). Atlantic Division Preview. Atlantic Division Preview continued. Metropolitan Division Preview.
Part 2: Metropolitan Division Preview/Eastern Conference Playoff Predictions. Interview with Eric Duhatschek Part 1. Interview with Eric Duhatschek Part 2. Winnipeg Jets update. Central Division Preview. Pacific Division Preview.
