Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note: After the Jets game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction. As soon as illegalcurve.com is updated we notify you via Twitter | Facebook | Instagram.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: Enstrom missed out on franchise’s first playoff win but is happy to finally be back in action.  Lots of his teammates, people in the organization and fans are appreciative of what the cagey veteran brings to the lineup and they were happy to get the Ws on his behalf but will be even happier to get it done with 39 in the lineup.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets and Predators finally to take centre stage.  All eyes will be on this series tonight as folks from across the NHL anticipate this being the best matchup of the second round and perhaps of the entire playoffs.  Ken previews tonight’s contest.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Enstrom ready to go, Laine healthy as Jets get set for first game against Predators.  (Paywall).  Good news as both these guys sound like they are ready to play tonight and it looks like Enstrom will be back with his familiar sidekick.  Mike sets up the action from Nashville.

The Tennessean:  Predators need Ryan Hartman against the Jets, or do they?  He certainly did some damage against the Jets during the regular season game when he scored late to give Nashville a win in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets fan Jericho lays down challenge to Predators supporter Carrie Underwood.  Lots of celebrity power being brought to bear for this series.  While no fan of country music myself I suspect there will be plenty of stars of that genre who take in tonight’s game.

NBC Sports: 10 things to know about Jets vs. Predators. Scott with a look at ten points including: 1) Schedule. 2) Surging players. 3) Struggling players. 4) Goaltending. 5) Special teams. 6) Fancy Stats. 7) Injuries. 8) X-Factor for Jets. 9) X-Factor for Predators. 10) Prediction.

The Athletic Winnipeg:  Josh Morrissey on why Winnipeg’s forecheck works and preparing for Nashville’s versatility.  (Paywall).  If you’re looking for insight than a good place to stop is at the locker of #44.

TSN:  How the Jets grew to be Stanley Cup contenders.  Long read on the process, a word folks around here are all too familiar with, of building something here on the prairies.  

Sportsnet: Jets vs. Preds an early clash of titans playoffs rarely see. I suspect fans aren’t upset that this matchup is happening but more when it is.  But there is no denying that this 2nd round of the playoffs is set up to be spectacular.

Global News: Getting to Smashville — Winnipeg Jets fans take prairie pride south.  Jets fans, either those living in Manitoba or abroad, have done a good job of traveling to and invading other arenas around the NHL.

Global News:  Winnipeggers to run Nashville marathon in Jets jerseys Sunday.  Nice touch by these Manitobans who coincidentally happened to be in Nashville for a marathon at the same time as this series was kicking off.

Illegal Curve:  Jets vs. Predators Game 1 Round 2 pre-game report. The Jets skated today as they got ready to face Nashvile at Bridgestone Arena tonight ahead of game 1.  Includes scrums with Blake Wheeler, Tyler Myers, Tobias Enstrom and Brandon Tanev.

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

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum.  Topics included – Is Enstrom good to go?  Starting round 2 on the road.  If Chiarot plays what does he add to the blueline?  How did his players handle being away from game action for a week?  What does he take from the regular season series against the Predators?  Did he speak to Peter DeBoer last night?  Importance of getting all four lines rolling.  How much will the arenas be the 7th man for both the Pred and Jets?  How did Nashville make hockey work?  On Hellebuyck’s routine.  Who will back up tonight?

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  Jets and Predators are the two best teams left.  TSN.ca’s Scott Cullen joined host Kevin Olszewski to break down the numbers as Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is underway.

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  Health could be the difference in Jets’ series.  TSN hockey insider Bob McKenzie joined the Big Show and went around the NHL Playoffs, including the opening night of Round 2 action, the Jack Adams finalists and what could separate the Jets and Predators in their highly anticipated matchup.