Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Thursday, Mar 1st)

Note:  Remember to stay tuned to IC all day as we will have audio from both the Jets and Panthers practice including from both coaches.  Following tonight’s game we will have post-game reactions from both dressing rooms as well as both coaches.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  A test of ‘potential’.  While the Jets have an outside shot at 3rd place in the division, they are likely shooting for 8th place or bust.  The good news is the Leafs have gone absolutely cold (1-81- in last 10), the bad news is the Capitals are heating up (3 wins in a row).   How will the players react in tonight’s ‘must-win’ remains to be seen but coach Noel will be expecting a full 60 from his squad.

Winnipeg Free Press:  New D-man Clitsome says we’re ‘awesome’.  The Ottawa native was very excited to be in Winnipeg.  He said he got twitter 2 days ago and his account has “blown up”.  He experienced the passion/fervor of the MTS Centre as he was sent for the split squad exhibition game here in Winnipeg.

Winnipeg Sun:  Talk of fatigue as factor just an excuse.  The players know that there is no advantage to admitting they might be tired.  65 games into the season and the Jets have to start playing the best hockey of the year.

Winnipeg Sun:  Pavelec is Jets’ money man.  Sometimes you cannot just rely on the numbers to tell the entire story.  Pavelec bring so many intangibles and this team has come to rely on his steadiness all season long.

Winnipeg Sun:  Overtime (video).  Nicole Dubé and Ted Wyman talk about the Winnipeg Jets latest loss to the Oilers, Blake Wheeler’s performance, and what the team looks like after the NHL trade deadline.

USA Today:  Blake Wheeler catches fire after cold in Winnipeg.  One could imagine the type of points he would have put up if he had not experienced the cold spell to start the first 18 games of the season.

Next opponent news – Florida Panthers:

Sun-Sentinel:  Hope is reinforcements will improve team’s penalty kill woes.   This could be the crack in the armor that the Jets need, as their pp has been clicking of late and might be the key to success against the division leader.

Miami Herald:  Mike Santorelli shows hint of emerging.  Will he start a “streak” after his 2 goals against the Leafs on Tuesday helped him break his scoring drought?