Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note:  After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction. As soon as the site is updated we notify you via twitter @illegalcurve and Facebook.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  ‘We survived’: Jets’ coach on return of injured players.  While he heaped praise on the substitutes the Jets coach is obviously quite happy to get his team almost back to full strength.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets will go back to the penalty box if that’s what it takes to win.  The Jets had been really good with their special teams play until they hit a rough patch a few games ago.

CBC:  5 Things to Watch.  Jeff gets you ready for the game with these five thoughts including: 1) Getting healthy 2) New look Panthers 3) Penalty problems 4) 500 club and 5) Rookie watch.

Yahoo Sports:  Hutchinson helping Jets battle to the bitter end.  Lots of folks around the league are taking noticing of the play of the Jets goalie.

NHL.com:  Maurice goes for win 500.  Patrick sets you up for the game against the Panthers with a quick scope of the Florida, Winnipeg perspectives.

Illegal Curve:  Game day set-up.  Setting up tonight’s Jets and Panthers game with projected lines, starting goalies, games notes and more.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum (audio).  How much of this week is physical vs. mental?  Can he make the argument that the team is not predictable in their breakouts?  To pull off his game plan what does it mean to get back his injured players?  Did Byfuglien take it to the next level against the Ducks?  What surprises him the most about the Panthers this season and does he see any similarities between the two teams?  Is that the impact of the players they brought in during off season?  On the goals against creeping up…is it as simple as fewer penalties and killing more of them or an overall thing?  He is satisfied that the guys are sticking with the system?  What is happening with the special teams?  Has he been able to accomplish in a calendar year with what he has achieved with this team?  Bryan Little good to go?

Illegal Curve:  Jets vs. Panthers projected lineups.  Take a look at what the lines looked like after practice today and what combos you should expect to see at MTS Centre this evening.

Illegal Curve:  Morning Papers. If you missed any of the news this AM we have you covered.  

Panthers news:

NBC Sports:  Will the Panthers be deadline buyers?  Following a disastrous 2013/14 campaign the cats have rebounded this season and could be looking to make some critical additions in their push for the playoffs.

Sun-Sentinel:  Rising star Huberdeau named one of NHL’s Three Stars.  Definitely a player to watch for in tonight’s game.