Note: The final game of the 2015-16 season for Winnipeg goes tonight in L.A. as the Jets take on the Kings in game 82 with puck drop at 9 pm. Hard to believe a year that began with so much promise will see the Jets finish last in the Central (11th in the Western Conference). For the final time this NHL season be sure to keep it locked to illegalcurve.com throughout the day. Once the site is updated we will also notify you via Twitter | Facebook | Instagram.
Note II: While the Jets season comes to an end the Manitoba Moose still have four games left to play. Two of those will be at home today and tomorrow as they welcome the Rockford IceHogs to town. This afternoon is the Josh Morrissey bobblehead game although he won’t be playing in the game. Puck drops at the MTS Centre at 2 pm.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets autopsy, part 3: Not great expectations. (Paywall). As they have done throughout this series Ed and Tim give you quite a bit to digest including: 1) Prospect auditions 2) Non-audition guys. 3) Is Kyle Connor ready for prime time? 4) 2016 draft lottery. 5) Scheifele contract. 6) Captaincy. 7) Vets, UFAs, FAS. 8) Goalie drama? 9) Trouba contract. 10) Fans expectations.
Winnipeg Free Press: Working hard in Winnipeg, dreaming of Auston. (Paywall). Paul writes that the Jets would better served looking to the example of the Kansas City Royals instead of pinning their hopes on a draft lottery win.
Winnipeg Sun: No firings coming in Jets organization. There has been plenty of fan reaction calling for the heads of the assistant coaches on the bench rather than putting any heat on the bench boss. Coach Maurice to his credit has largely tried to insulate his assistants by saying he is ultimately responsible for the final decisions made. Ken’s article focuses on GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Head coach Paul Maurice.
Globalnews.ca: Is the Winnipeg Jets’ honeymoon over? Fans have been patient with this franchise and while some are fine with the step back the team had with the kids this season it will be interesting to see fan reaction if it is more of the same next season.
CBC: The Jets and the (lack of) pressure. A look at an apparent lack of outside pressure and how this may contribute to a lack of same within the organization.
Jets audio:
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Hustler and Lawless. The guys discuss whether Marko Dano, Julian Melchiori, Chase De Leo are a part of the future for the Winnipeg Jets.
Moose audio:
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Rona Roundtable. Head Coach Keith McCambridge spoke about the constantly changing roster, and the number of Moose players who have been called up to the Jets.
Prospect news:
Illegal Curve: Kyle Connor runner up for Hobey Baker Award. As someone who has watched him play a number of times this season it was quite a surprise to me when the Jets top pick wasn’t selected. Having said that I hadn’t seen Vesey or Demko play so I had Connor tunnel vision.
Winnipeg Sun: Kyle Connor snubbed for Hobey Baker Award. Really expected his name to be called and figured that headline would have said wins not snubbed.
Recap of the game.
Thoughts on the big 5-0 win.
Keeping you up-to-date with all the latest pro hockey news in Manitoba.
The Jets have an extra forward with the Gus Bus out of the shop and…