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:  Jets coach Paul Maurice discusses Laine’s development and his play of late.  Bryan Little said it best when he said something to the effect that when Laine scores 18 in November, folks expect that every month.  Clearly the Jets bench boss is not losing his mind over the play of his sniper.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets’ second line has some work to do in its own end, Little says.  (Paywall).  While there is certainly room for improvement the Jets current position affords them some patience, even if fans don’t share that sentiment.  Having said that the line as a collective needs to be better which I’m sure any of the three on it would acknowledge.    

Columbus Dispatch:  Three things to look for in Blue Jackets game at Winnipeg.  (Survey prior to reading).  Gain some insight into the Jets opposition approach to the game tonight.  

TSN: Flames, Jets in an arms race?  Hard to keep track of all these arms races the Jets are involved in but the insiders feel a splashy move is coming.

The Point:  How Patrik Laine can break out of his slump.  Mike Kelly has been on The IC Hockey Show a few times and he provides his insight in this piece on how the Jets sniper can regain his form.  You can always watch Mike discussing this topic below.

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Blue Jackets pre-game report. The Jets were back on the ice today in Winnipeg as they got ready to face Columbus at 7:00 pm CT. Includes projected lines, D pairs and starting goalie as well as a health update and audio from Bryan Little and Josh Morrissey.

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

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve: Coach Maurice pre-game. Topics included – What are the conversations like with Patrik Laine these days?  On Laine’s frustration.  Measuring positive reinforcement vs. hammer of ice time.  On Laine’s diminished ice time last game.  On the play of the 2nd line.  How does he balance Patrik needing to find his game vs putting him with guys like 85 or 26/55.  What has he seen from Kyle Connor during this stretch?  What are the benefits to Connor going between the first and second lines.  What is the latest with Byfuglien and Ehlers?  What does he expect from the Blue Jackets?

Jets video:

Sportsnet:  Why Kypreos doesn’t see Laine in Winnipeg long term.  Hockey Central Analyst Nick Kypreos joined Starting Lineup to discuss how Patrik Laine’s current ice time and usage isn’t reflective of a cornerstone player and how this may affect his next contract.