Note: The Jets held a practice at Bell MTS Place on Thursday, one in which it looked like coach Maurice will continue with the same formula tonight in Pittsburgh that got him a win in the last game Winnipeg played. Morning skate gets underway at 10:30 am CT and the pre-game report will bring you up to speed with the latest news and audio from PPG Paints Arena. Puck drop is at 6 pm CT. Following the game be sure to check back here for our post-game recap.
Note II: Winnipeg made a minor deal sending future considerations to the Vegas Golden Knights to secure veteran AHL defenceman Jimmy Oligny who was playing for the Wolves in the AHL. Shortly thereafter Manitoba announced a separate move sending Tye McGinn to these same Wolves for future considerations. Like the Jets, the Moose are also in action tonight down in Texas as they look to get back in the win column when they take on the Texas Stars this evening at HEB Center in Cedar Park. Puck drop is at 7 pm CT.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Five keys to Jets vs Penguins. Ken’s big matchup is Blake Wheeler vs Phil Kessel. His five keys to the game include: 1) Time to build. 2) Leading the way. 3) Surviving Byfuglien’s absence. 4) Connor has gone cold. 5) More from the fourth.
Winnipeg Sun: Frieser Burns. Gotta say I’m enjoying the name of Paul’s new column which covers: 1) Wheeler never considered pulling an Ovie. His kids wouldn’t let him. 2) Laine was a coach’s nightmare as a junior. 3) Roslovic says it’s about time fourth line produces.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets coach comfortable with fourth-line centre role for Copp. (Paywall). He is quite a reliable Swiss army knife for the Jets bench boss.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets all-stars heap praise on each other, teammates. (Paywall). Mutual admiration society between 26 and 55.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM needs to improve squad for playoff run. (Paywall). I suspect when Mike wrote this article he wasn’t referencing the minor league trade the team made last night. What piece of the puzzle do you see the Jets wanting to add to help them make a deep playoff run this post-season?
The Athletic Winnipeg: Mathieu Perreault may be the Corsi king but insists he doesn’t need a stats sheet to know if he played well or not. (Paywall). For my money you are gonna be hard pressed to find a more insightful player to chat with in the NHL. Murat had a discussion with number 85.
Jets video:
Winnipeg Sun sports editor Ted Wyman and Winnipeg Jets beat writer Ken Wiebe break down the latest in the world of the Jets.