Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note: Puck drop is at 7:00 pm CST tonight for today’s game against the Stars.  After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction.

Note II:  Coach Maurice may have provided some insight into a timeline for injured centre Bryan Little.

Jets news:

The Athletic Winnipeg:  Luca Sbisa’s long and winding road to Winnipeg.  (Paywall).  Ken writes about the journey the veteran defenceman has taken which has brought him to Manitoba to continue his NHL journey.

The Hockey News: Why the Jets’ Connor Hellebuyck should be considered a Vezina Trophy frontrunner.  If not for Hellebuyck where would this team be exactly?

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets black-and-blue line will be without Kulikov until late January.  (Paywall).  This blue line continues to take hit after hit and the next man up mentality continues.  Carl Dahlstrom will be the guy who gets a chance to make an impact with Kulikov on the shelf.

Winnipeg Sun:  Kulikov set for extended stay on sidelines.  It is a shame for Sami Niku that he remains out of the Moose lineup right now due to injury.  Manitoba plays tonight in Rockford so he could return to the lineup.

Dallas Morning News: Why the Stars’ offense has gone quiet the last 3 games after being one of the NHL’s best over the past 6 weeks.  Learn more about the Jets opponent this evening.  

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Stars pre-game report. The Jets had an optional skate this morning followed by a media availability before they take on Dallas which takes place at 7:00 pm CDT. Check out the projected lines and D pairs and hear from Nikolaj Ehlers, Kyle Connor and Luca Sbisa.

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

Jets video:

TSN: Wheeler’s move to centre adds strength to Jets line-up. Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler has predominately played on the wing in his NHL career, but head coach Paul Maurice wanted to add depth up the middle moving him to centre alongside Nikolaj Ehlers and Jack Roslovic. The move not only allows Mark Schiefele and Wheeler to play a majority of the game, but also has generated production on both sides of the puck.

Sportsnet: Confidence and chemistry flowing in Jets locker room right now. As Sean Reynolds reports, Connor Hellebuyck is enjoying a huge bounce-back season, and his play coupled with the chemistry within the locker room, has the Jets surging up the NHL standings.

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum.  Topics included – Update on lineup?  Status of Kulikov?  Injured Jets updates?  On their approach to central division games.  Dealing with the loss of another defenceman.  More on injuries.  Why had Sbisa fit well with the group?  Attitude of Sbisa to keep plugging away.  What Roope Hintz brings to the Stars lineup.  Where has Blake Wheeler impacted the Jets the most since his move to the middle?  Would he consider leaving Wheeler at centre?  How does he prevent players from breaking down from the pressure?