Illegal Curve Hockey

Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)

Note: The Jets were on the ice for a practice on Sunday where we learned that Andrew Copp is closing in on a return to the lineup. We will have to wait and see today at morning skate in Montreal at 9:30 am CT if Andrew Copp is feeling well and ready to return and also whether Sami Niku will be freed. Be sure to check back for the pre-game report. Puck drop is at 6 pm CT.

Note II: After earning a weekend split with the Eagles to conclude a six-game homestand the Moose will practice today at 11 am here in Winnipeg as they get ready to head out for three games on the road.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Free Press: You want the truth? Jets have both refs and selves to blame. (Paywall). Sitting back on a lead in the 3rd is never a good idea.

Winnipeg Free Press: On verge of return… Jets haven’t been the same without him. (Paywall). If you look at how things have gone since he left the lineup the trend is alarming.

Winnipeg Sun: Big Matchup and Five Keys to the Game. Scott’s big matchup is Mark Scheifele hot streak vs. Habs. His five keys include: 1) Helle-back? 2) Power-play prowess. 3) #FreeNiku? 4) Pionk production. 5) Kovalchuk debut?

Winnipeg Sun: Sorely missed Copp on cusp of return. No doubt that he has been missed significantly on the Jets third line.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets need lineup changes to stop rough ride. No doubt about it that this team can use an infusion or three into the lineup and that could come as quickly as two fresh bodies (Copp & Niku) in for tonight’s game against the Habs and perhaps a third one (Kulikov) on the road trip.

Photo Credit: Colby Spence

Illegal Curve Hockey Show Replay:

Topics: Jets/Maple Leafs recap, Jets have lost four of their last five games, Is it time for Sami Niku to be freed, Andrew Copp and Dmitry Kulikov are close to returning from injuries, Jets/Wild Preview, Previewing the upcoming road trip for the Jets, Grading the Jets offence, defence, special teams, goaltending and coaching at the 41 game mark

Guests: Scott Billeck (Winnipeg Sun) at 27:59 and Anthony La Panta (Minnesota Wild play-by-play broadcaster) at 52:25.

To listen to part 1 click here.

Topics: Projecting how many points the Jets will need to make the playoffs in the Western Conference, Kevin Cheveldayoff talks about Dustin Byfuglien and Paul Maurice, John Tortorella’s comments about NHL officiating and game management, Corey Perry’s five game suspension, Pittsburgh Penguins

Guests: Marc Dumont (The Athletic Montreal) at 17:37 and Marisa Ingemi (Boston Herald) at 41:47

To listen to part 2 click here.

David Minuk

Working hard on a daily basis to provide the latest Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose news for our readers and listeners. I also appear on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show every Saturday on our YouTube channel as well as the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show after every single Jets game. And I occasionally jump in the play-by-play booth at Canada Life to provide colour analysis during Manitoba Moose games.