Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note:  In light of the NBA suspending their season last night the NHL put out a statement saying they are consulting with medical experts and evaluating the options.  Update:  The NHL has decided to suspend/pause the 2019-20 season as did the AHL a few hours later.

Note II:  Last night the Jets went into Edmonton to kick off a critical western Canadian road trip and came out of E-Town with two points after they picked up a 4-2 win.  It was the fourth win in a row for Winnipeg who leapfrogged back into a playoff spot (1st wildcard spot) sitting with 80 points and just two back of an idle Dallas team in 3rd spot in the Central although the Stars have two games in hand.  The team was scheduled to have a day off today before they resume practice on Friday in Calgary but as you can read about in the first note all is waiting on the NHL to make a determination.

Note III:  The Moose had wrapped up a few days of practice Winnipeg and were scheduled to head to Milwaukee today to begin a six-game road trip.  Those plans are likely on hold as the NHL and AHL figure out their plan of attack.

Jets news:

The Athletic Winnipeg: From 2 to 88: Jets players reveal why they wear the numbers they do.  (Paywall).  A fun, non-coronavirus related article is a nice distraction.  

The Athletic Winnipeg/Edmonton:  Health crisis puts vital Oilers-Jets game in perspective.  (Paywall).  Murat and his colleague from E-Town collaborated on this piece about last night’s game and all the things going on off the ice that were taking place before and after the contest. 

Winnipeg Sun: Connor’s two goals lead Jets past Oilers.  He’s now up over 200 points in his NHL career and sits sixth overall in the NHL in terms of goal scoring.  It has been a spectacular season to date for the Michigan man.  Scott recaps the game action.

Winnipeg Sun:  Playing in an empty arena would be ‘weird’ and ‘unusual’, Jets say.  Considering how dependent the NHL is on gate revenue I am not even sure this would be considered as anything beyond a very short-term measure.  And given where it appears the NHL is going it appears to be a moot point.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets jump back into playoff spot as sporting world focuses on coronavirus.  (Paywall).  With the news of the NBA dominating the news cycle on Wednesday night it was hard to really focus on sports.  Mike did his best and recaps the action from his spot inside Rogers Arena.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets, Oilers, Flames and Canucks all have legitimate shot at the playoffs.  (Paywall).  Western Canadian hockey fans and those on the prairies have to love the direction of these four clubs as they all continue to progress after some very lean years.

Edmonton Sun: Will Oilers and Jets be last NHL game for awhile?  Would have to suspect so but we will await official word from the NHL.

Edmonton Journal: Coronavirus fears overshadow fine game as Oilers lose to Jets. It certainly was an entertaining contest last night.

Sportsnet: NHL players reflect on NBA shutdown as waiting game with season starts.  Presuming the NHL suspends the season today the likelihood is the waiting game will continue as folks wait for news of either a resumption or cancelling of the 2019-20 season.

Jets video:

TSN:  Ehlers is having a fantastic, under the radar season in Winnipeg.  The Jets have a ton of offensive firepower with stars like Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor garnering most of the attention, allowing Nik Ehlers to fly under the radar in Winnipeg. TSN Hockey analyst Mike Johnson credits Ehlers for his solid play with and without the puck, and shares his thoughts on the Oilers’ search for a good fit on Connor McDavid’s wing.