The Jets returned home Thursday from the one game trip out to Colorado but didn’t skate so we don’t know what, if any changes, we shall see to the lineup for tonight’s first ever home game against Vegas. For now the projected lines is based on Wednesday’s game against the Avalanche. Big question is whether we see Eric Comrie getting his second ever NHL start (would be first this season) or will coach Maurice continue to ride Connor Hellebuyck?
Morning skate notes:
As per NHL correspondent Scott Billeck the line rushes for the Jets are the same as are the D pairs as they used against the Avalanche. And once again Connor Hellebuyck is back between the pipes making his third consecutive start.
Jets projected lines, D Pairs and starting goalie:
Connor-Scheifele-Wheeler
Ehlers-Little-Laine
Copp-Lowry-Tanev
Perreault-Hendricks-Armia
Morrissey-Trouba
Chiarot-Byfuglien
Kulikov-Myers
Hellebuyck
Comrie
Extras: Matthias, Dano, Poolman.
Injury Updates:
The Jets bench boss provided updates on injured goalie Steve Mason and defenceman Tobias Enstrom. With respect to Steve Mason the Jets bench boss indicated “Back on feeling good. So, it’s positive. He’s had good days with no setbacks really and he’s feeling strong. You want more than that and I’d like to give you more, other than that, we’ll see how tomorrow goes.” When asked if Mason has been on the ice coach Maurice said “not with us no”.
With respect to Tobias Enstrom he said “It’s really good but it won’t change where we’ve got him. It is still too early that he comes back earlier. We’ll leave it at eight weeks but positive. He feels better, he is riding the bike, he’s doing things like that, he’s moving around. Nothing has changed though. We wouldn’t know if something has changed anyway. It is too early along in it.”
Audio:
Patrik Laine
Mark Scheifele
Coach Maurice: On a young player getting more consistent with their game. On Laine’s decreased ice time. Status of Steve Mason. Does he have a game circled for Comrie yet? On the Golden Knights. On things that Patrik Laine needs to improve. Status of Enstrom. On the sophomore slump. On the 4th line. Success of the Manitoba Moose.
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg