Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Friday, Mar 16th)

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Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press: It’s a big game, indeed.  The Jets started playing playoff hockey around game 17 when this notion that every game was the next ‘most important game of the year’.  Finally, tonight’s game against 8th place Washington represents that sentiment.  It is a 4 point game.  If you want to have a glimmer of hope at catching a team like the Capitals, this game is a ‘must win’.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Monsters at home, weaklings on the road.  The Jets play at home versus on the road reminds me of that old garbage bag commercial, “Hefty, Hefty, Hefty, Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy”.  Coach Noel is clearly sick of talking about it anymore as he expressed in yesterday’s presser.  Simply put, if the Jets want to play in the playoffs, they will need to win the majority of their 7 remaining road games against some tough opponents like the Penguins, Rangers and these very same Washington Capitals next Friday at Verizon Center.

Winnipeg Sun:  News and Notes.  Jets, Caps playoff pressure equals paranoia.  New experiences for young guns.  Modified GST with Fehr might be lining up opposite Ovi.  Hairy situation (or as IC’s Michael Remis is hashtagging it #beardstrength).

Winnipeg Sun:  Jury’s out on Jets.  Time to separate the contenders from the pretenders.  Are the Jets good enough to make the playoffs?  Since the beginning of the season that has been the subject of debate.  Now with a dozen games left we will see if these Jets can go 8-4 to hit the 90 point mark, which just might be enough to finish in the playoffs.

Winnipeg Sun:  Overtime (video).  Nicole Dubé and Ted Wyman talk about what the Winnipeg Jets needs to do to keep their NHL playoff hopes alive.

Illegal Curve:  Coach Noel presser.  Good start to the homestand.  Home vs. Road success.  Jets with big leads changes style.  Riding Pavelec for rest of season.  Different Capitals teams than previously faced?  Fans add to Jets success at home (deserve credit).  Accountability.  Bogosian remains day-to-day.

Next opponent news – Washington Capitals:

Washington Post:  Nicklas Backstrom on recovery from concussion – “Right now I feel good”.  Crosby’s story is a cautionary tale for any recovering from a concussion.

Washington Times:  Backstrom progress overshadowed by Ovechkin scare.  Should be interesting to hear what Caps coach Dale Hunter has to say about the status of his star player today at practice.