Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Sunday, Mar 18th)

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press:  No easing on the throttle.  Coach Noel won’t allow this game to get out of hand.  He will have expectations that this team has understood his game plan and will be prepared to rise to the occasion.  If he recognizes that players are not, you can expect the Jets bench boss to take action immediately during the game, rather than lamenting the play post-game.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Notebook.  Stuart’s fine.  Return of Bogosian.  Eric Fehr might be headed to the press box.  Glass not a fan of Crosby chant.  Jets sellout practice.  Telegin and Scheifele get some OHL recognition.

Winnipeg Sun:  Jets shouldn’t ignore Canes.  No more “easy games” for these Jets.  Each game is a cliche “must win” for the team which is hoping to thrust itself into the post season conversation.  What a story it will be a squad that most did not have high expectations of, the one that fell from contention last season, is able to rise to the occasion and continue their storybook tale into the playoffs.

Winnipeg Sun:  Fehr out, Bogo back.  Looks like Spencer Machacek, who has had quite a lot of success (48 points in 58 games) for the IceCaps, will be filling in for Fehr.  He has played 2 games for the Jets on the road, January 31st against the Flyers and February 5th versus the Canadiens.  Coach Noel will have some decisions to make on the back-end as he has 8 healthy defenceman.

Winnipeg Sun:  Stuart fined for hit.  While the heavy hitting defenceman will be a bit lighter in the pocket book (to the tune of $2,500.00), the good news for the Jets is he won’t be suspended.

Globe and Mail:  Jets debate crowd behaviour.  About the only thing I dislike is yelling during the anthems.  If there is one thing about the MTS Centre crowd that you have to love is they decide what they would like to do.  Without question my favourite instance of this was the inspired boo-cheer-boo at the Anaheim game back in December when any Ducks touched the puck except Selanne.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Seeing the (Blue) Light.  Many are “seeing the light” who were skeptical as to what exactly a ‘hockey team’ could do to improve the quality of life in this city.  Even if you are not a huge hockey fan, there is something quite exhilarating about being in the presence of 15,003 other Manitobans cheering on your hometown team.  Whether the return of the NHL has somehow improved the local weather is up to debate….

Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay:  Part 1 and Part 2.  Catch both parts of yesterday’s show.

Affiliate news – St. John’s IceCaps:

The Telegram:  Unmotivated IceCaps get crowned by Monarchs in St. Patrick’s Day contest.  The Caps are hungry to clinch but the Monarchs are desperate for points to even get a crack at the playoffs.  The 2nd game goes this afternoon at the Mile One Centre in St. John’s 4 pm NDT.

Next opponent news – Carolina Hurricanes:

News and Observer:  Bowman, Sutter rally Hurricanes for 5-3 win over Wild.  Backup Brian Boucher spelled off Cam Ward for yesterday’s game against Minnesota, which means the Jets will likely be facing Ward between the pipes.

News and Observer:  Skinner speaks on suspension.  Good news for the Jets as game 2 of his two game suspension is for today’s game in Winnipeg.