Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The final game of the three game home stand goes tonight against the Washington Capitals.  Will the Jets get a clean sweep and add two critical points to their playoff push?  Be sure to stay tuned to @illegalcurve for up to the minute Jets news.

Note II:  Tune into an action packed Illegal Curve Hockey Show on TSN 1290 from 12 noon until 3 pm as the guys kick off Jets Game Day coverage on the station.  They will look back at the Jets win over the Blues, preview tonight’s game against the Capitals and take a look around the NHL.  Guests:  Dave Jamieson (TSN 1260 Edmonton), Jim Jamieson (The Province) and Joe Beninati (Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic).

Games of significance last night:  Avalanche lost (OT)

Games of significance tonight:  Wild (vs. Blues). Flames (vs. Blue Jackets). Canucks vs. Kings.  Sharks (vs. Canadiens).  Stars (vs. Blackhawks).

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Confidence level keeps climbing.  Beating a top Eastern Conference team, handling a desperate Sharks and then going toe to toe with one of the best in the West as the Jets continue to push towards an unexpected (at the start of the season by most pundits) but very possible playoff spot.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Cream of the crop.   Gary writes about the continued development of Mark Scheifele and how he is reaching new heights this season.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Every Jet is chipping in at least a bit, and the results are obvious.   Ed takes a look at how everyone on the Jets squad is contributing to the success they are having on the ice.

Winnipeg Sun:  Play of Stafford and Myers makes Winnipeg Jets trade with Sabres cross-border robbery.  I’m a little hesitant to start labeling trades this quickly.  Fact is the Sabres were looking at this from a long term perspective and while the Jets could re-sign Stafford is it the same level of larceny if he doesn’t return next season?  While the terminology isn’t that important the fact is both players (Stafford and Myers) have made significant impacts on this Jets lineup.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets take a rest on Friday, but not celebrating after big win over Blues.  The Jets bench boss said that his team refuses to get “too up” following a win as they try to maintain an even keel.

Illegal Curve:  Jets sign Jimmy Lodge to a three-year, two-way, entry level contract.  A little late Friday news as the Jets got another prospect signed to a contract.

Illegal Curve:  Practice Report.  The Jets changed things up yesterday as the majority of players did off ice workouts with just a skeleton crew on the ice at MTS Centre.  Audio from Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Mark Scheifele and Mark Stuart.

Jets audio:

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  Hustler & Lawless.  Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun joined the show to talk about the playoff stretch run. LeBrun discusses the possible first-round matchups if the Winnipeg Jets get in.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice scrum.  How/why does he decide to not practice today?  What is his biggest challenge with the 11 games that remain on the Jets schedule?  On how the players are very even keel today following a big win.  Combining desperation within the system he employs.  Does the previous games play help with preparation for Washington?  Importance of getting win when trailing going into 3rd.  Was bottom line that you’ve beaten a really good team?     

TSN 1290 Winnipeg:  The Big Show.  Gary Lawless joined the show and revealed a conversation he had with Wheeler following the game regarding a scathing piece Lawless wrote last season, one which helped Wheeler change his game.