Note: The Jets are back in action as they get ready to face the Ducks in the fourth game of this six-game home stand at Bell MTS Place. Yesterday’s practice was informative not only about Patrik Laine’s health but also of two Jets netminders as well as Jacob Trouba. Winnipeg will hit the ice for today’s morning skate at 10:30 am and our Jets pre-game report will set things up. Stay tuned throughout the day for any and all Jets news and updates via Twitter |Facebook | Instagram.
Note II: With the Wolves nipping at their heels in the standings the Moose handled the Heat with last night’s 4-1 win over Stockton to improve to 39-19-4-4. It was a good way to kick off eight straight at Bell MTS Place as they look to finish the season strong and maintain their hold on top spot in the division. The team will take the day off today before they return to the ice tomorrow to get ready to face the Heat on Saturday night.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: Jets young players accomplish an unofficial — and largely unnoticed — goal-scoring feat. (Paywall). Part of the benefit of good drafting is when these prospects develop you get accomplishments like these as Murat discusses.
Winnipeg Sun: Five keys to Jets vs. Ducks. Ken’s big matchup is Mark Scheifele vs Ryan Kesler. His keys to the game include: 1) Kyle Connor rolling. 2) Welcome back Jack. 3) Solve Gibson. 4) Slump buster. 5) Keep Ducks top line in check.
Winnipeg Sun: Veteran centre Bryan Little adapts to new role. Fact is that he is the perfect teammate and while he is obviously not 100% (but then again who is really) his willingness to sacrifice for the team doesn’t go unnoticed by his teammates or the fans.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Sun: Jets celebrate blocked shots. While I suspect most would prefer not to see guys like Laine or Ehlers or Scheifele or Wheeler stepping in front of an NHL slapshot it is an instilled value for most of these players.
Winnipeg Sun: Extra protection for Laine? Considering how much harder guys shoot its probably not a bad idea if it can be worn without impacting a players skating.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets forward Jack Roslovic could return if he shakes flu bug. Considering he had a strong game against the Hawks the other night the rookie forward is likely champing at the bit to get back into the lineup.
Winnipeg Sun: Laine out with foot injury: Jets winger expected to miss at least two games. While the Jets would have liked to have their young sniper for all their remaining games a few games off to rest/recover will serve him well down the stretch.
Winnipeg Free Press: The good news: Laine’s foot just bruised; the bad? He’s out for a bit. (Paywall). When you consider the alternative I suspect losing the Rocket Richard race will be fine for a healthy playoff run.
Winnipeg Free Press: Goaltending, special teams what sets Jets apart from Leafs. (Paywall). One unfortunate consequence of the Laine/Matthews draft will be this incessant need to compare players and teams for the next decade. Having said that, former NHLer turned scribe Scott Campbell with his thoughts on the topic.
Winnipeg Free Press: Dump & Chase (Bonds of brotherhood, big-league and small). (Paywall). Another edition of Mike and Jason’s weekly online feature covering the local squad as well as the NHL in general.
Sportsnet: Winnipeg breathes sigh of relief as Jets avoid serious Patrik Laine injury. No question that many folks across the Prairies were happy after yesterday’s practice.
TSN: Pondering a postseason deployment plan. An interesting look at who plays well together and who does not.
Illegal Curve: Winnipeg Jets Practice Report. Plenty to digest from yesterday’s skate at Bell MTS Place including practice notes, lines/D pairs, audio (Ehlers, Little & coach) as well as health updates.
Jets audio:
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Laine diagnosis was the best news Jets could get. TSN 1290 Winnipeg Jets play-by-play voice Paul Edmonds discusses the diagnosis on Patrik Laine’s injury, the new Jets lines in his absence, and the remaining games on the current homestand.
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Stanley still needs time. Matt Larkin from The Hockey News joined host Kevin Olszewski to break down his latest feature on NHL prospects and why a Winnipeg Jets draft pick cracked one of his lists.
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Homestand exactly what the Jets need before playoffs. Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey joined the show to talk about being on the ice during Patrik Laine’s injury, playing with a new defence partner and why the club’s six game run at home is the perfect tune-up to the playoffs.
Moose news:
Illegal Curve: Moose show they can handle the Heat with 4-1 win. Head back inside Bell MTS Place as the Moose kicked off this eight game homestand with a big win over Stockton as they maintained their lead on the division over a hard charging Wolves teams. Includes post-game audio from JC Lipon, Mason Appleton, Jamie Phillips and coach Vincent.
