Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note: Puck drop is at 6:30 pm for tonight’s game between the Jets and Leafs.  After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction.

Note II:  The 2020 NHL All-Star jerseys were revealed today.  Check out the Winnipeg Jets one and let us know what you think on our Instagram.

Jets news:

The Hockey News:  Nobody in Winnipeg is asking ‘Who the heck is Neil Pionk?’ anymore.  I’m really, really, really hoping that we won’t have to ever hear the story about the first time the Jets played in New York story again.  But yes Pionk has been quite a nice addition to the Jets squad.

Sportsnet: How Leafs’ Matthews, Jets’ Laine have fared head-to-head since rookie seasons.  Thankfully these two teams only play twice a season so these types of comparisons aren’t happening very often.

Sportsnet:  31 Thoughts.  While not specific to Winnipeg, thought 19 indicates that the Blues are on track to be the Wild opponent in the 2021 Winter Classic.  That’s a shame as Jets would make for a very good opponent in terms of rivalry and traveling fan base. Ratings maybe not so much.

Toronto Sun:  Jets look to avenge home loss to Maple Leafs.  Will they get revenge against the Leafs the way they did against the Habs this week for a loss the previous week?  Won’t be easy as the Leafs continue to play lights out hockey.

NHL.com:  Scheifele looks to stay hot for Winnipeg; Toronto eyes 10th win in 12 games.  Includes a game preview, players to watch, pre-game quotes, projected lineups for both teams, status reports and a stat pack.

Illegal Curve: Jets vs. Leafs pre-game report. The Jets held a morning skate this morning followed by a media availability before they take on Toronto at 6:00 pm CST. Check out the projected lines and D pairs and hear from Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele.

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

Jets video:

TSN: After getting hit with Laine’s shot, Scheifele laughs it off: ‘He’s got a muffin’. Patrik Laine took aim at teammate Mark Scheifele for blocking his shot that was going ‘top shelf’ the other night. Ahead of their game in Toronto, Scheifele said thankfully his shot is a ‘muffin’ so he’s all good for tonight.

TSN:  Maurice jokes about coach firings: ‘They’re coming for you one day, all of us’.  Paul Maurice was asked about the amount of coaches that have been relieved of their duties this season and responded with a playful answer, but believes a lot of them will be back in the game sooner than later.

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game scrum.  Topics included –  Lineup news? Does he like where the group is at this point of the road trip? With the players returning does it lift the team? The impact made by Neal Pionk. What stands out about Hellebuyck and his consistency in the first half of the season? When he coached the Marlies. Any evidence that Laine was off to start the year? The growth in Laine. Laine having more assists than goals. On three veteran NHL coaches losing their jobs this season. What has contributed to his longevity in Winnipeg?