Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The Jets return to playing meaningful hockey tonight as they take on the Penguins at the Consol Energy Center starting at 6 pm.  We will have plenty of news so as always keep it locked to @illegalcurve throughout the day.

Jets news:

Sportsnet:  30 Thoughts.  #10 deals with Michael Hutchinson being the next call after Brian Elliott for the All-Star game.

Winnipeg Free Press:  The push begins in earnest.  Defending your lead, whether in a game or in the points race is the name of the game for the Jets as they look to complete the 2014-15 season comfortably in a playoff position.

Winnipeg Free Press:  More seating for Jets fans.  While it may be the smallest building in the NHL, True North continues to find ways to attempt to maximize it’s potential.

Winnipeg Free Press:  This and That.  Ed writes about the possible return of Perreault, Scheifele playing the role of observer and Hutchinson heads to the Big Apple for some R & R.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets need another gear.  Can the Jets show killer instinct as the season enters a critical phase for Winnipeg?  Paul wonders if this team has another gear.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets hope return of Perreault will help them keep rolling.  The Jets have to be happy that they only lost Perreault for a few games before they got him back.  The team didn’t blink for the two games he was missing (4-3 win over Arizona, 4-0 win over Columbus) but will need #85 as they try to add critical points to the standings bank.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets chances of making playoff excellent, as long as there’s no post all-star letdown.  Lots of talk of losing momentum but you have to think that getting six days off for this team to heal is more important in the long stretch run to a possible playoff spot.

Globe and Mail:  High-flying Winnipeg Jets aim for the playoffs.  You can sense the respect that this team has garnered from their opposition in the Western Conference.

CBC:  Canadian teams’ chances vary.  While there is still plenty of hockey to play Jets fans (as well as Habs & Canucks fans) have to like those odds.

Sportsnet:  Fantasy fix – Second half buy low/sell high (video).   For fans who care about the fantasy hockey perspective, Michael Hutchinson is on the list, although they clearly don’t think he can sustain his current pace.  Video on Hutchinson starts at then two minute mark.

Illegal Curve:  True North statement re: 220 Carlton Street Development.  Some Winnipeg civic politics had True North issuing this statement as issues with Centre Venture seem to be blowing up.

Illegal Curve:  True North unveils MTS Centre building enhancements for summer of 2015.  The MTS Centre will have a different look during the 2015-16 Jets season.  Check out all the moves that True North is planning on having completed this summer.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Paul Maurice scrum from Canonsburg, PA (audio).  How was the break?  Excited about getting going again?  Is Mathieu Perreault good to go? Any (health) concerns with his lineup going into stretch drive?  Where did they miss Perreault the most?  Change in the confidence in the group?  Byfuglien good to go?  Does he expect Stuart to be available tomorrow?

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  The Big Show (audio).  As the NHL gets ready for the stretch run following All-Star weekend, Dennis Beyak joins the guys to discuss the Jets goaltending situation moving forward as well as the biggest question mark the team has heading into the final 34 games of the season.

Penguins news:

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:  Crosby banned from Jets game because he missed All-Star Game.  No Jets fans are going to cry with the enforcement of this NHL rule.