Game 34: Jets vs. Kings pre-game report

The Jets are the hottest team in the NHL and they will have to not try to not overlook the bottom of the standings LA Kings when the two teams do battle tonight in Southern California.  Biggest question mark for Winnipeg ahead of the game remains the status of Andrew Copp who was last practicing in a non-contact jersey.

AM Skate:

Jets held an off ice workout.  Coach Maurice confirmed that he will use the same lineup as they did against Tampa Bay.

Projected Jets lines and D pairs:

Ehlers-Scheifele-Wheeler
Connor-Little-Laine
Perreault-Lowry-Tanev
Lemieux-Roslovic-Appleton

Morrissey-Trouba
Chiarot-Byfuglien
Kulikov-Myers

Hellebuyck
Brossoit

Audio:

Coach Maurice:  How does he approach the day today.  Same lineup as last game.  What is the latest on Andrew Copp?  The surge of young Finnish skaters around the NHL.  What does he think the biggest reason Patrik Laine is now on fire?  On the Jets taking less penalties and what has changed since early in the season.  Is it a case of the team working harder often draws more penalties than they take?  What has it meant to have the top six together and the third pairing getting into a groove.  Did he have a conversation with Scheifele about shooting more?  Is he more comfortable in the role now as a shooter?  Have negotiations begun with Laine?  On practicing power play with guys who have a shot like Laine or Byfuglien.  Does he envision using Brossoit this trip?  His thoughts on the Kings.  Is Joe Morrow cleared?

Health Update:

Coach Maurice was asked about Andrew Copp and had this to say “Feeling good, skating.  We’re just being real cautious with this now before he gets into bumping.  He’ll start light contact.”   The Jets bench boss also confirmed that Joe Morrow is “cleared and healthy”.

Up Next:

Puck drop is at 9:30 pm CT.  Be sure to head over to illegalcurve.com following the game for a recap of the action which includes post-game audio from the Jets room as well as from coach Maurice.