Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  The Jets and their fans have reached uncharted territory aka the playoffs.  The team will practice in Winnipeg today and tomorrow before departing for California.  We will be down at practice and as always be sure to follow @illegalcurve for the latest Jets news.

Note II:  In case you missed it yesterday the Jets released the full schedule for their Round 1 series against the Ducks.  You can read about it here.

Afternoon news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Edging Ducks’ dynamic duo key to Jets’ success.  Lots to read in Gary’s breakdown of this series.

Winnipeg Sun:  We’re huge underdogs says coach Maurice.  The Jets bench boss didn’t want to give away the idea that his team is playing the role of David while the Ducks are Goliath today in his presser with the media.

TSN:  Jets primed for first playoff appearance since return.  Paul writes about the last couple of weeks and how the team is ready to make some noise in the playoffs.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Maurice scrum.  The Jets bench boss spoke with the media for about 11 minutes today.

Illegal Curve:  Practice Report.  Some of my notes from practice as well as audio from Pavelec, Little, Myers, Chiarot, Slater, Ladd, Scheifele and Frolik.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Little in common with 96′ Jets.  Never been a fan of comparing hockey from different eras.  Paul looks at the differences and similarities between the two squads.

Winnipeg Sun:  Up to Pavelec to prove season no fluke.  A rookie netminder lit a fire under the Jets #1 goalie and he will have to continue to harness that pressure moving forward.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets gear up for Duck hunt.  I don’t think I will ever get sick of the Duck Hunt reference.  I’m sure folks in Anaheim have had their fill of it but not me.  Anyways Ken sets up the series as well as taking a look at the return of Byfuglien/Enstrom, Hutchinson staying sharp and the Ducks goalie situation.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets unite Winnipeg like no other thing.  There are few things that universally bring people from all walks of life together like a love of a sports team.  We are certainly seeing that across town with Jets gear being worn from schools to offices and all places in-between.

TSN:  Maurice’s motivation guiding Jets.  Lots of Jack Adams talk for the Jets bench boss who took a team that was picked to finish at the bottom of the Central Division.  This article talks about his ability to get the most out of his players.

NHL.com:  Second-liner Stafford X-factor for Jets.  He has certainly been everything the Jets could ask for and more since his move from Buffalo.  Patrick breaks it down in this article.

CBC:  Jets fans fly south for playoff game against Ducks.  It will certainly be easier to secure tickets in Anaheim than it will in Winnipeg.

Ducks news:

Orange County Register:  Ducks refreshed and ready for playoff opener against the Jets.  Gotta love that the coach of the team which finished first in the Western Conference is trying to frame his squad as the underdogs.

L.A. Times:  Ducks must navigate Winnipeg whiteout on Stanley Cup quest.   Let the Teemu series begin.  Anaheim seems well aware of what the Jets will bring to the rink.

L.A. Times:  Ryan Kesler has given Ducks the gritty play they expected.  A player many from Winnipeg are familiar with from his time with the Manitoba Moose back in 2003 and 2004 has become quite an important piece for this Ducks team.