Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

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

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun:  Perreault loss will be felt by Jets.  No doubt 85 brings it each and every night he hits the ice.  Whether it is his enthusiasm during pre-game or even his ability to impact play during the game the team will have to hope that it isn’t too long before he returns to the lineup.  

Winnipeg Free Press:  Luoto in for Perreault as Jets take on Canes. (Paywall).  After being out of the lineup since December 8th the Finnish forward is getting a chance to make a dent with veteran forward Mathieu Perreault on the shelf.

CBC: ‘It’s almost a gimmick’: How the Winnipeg Jets are winning, in spite of lousy stats.  I’m not so sure I’d be so quick to diminish what Hellebuyck has done but the stats have not favoured the Jets this season.

The Athletic Winnipeg:  Seattle speculation makes sense but Jets coach Paul Maurice prefers to stay put.  (Paywall).  Ken got the ball rolling by asking the question in yesterday’s scrum that was on folks minds.  And he wrote that while the speculation does logically make sense ultimately he sees the Jets bench boss sticking around here in ‘Peg city.

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Hurricanes pre-game report. The Jets held an optional skate this morning followed by a media availability before they take on Carolina which takes place at 7:00 pm CST. Check out the projected lines and D pairs and hear from Luca Sbisa and Mark Scheifele.

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

Jets video:

TSN: Scheifele, Maurice discuss growth in Laine’s game this season.  Patrik Laine has evolved into more of a complete hockey player this season playing on Mark Scheifele’s wing for Winnipeg. Head coach Paul Maurice and star centre Scheifele discuss the growth in Laine’s game and the chemistry the Jets’ top line has built over the course of the season.

Sportsnet: Aho cracks joke about his buddy Laine actually back-checking now.  Hurricanes star Sebastian Aho jokes with Sean Reynolds about his buddy Patrik Laine actually back-checking now, but says seriously he’s always had that aspect in his game, it’s just showing more now.

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum.  Topics included – How does the lineup change without Perreault?  Luoto in on the 4th line?  Hellebuyck in net?  Assessment of the Hurricanes.  What do you lose without Perreault in the lineup?  The play of Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor.  Was there a thought to make a recall?  Teams having fun.  What has he heard about Appleton down with the Moose?  Guys being in the “right spot”.  Is this an area that Patrik Laine has made great gains this season?  How much of how the Hurricanes play is similar to how coach Brind’Amour played the game?