Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Tuesday, Mar 13th)

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  Focus reduced to getting wins.  The Jets no longer have the luxury of watching their opponents games.  Each and every game has been reduced to a “must win” as cliche as that sounds.  Equally important as winning is ensuring the wins are clean when facing their Southeast division rivals, something the Jets will do 7 of the last 13 games.  GM Kevin Cheveldayoff might be at the GM’s meetings in Florida, where the focus is on rule changes, but he is still keeping an eye firmly planted on the play of his Jets.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Teams adapting to rule changes, says Shannahan.  Evolve or die and teams know that those that cannot adapt to rule changes are only going to hurt themselves.  Glad to see former Jet 1.o Kris King having success in his new role as vice-president of hockey operations for the NHL.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Getting a Fehr chance.  It will be interesting to see how he handles being on the popular GST line.  As coach Noel often says, players have the opportunity, and it is on them to rise to the occasion.

Winnipeg Free Press:  News and Notes.   Byfuglien will play, Bogosian hopeful.  G-S-F line?  Scoreboard watching.

Winnipeg Sun:  The Byfuglien phenomenon.  The web was abuzz with raves reviews after Big Buff spent hours signing autographs on Sunday, a session that went into overtime.  He certainly endeared himself to his legions of fans with his off ice performance at the Tuxedo Shopping Centre.

Winnipeg Sun:  Will not enough for Jets says Noel.  There is only so far you can get by “really wanting something”.  This team has adopted coach Noel’s system (for the most part) which attempts to offset the disparity in talent.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Game day with Dancing Gabe.  One of the most recognizable super fans in the province for the past couple of decades.  He brings a ton of enthusiasm to every event he attends.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Evander Kane delivers newspapers (see below).  Hilarious commercial.  Kudos to both Kane and the Winnipeg Free Press for this effort.

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM joins supporters of hybrid icing.  Missed this story yesterday.  Players are bigger, faster and heavier and the resulting injuries when two players go breakneck into the boards chasing an icing have been horrific.  This modified icing still allows the excitement of a chase, but reduces the chances for injury.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Noel press conference.  If you missed his presser from yesterday here it is.  He discusses the following:  Update on Bogosian (remains day to day).  No Buff on the ice today talk (good to go).  Fehr stepping in for Thorburn.  Miettinen looking like Gretzky.  No more 11 and 7.  Fehr handling idle time (makes American Idol joke).  Surprised by road support?  Working hard and wanting it.  Scoreboard watching?

Affiliate news – St. John’s IceCaps:

The Telegram:  Albert’s folks goes the distance.  Always nice to have family support when you are living in a new situation.  It appears to have done the young rookie some good as he sits 3rd on the IceCaps in +/- at +8.

Next opponent news – Dallas Stars:

Dallas Morning News:  Shot-minded defenceman have helped Stars’ turnaround (registration required).  You don’t have to look far to understand the value in having your defence blasting the puck from the point.

ESPN Dallas:  Tomas Vincour making most of latest opportunity.  The young Czech seems to be making the most of this opportunity as he has played in 19 straight games since the Stars captain went down with an injury.

Wpg Free Press/Evander Kane Commercial: