Note: The Jets won again last night defeating the Flames 2-1 which ensured that Winnipeg will finish with the second most points in the Western Conference and currently sit in that same spot in the entire NHL (both Boston and Tampa Bay have a game in hand). The Predators also won last night which sets the stage for the Jets first round playoff opponent as the Wild. The team is scheduled to practice at 12 noon today at Bell MTS Place.
Note II: The Moose get ready to kick off their final homestand of the season as they welcome the Bakersfield Condors to town. The Central division is incredibly tight with the Wolves in 1st just ahead of the Moose and Griffins with the IceHogs just in the rear view mirror. Tonight will be a big contest for the Moose with morning skate at 10 am out at the IcePlex and then puck drop at Bell MTS Place at 7 pm.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: Supported at every turn by his father Heinz, Nikolaj Ehlers has achieved many of his hockey dreams. (Paywall). Murat with a look at the most electrifying player on this Jets team, the one who when he takes hold of the puck fans edge out of their seats to watch what he is gonna do with it, and the impact his father had on the Dynamic Dane.
Winnipeg Free Press: A chance to leave the past behind. (Paywall). Really great read from Mike on how folks are hoping to avoid some of the heartache they’ve experienced from previous incarnations of the Jets.
Star Tribune: Wild expecting ‘great test’ from Jets in first-round matchup. Just southeast of here the folks in the State of Hockey have already turned their focus onto the series against Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets to play Wild in first round. Who is ready for some Friendly Manitoba vs Minnesota Nice? Should be a good tilt for these regional rivals with plenty of storylines ahead of the first game.
Global News: Blake Wheeler’s 90th point of season lifts Jets to win. The captain sets a new career high as he hits the 90 point plateau for the first time in his career.
Winnipeg Free Press: Hellebuyck snuffs the Flames. (Paywall). He was solid once again, especially in the 1st period where his team gave up two breakaways against, and his win was historic as it tied Tom Barrasso for most by a U.S. born goalie in a season at 43.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets need to get into playoff mode now. (Paywall). Former NHLer turned scribe Scott Campbell feels like the Jets need to focus on the post-season immediately.
Calgary Sun: Foo nets first goal as Flames near finish-line in lost season. We saw the first year pro a few weeks back playing well for the Stockton Heat against the Moose and last night he scored once again, this time he got his first NHL goal. Read about the game from the perspective of a beat writer that covers Calgary.
Sportsnet: 31 Thoughts. Numbers 10 (Kyle Connor), 11 (Maurice) and 12 (defensive depth) pertain to the Jets.
Jets video:
TSN: First round matchup against Wild ‘perfect scenario’ for Jets. TSN Hockey analyst Jamie McLennan explains why facing the Wild in the first round is a “perfect scenario” for the Jets, and discusses whether Connor Hellebuyck can get the job done in the playoffs despite no postseason experience.
Jets audio:
Spittin’ Chiclets: Episode 73 Featuring Blake Wheeler. The Jets captain comes in around the 18 minute mark. He spoke about his path to the NHL, the best/worst changes in the league since he joined, teenage sniper Patrik Laine, what it was like having to watch Boston win the Cup after being traded, how he kills time on the road, and much more.
Moose news:
Illegal Curve: Three member of the Manitoba Moose named to AHL All-Star teams. Niku, Appleton and Hutchinson are the trio who got the nod.
Illegal Curve: Moose sign Jets draft pick Jacob Cederholm to an amateur tryout agreement. The prospect defenceman will join the farm club and it will be interesting to see how his game transitions to the North American game.
