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:  Myers will play but Byfuglien will be game-time decision for Jets.   Tim gets you ready for tonight’s game with this report from the MTS Centre.  Jets fans have to be happy with the return of #57 and it looks like #33 will be decided when Byfuglien gets to the rink and takes the pre-game skate.

Winnipeg Sun:  Pavelec back at number 1.  He hadn’t started consecutive games since a pair back on November 20th (vs. Blues) and 23rd (vs. Red Wings).  At this point in the season with points being at a premium I don’t think fans really care who has the title of number 1 provided said individual is giving the team an opportunity to win.

CBC:  5 Things to Watch.  Jeff and Mitch preview the game in this post and there is also the five things they look at including: 1) Net presence 2) Big body back on blue line 3) Buff a game-time decision 4) Rookie relishing new role and 5) 500 club.

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

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

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

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum.  How much will he be able to rely on Byfuglien?  How much of an intimidation factor have they been missing without Byfuglien?  What is he looking for from Pavelec?  On the Sharks.  Embrace the opportunity to put Sharks further into rear view mirror or is that a dangerous attitude?  Is Myers playing?  On the improved penalty kill?  On Pavelec’s mental strength.

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  The Big Show.  Dennis Beyak weighs in with some intriguing options on the team’s back-end, outlining a possible pairing of the club’s top two right-handed defenceman while also touching on the Jets goalie situation heading into their matchup with the Sharks.

Sharks news:

San Jose Mercury News:  Coach McLellan says game against Winnipeg not ‘do-or-die’ — but close to it.  While the Jets are desperate for points to get back above the playoff line, don’t forget that the team behind them is just as desperate to stay relevant.

San Jose Mercury News:  Joe Thornton brushes off questions about exchange with general manager.  Cannot blame Jumbo Joe for wanting to focus the attention back onto hockey and away from the off ice drama.