Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The Jets only play six games at home in January and game two goes tonight against the Sharks who will be without the services of Jumbo Joe Thornton who San Jose placed on injured reserve yesterday.  A huge two points for both teams as Winnipeg sits just two up on San Jose.  Just to show you how tight the Western Conference is Winnipeg is two up on 8th place San Jose and just two points back of 4th place St. Louis.

Note II:  As always ensure you follow @illegalcurve for all the latest Jets news and keep it locked on site as we post the projected lines, coach Maurice pre-game, game day set-up and our afternoon links in advance of the game.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Blue-line renaissance.  He has been simply spectacular at a time when that is exactly what the team needed from him.  I don’t think there is any question who the team MVP has been this season.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Sniping first goal a sign Chiarot has arrived.   Only thing I would disagree with is that it should probably be referenced as a blast more than a snipe.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Grant Clitsome missing from practice.  More blue line woes potentially for the Jets as #24 was missing from practice.  We should have a better idea today of his health status.

Winnipeg Sun:  Best of Buff.  An interesting read from Paul as he talks about the transformation of his perception of Dustin Byfuglien from liability to star.

Winnipeg Sun:  Hutchinson slowly prying No. 1 job away from Pavelec.  Goalie controversy?  While you can’t expect the Jets bench boss to announce who is his #1 goalie it will be quite interesting to see who he chooses to use in tonight’s important game against the Sharks.

CBC:  Jets unlock key to success in Saturday’s win over Leafs in Winnipeg.  Jeff writes about the importance of being able to rely on the Jets 4th line and how coach Maurice is going to need to be able to trust them as the schedule gets very tough over the next few weeks.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune:  Jets, with big road following, could ruin Wild’s home finale.  I posted this yesterday but Jets fans really responded to it so in case you missed it I’m re-posting it in the papers this morning.  Who knew Jets fans were so fearsome?  Looks like you guys managed to instill some fear in folks down South with all the energy you brought to the last game in St. Paul.  So much so that they are trying to think of ways to prevent the Jets ‘home ice’ advantage that fans bring with them from Friendly Manitoba.  If Saturday night showed us anything its that the rivalry between fans in the same building can only serve to increase the atmosphere.  

Sharks news:

San Jose Mercury News:  Thornton out at least two more games.  This Sharks team has been struggling to find some scoring and the loss of Jumbo Joe certainly won’t help matters.

World Juniors:

CBC:  Nic Petan scores hat trick in win over Slovakia at world juniors 2015.  The Jets prospect could have easily had four or five goals in the win that sends Canada to the goal medal game tonight against Russia.  Lots of good chemistry with Josh Morrissey on the power play.  Jets fans have to be happy with their team’s prospects in the tournament.

Illegal Curve Hockey Show:

Part 1:  0:00 – Winnipeg Jets recent results.  15:14 – Jets vs. Leafs preview.  25:54 – Jets vs. Leafs preview.  41:01 – Jets lose Evander Kane to injury.  49:38 – Interview with Jonas Sigel of TSN 1050. 59:28 – World Junior Hockey Championship Semi-Finals.

Part 2:  0:00 – Interview with Sunaya Sapurji of Yahoo! Sports.  11:36 – Pittsburgh Penguins acquire David Perron from the Edmonton Oilers.  23:08 – New Jersey Devils interesting coaching situation.  35:27 – Panthers re-sign Nick Bjugstad.  48:34 – Jets/Leafs Preview.  58:25 – Rapid Fire, Cheers & Jeers.