Today was the the first day of the on ice portion of training camp and it was reserved for on ice testing. Following the skate players spoke.
Audio:
Mark Scheifele: On Bryan Little signing an extension. On making the numbers work with all the talent the Jets have upcoming. Playoffs or bust. On the attention that Laine will receive this season. On the headlines about him wanting to be top of the league. On putting himself into the top of the league conversation. Was there a theme this summer to improving his game? What has him most excited about the Jets? What can the addition of a veteran goalie do for this squad? Will it be good to have competition for the net? On the high level of competition in the central division. Importance of getting off to a better start than they did last season.
Steve Mason: On doing his research about coming to Winnipeg and has it been what he expected? Who were his sources on the Manitoba climate? How is he viewing this opportunity? What are the most important thing for a goalie in the pre season? Does he have any desire to play more pre season games than he has in the past? How will the pressure of being the #1 guy be similar to what he experienced in Philly? What was tougher playing for Ken Hitchcock or being a goalie in Philadelphia? What are the keys when you change teams? On mentoring Connor Hellebuyck. On having early success as a rookie in the NHL and how he can use his experience to help Hellebuyck. Does he feel like his best hockey is ahead of him? How much of a workload is he expecting in the regular season? What did he have to do to “get his game back”? How close was he to retiring? How tough was it to be in that position? Which teammates in Philly helped him get back to his game? Is he superstitious on game day?
Coach Maurice: What can he learn from his team today? Did everyone pass their medicals? Status of players. How much time has he spent with Mason and Kulikov? How does the acquisition of these two players change this team? Does Kulikov change how they approach their defensive strategy? Will the fact that Mason has played in Philly help him face the scrutiny in a tough market? Did he know about Mason’s “dark days” in Columbus? On Mason mentoring Hellebuyck. On the healthy competition within the Jets team this season. Is he hoping to utilize the 4th line differently this year? Does Matt Hendricks have an edge? Is he approaching training camp/pre season games differently this season? On the games his goalies will get in pre season. Is he happy with the team he has? On the delicate balance of ice time. Is Mark Scheifele elite?
All audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
