Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note: Puck drop is at 7:30 pm CDT tonight as the Jets play a single game at home against the Penguins. After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction.

Note II: As well be sure to join Drew, Ez and I for the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show once the final buzzer sounds.

Jets news:

Sportsnet: Jets’ Josh Morrissey honouring late father on Hockey Fights Cancer night. A special tribute to his dad from the Jets defenceman. 

The Athletic Winnipeg: Blake Wheeler’s utility, the true cost of the Jets’ penalty kill, Cole Perfetti’s development and more on the Moose. (Paywall). Lots in this one from Murat including: 1) A look at Blake Wheeler through multiple lenses. 2) The true cost of the Jets penalty kill. 3) Perfetti and the fine line between process and results. 4) Gustafsson and a series of lessons from the Moose coaches. 

Winnipeg Free Press: Copp sees chance to impress Oly coach. (Paywall). In addition to the audition for Team USA tonight for Andrew Copp, Mike wrote about all the time zones the team will be in over the next eight games, Paul Stastny and the play of Evgeny Svechnikov.

Winnipeg Free Press: Penalty killers are killing the Jets. (Paywall). Staying out of the box may be the best bet although perhaps the PK can get some good work in tonight against the 32nd ranked power play in the NHL.

Illegal Curve: Jets vs Penguins pre-game report. The Jets held a morning skate followed by a media availability before they take on Pittsburgh. Check out the projected lines and D pairs and hear from players as well as head coach Paul Maurice.  

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

Jets video:

TSN: American Jets hoping to get on Sullivan’s Olympic radar tonight vs. Penguins. The Jets boast some pretty strong American talent on their roster and with Mike Sullivan and the Penguins coming into town tonight, there’s no denying that there will be some players hoping to make a positive impression on the head coach of the United States Men’s Olympic Hockey Team. Sara Orlesky has more.

Sportsnet: Morrissey explains what Hockey Fights Cancer night means to him. Josh Morrissey spoke about the bond he had with his late father and what Hockey Fights Cancer night means to him.

TSN: Maurice expects Penguins to play with a high intensity level tonight. The Jets welcome the Penguins tonight and head coach Paul Maurice is expecting a Pens team that will push the pace while Nikolaj Ehlers says they have a good mix of skill and grit.

TSN: Morrissey, Ehlers discuss meaning behind ‘special’ Hockey Fights Cancer Night. The Winnipeg Jets will host the Hockey Fights Cancer Night tonight where players will wear special jerseys during pre-game warm up. Josh Morrissey Nikolaj Ehlers spoke about what makes the night so special.