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 Free Press: Byfuglien skates with team mates, but not ready for return to lineup. (Paywall).  While he is obviously not quite ready for prime time it is pretty clear that number 33 is missed.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets face different animal in Stars.  Paul gets you set up ahead of the action between Winnipeg and Dallas.

The Athletic Winnipeg: How the Jets matchup against their two most likely first-round opponents, the Stars and Avalanche. (Paywall).  With the playoffs right around the corner Murat takes a look at two possible teams that the Jets could face and what it could look like if they do.

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Stars pre-game report. The Jets were on the ice today in Winnipeg as they prepared to face Dallas at 7:00 pm CT. Includes projected lines, D pairs as well as audio from Blake Wheeler, Andrew Copp and Kyle Connor.

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

Jets video:

TSN: Button on looming RFA decision on Connor and Laine: It’s a positive problem. Kyle Connor is having an outstanding campaign with 32 goals and 61 points up to this point but given his pending restricted free agent status at the end of the season, how difficult does his success make Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job, considering Patrik Laine’s pending RFA status as well? TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button shares his thoughts.

TSN: Connor looks to continue hot streak as Winnipeg hosts Dallas. Coming off his first-career hat trick and four-point night against the Predators, Kyle Connor was named one of the NHL’s three stars of the week. The Jets host the Stars tonight in a possible first round playoff preview and Sara Orlesky has the preview.

TSN: Byfuglien’s presence in practice encouraging for entire team. With Dustin Byfuglien on the ice during practice the Jets look forward to welcoming one of their best players back in to the lineup ahead of the playoffs, and Laine discusses his scoring struggles.

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve: Coach Maurice pre-game. Topics included – Thoughts on the play of Kyle Connor.  What caught his attention with how his forward group worked and keeping them together.  Would like to bottle Saturday’s game.  Tonight’s game after Saturday’s game.  Not getting to “where they want to go” without Byfuglien.  Teams taking liberties with the Jets without Byfuglien in the lineup.  Update on Byfuglien?  What are the challenges for a smaller player going to dirty areas.  Is it a big challenge for players to go to those spots?  How does a coach qualify the physical element in Brandon Tanev’s game?  Anything new on Morrissey/Brossoit?  What has he learned about Kevin Hayes?  Was there a hope that Hayes would develop a chemistry with Laine similar to Stastny?  What is it that the Stars power play is doing well?  Speed of the decision making.  More freedom to pressure on the PK.  How much extra prep/how much extra review considering this team could be a first round matchup?