The biggest question mark ahead of today’s game (aside from the questions about the not so special teams) is the status of Jets captain Blake Wheeler who we learned on Monday has entered the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols.
Morning skate:
As per Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press Blake Wheeler is not on the ice and Paul Stastny is wearing white which would signify a spot in the top six. Mike advises that the lines rushes and D pairs remain the same as yesterday’s practice.
Health news:
According to Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press in his media availability in St. Paul the team indicated that Blake Wheeler was “symptomatic positive” for COVID.
Lineup news:
Mike added that the Jets will insert Nathan Beaulieu into the lineup for the first time this season as they go 11/7 meaning Cole Perfetti is a healthy scratch.
Jets projected lines & D pairs:
Connor-Scheifele-Copp
Stastny-Dubois-Ehlers
Harkins-Lowry-Vesalainen
Svechnikov-Nash
Morrissey-Schmidt
Dillon-Pionk
Stanley-DeMelo
Beaulieu
Hellebuyck
Comrie
Players media availability:
Coach media availability:
Topics:
1) What is the mood around the team with the Wheeler news?
2) Was there nervousness about a potential snowballing within the team? (:41)
3) Keeping Wheeler connected to team while away from them (1:21)
4) Lineup moves (1:35)
5) Dealing with some early season adversity (2:08)
6) The message to the team (2:47)
7) Getting a more accurate read on opponents (3:25)
Up Next:
Puck drop is at 7 pm CDT. Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game interviews from Jets players as well as from head coach Paul Maurice. You can also join us afterwards for our post-game show here (be sure to smash that like/subscribe button).
