Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Friday, Feb 24th)

Jets news:

Note:  Stay tuned to IC.com for a great feature on Ondrej Pavelec that our hockey analyst Richard Pollock wrote, giving his assessment of what barometer might be used for contract discussions with the Czech netminder.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Ladd’s a leader, no doubt about it.  He is backing up his off ice talk with strong play on the ice.  It is one thing to talk a good game, but the Jets captain is putting words into action as his recent hot streak (4 games, 5 goals and 3 assists) has helped launch the Jets into 1st in the Southeast.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets are number one*.  While the Jets know that pretty much every team has games in-hand on them, with Florida’s play of late (they have lost their last 4 games) this might not matter.  The Panthers next 3 games are against Carolina, Montreal and Toronto so we shall see if they can turn it around against those weaker Eastern division opponents.

Winnipeg Sun:  Snapshots.  Playoff shot too good to be true.  Southleast division (if you don’t believe it see standings below).  Jets goal scoring woes thing of past.  Best 1st period in ages.  Ladd’s strong play.  Pavelec’s wild save.  GST line does it again.  Out of this world power play.  Getting Flood into lineup.  Needless 3rd period penalties.  Need to tighten up game.

Winnipeg Sun:  Enstrom is anxious.  If the Jets can keep this going the playoffs are still a definite possibility.  While his unorthodox choke down style is somewhat puzzling, his play since his return from injury has helped steady this team and put them in a position to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2006/07 season.

Winnipeg Sun:  The forecast for Jets’ Flood.  It is highly unlikely that the Jets are sending Flood down as they know he would probably be claimed by another team.  Coach Noel went unorthodox and dressed 11 forwards and 7 defencemen to get Flood some game action.  The reliable defender from Prince Edward Island played for 8:31, finished with 1 assist and a +1 in his first game back on ice in 15 contests.

Winnipeg Sun:  Overtime.  Nicole Dubé and Ted Wyman talk about the NHL trade deadline on Overtime, and the implications it may have on the Winnipeg Jets.

Game Recap – Jets 4 Lightning 3:

Winnipeg Jets:  Ondrej Pavelec, Andrew Ladd, Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien.

Coach Noel:  Post-game Press Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning:  Martin St. Louis and coach Guy Boucher.

Illegal Curve: Post-game podcast. Guest host Michael Remis and Analyst Richard Pollock break down the game.

Illegal Curve:  Jets on a Deadline.  Game recaps, post-game audio, video highlights and the NHL.com 3 Stars.

Affiliate news – St. John’s IceCaps:

The Telegram:  Macenauer looks like a fine fit for IceCaps.  While he has not been on fire like the guy he was traded for, coach McCambridge likes the sandpaper type of play that he brings to his 1st place squad.  Columnist Robin Short will be appearing on tomorrow’s Illegal Curve Hockey Show in TSN Radio 1290 to bring us up-to-date with the Jets farm team.

Next opponent news – St. Louis Blues:

St. Louis Dispatch:  Blues break through in Nashville.  While most Jets fans have been focused on the Eastern conference, it might surprise you to learn that the Blues have been one of the hottest teams in the West this season.  Sitting in 4th place, coach Ken Hitchcock’s defensive style has them with the lowest goals against in the West.  The Achilles heel of this team seems to be their road play, as they are now 11-13-3 after last night’s win in Nashville.