Winnipeg Jets Afternoon Links

Note:  After the game, be sure to check us out for all the post-game reaction. As soon as the site is updated we notify you via twitter @illegalcurve and Facebook.

Note II: For home games we have our #ICGWG & #IC5050 contests. Make sure to @ tweet @illegalcurve with your guess. Remember that for your vote to qualify you must send in your guess using a hashtag (#). (i.e. #ICGWG Little #IC5050 $37,650.00).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Kane, Hutchinson, Klingberg lacing up for Jets tonight.  We will see Klingberg lace them up for the first time since a game against the Capitals back in December of 2011, while Michael Hutchinson is set to make his NHL debut.  Of course the big focus today at practice was on Evander Kane and the ‘why’ he was a healthy scratch on Saturday.  Appears that the Free Press has ascertained that Kane broke a team rule (not curfew).

Winnipeg Sun:  Kane, Maurice keep scratch under wraps.  Doesn’t seem likely that either of these two are going to be the ones to release the reason to the media.  Both seem ready to leave it in the past.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets steam blog.  Ken opens his Notebook for one of the last home games of the season and provides some insight into tonight’s contest against the Wild.

CBC:  5 things to watch for as Jets battle the Wild.  Jeff breaks down some topics of interest ahead of the game including; 1) Final game vs. Wild. 2) Last match vs. Central. 3) Slater hits 500. 4)  Kane returns to the ice and 5) Fresh faces.

Illegal Curve:  Game day set-up.  Ez sets up tonight’s action between the Jets and Wild including projected lineups, starting goalies, game notes and more.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice pre-game (audio). Injury news (Buff, Ladd).  Klingberg in the lineup.  How does he determine who will be a healthy scratch?  Will he ever reveal the ‘why’ as to why he has scratched a player?  More on his ‘coach’s decision’ philosophy.  Should he be concerned with the speculation?  On Michael Hutchinson’s reaction to being told he is making his NHL debut.  Unusual route for Hutchinson going from ECHL to NHL.  Little good to go?  Slater playing his 500th game.  Importance of having final decision powers.  Bit more on Ladd.

Illegal Curve:  Evander Kane pre-game (audio).  His reaction to coach’s decision to keep him out of lineup.  Was there a specific message he was looking to take from the decision?  Was it unclear as to why he wasn’t playing?  Is he expecting to be back in the lineup?  Did he know in advance (of Saturday’s game) that he wouldn’t be in lineup?  What was the reason?  What is his approach to tonight’s game?  How is he feeling about his game at this point of the season?  Lined up at centre today at game skate, will he be playing centre?  Thoughts on the Wild?  His comments are more understated than the comments he made in Chicago.  Does he want to be traded?  Does he feel like he has more to prove after being a healthy scratch on Saturday?

Illegal Curve:  Injury news-  Dustin Byfuglien done for the season.  A torn muscle will see Big Buff miss the remaining three games of the season.

Illegal Curve:  Morning Papers. If you missed any of the news this AM we have you covered.

Wild news:

Minneapolis Star Tribune:  Why the Wild cannot officially clinch a playoff spot tonight in Winnipeg.  For all things Minnesota Wild read Michael Russo’s column as he provides you with all the latest news on tonight’s opponent.