Note: It was a busy day for the Jets on Thursday as they practiced and then following it head coach Paul Maurice held a press conference to discuss his new extension (listen here) and then GM Kevin Cheveldayoff did as well to talk about his newly extended coach and a few other topics (listen here). Today they take on the Sharks in the fourth of six games at home in a little Valentine’s Day (technically Night) contest. Morning skate gets underway at 9:30 AM so be sure to check back for the pre-game report. Reminder that puck drop is at 6 PM.
Note II: After last night’s 5-2 loss to the IceHogs, which wrapped up the season series with their divisional rival, the Moose were scheduled to hit the ice for practice as they get ready to conclude their six-game homestand starting on Saturday night with Milwaukee aka the number one team in their division and entire AHL but have cancelled it. While the game itself wasn’t particularly noteworthy I can say that something happened that I had never seen before and post-game coach Vincent advised he hadn’t ever seen it before either.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Maurice has ears of his players and, most importantly, their respect. Scott spent some time on Thursday chatting with the Jets to gauge the temperature in the room.
Winnipeg Free Press: Best medicine for Jets is wins. (Paywall). You hear about it once a season usually when a bug is going through a room and how decimating it can be. We shall have to see today at morning skate if it will impact the captain. Jay also touches on Tucker Poolman and a number of the topics that were discussed in GM Kevin Cheveldayoff”s availability.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets GM, players support their bench boss. (Paywall). Would probably have been a tad surprising and hilarious if they would have voiced anything but that considering he will be behind the bench for some time. But clearly there was plenty of affirmation from his troops.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Why the Paul Maurice extension shifts pressure on Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff to improve the team’s roster. (Paywall). Ken writes that the hot seat transfers over to the GM.
Jets video:
TSN: Maurice feels confident the Jets have the pieces to contend. Paul Maurice sits down with Sara Orlesky to discuss whether he had any concerns about an extension with the Jets getting done, why he feels confident the team has the pieces to contend, if this season has been one of the biggest challenges of his career, and much more.
Sportsnet: Paul Maurice not surprised new contract came together during season. Paul Maurice joins Tim and Sid to talk about his new contract with Winnipeg Jets.
Jets audio:
TSN 1050 Toronto: Bob McKenzie on Maurice’s extension, the play of Connor Hellebuyck. TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie joined the boys on OverDrive earlier today in-studio. He touched on the extension for Paul Maurice and why he was never really in jeopardy of losing his job.
TSN 1050 Toronto: Paul Maurice on his contract extension, the Jets inconsistent season & their D-core. Head Coach of the Winnipeg Jets Paul Maurice joined the boys on OverDrive earlier today following the news of his contract extension with the team. He touched on that, the ups and downs of the Jets season so far & on their defensive core considering all they have lost since last season.
Sportsnet: 31 Thoughts Podcast. Jets talk with Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman starts around the 32 minute mark about Paul Maurice. Goes to 37:47.
