Note: The Jets have completed five games of this six-game homestand as they beat the Predators last night by a score of 5-4 in a shootout which means they are a perfect 5/5 with one final game to go on Tuesday against the Bruins. Today the team is scheduled to hit the ice for practice at 12 noon and we shall see if Jacob Trouba remains in a yellow non-contact uniform or if he is ready to go back to the red normally worn by the Jets healthy defencemen. Michael Hutchinson was also taking shots in practice so we will have to see if we get an update on his status. The Jets Practice Report will get you up to date at noon.
Note II: The Moose are coming off a split of their weekend series with the Heat which kicked off the first couple of games in this eight-game homestand. The team cancelled Sunday’s on-ice practice and will hit the ice at 10 am for morning skate ahead of today’s 7 pm game against the Icehogs. I will be joining voice of the Moose Mitch Peacock in the broadcast booth for the next couple of contests. Coach Vincent indicated Nic Petan could be back tonight and we shall have to wait and see if newly signed C.J. Suess is ready to play. Stay tuned.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Whiteout warning as the Jets back in the playoffs for first time since 2015. With expectations growing each day the Whiteout (and corresponding crowd noise) may hit an entirely new level of insanity. Ken recaps last night’s game which saw the home side clinch.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets faithful get playoff payoff. (Paywall). They have been waiting a few years and the difference between this squad and the one that had to scratch and claw their way into the playoffs back in 2015 seem night and day.
Sportsnet: Built for success, Jets could do damage in playoffs. No doubt that this is as talented a forward group as any and provided they can get healthy in time the post-season kicks off they do have a good chance to get to that next level.
USA Today: Jets-Predators would make for a fun playoff series. Seems like a bit of an understatement since it may be so good that those with a heart condition might have to skip watching it live.
CTV Winnipeg: Chance meeting with strangers lands long-time Jets fan at first game of her life. Really nice story on two Manitobans displaying an enviable level of kindness towards a fellow Jets fan.
theScore: Jets shut down Enstrom for remainder of regular season. If you want to go deep in the playoffs you need healthy bodies so it makes sense to give the veteran some time to get healthy again.
Illegal Curve: Finnish portrait artist Akke Saari draws Winnipeg Jets sniper Patrik Laine. Simply spectacular attention to detail in this piece of art.
Jets video:
TSN: Connor is a complete player that will only get better. Kyle Connor has quietly put together a magnificent rookie campaign and Craig Button explains why his exceptional hockey sense has allowed him to take advantage of his opportunities.
Moose news:
Illegal Curve: Jets 2014 5th rounder C.J. Suess signs one-year ELC. While this is technically Jets news he also signed an ATO and will spend the rest of the season with the Moose.