Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The Jets are on the road for the final game before a three game Christmas break.  Tonight Winnipeg will battle Central Division rival Chicago at the United Center at 7:30 pm.  As always we will have plenty of coverage before and after the game so keep it locked here as well as with the latest updates via our twitter account @illegalcurve.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets need help fourth-with.  Gary makes the argument that it is time to improve the team’s 4th line.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Maurice says Hutchinson, Pavelec rotation to continue for Jets.  Back on December 10th we looked at the evolving goalie philosophy being employed by coach Maurice and he is continuing with it until further notice it would appear.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets will keep rotating goalies until Maurice feels they need to changes.  Some fans are eager to see Hutchinson given an opportunity to play a few games in a row but it appears they will have to wait.

Sportsnet:  Pavelec, Hutchinson happy to share role in net.  Both players are saying what you would expect them to say in this type of situation.

ESPN:  Cross-Checks blog.  Jets mentioned in Katie Strang’s post with respect to teams on the mend.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice scrum (audio).  On Byfuglien’s exchange with Flyers coach Berube.  On facing a different Hawks team this time.  Does his team play differently in front of Hutchinson vs. Pavelec.  On being able to use his goalies in a rotation with confidence.  Does he still feel confident in continuing with a rotation?  Are the guys learning to trust that with the four defencemen out that they can still play with his system?  Has he ever coached a player like Dustin Byfuglien, someone able to bring many dimensions to both forward and defence?  Is playing in many one goal games last season helping his team this year?

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  The Big Show (audio).  Shane Hnidy joins the guys to breakdown the Jets’ 4-3 OT loss to the Flyers, and discuss the play of Ondrej Pavelec, Dustin Byfuglien’s defensive breakdowns, and why the Jets forward lines are set up to succeed in the future.

Blackhawks news:

Chicago Sun-Times:  Don’t fret, Chicago sports fans; Blackhawks a team you can rely on.  This isn’t good news for Jets fans as this Hawks team just keeps on rolling like a juggernaut.

ESPN Chicago:  Powers on Reif, Bickell, Winter Classic (audio).  ESPNChicago’s Scott Powers and NHL.com’s Brian Hedger discuss the passing of assistant equipment manager Clint Reif, Bryan Bickell’s value, the third defensive pairing, the Winter Classic, and EPIX’s documentary.