Note: It has been 139 days since the Jets took to the ice in Edmonton and tonight they will get back onto that ice surface to take on the Vancouver Canucks in their one and only exhibition game before the play-in series gets underway.
Note II: The Jets will kick off their day with a morning skate at 11:30 AM CT so be sure to keep it locked here for our pre-game report. Stay tuned for all the latest news ahead of puck drop at 9:30 PM CT and then the post-game recap following the conclusion of the contest between Winnipeg and Vancouver.
Jets news:
Grand Forks Herald: Jets coach says he feels confident handing Tucker Poolman difficult assignments in Stanley Cup Playoffs. Brad covered Poolman during his UND years and writes about the pride of East Grand Forks (which makes him a Minnesotan and not North Dakotan).
Sportsnet: What Jets can learn from Flames’ exhibition showing against Oilers. The Jets got a sneak peek at their Saturday opponent courtesy of last night’s Battle of Alberta. Ken wrote about what the prairie squad can learn from the contest.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets expect ‘serious’ exhibition game against Canucks as they have only one chance to get... You ain’t fighting for a job to start the season but you better be ready to go after this tune up because there won’t be any room for error when the games start to count.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets Snapshots. Ted’s column includes: 1) Jets GM Cheveldayoff gets choked up while talking about Hawerchuk. 2) Scouting the competition. 3) Fit for a King (Clancy). 4) Where are the mini sticks?
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
Winnipeg Free Press: Being in bubble hotel feels like minor hockey tourney trip. (Paywall). Don’t expect the 1980s brawls that coach Maurice spoke about during his media availability but can’t see guys being overly chummy during this tournament.
Winnipeg Free Press: Slow and steady loses this race, Jets GM says. (Paywall). A short five game series doesn’t leave you much wiggle room.
Sportsnet: Dale Hawerchuk front of mind as Jets prepare to return to play. And he will be present with the team on the back of their helmets as the iconic member of the Jets 1.0 renews his battle with cancer.
Sportsnet: Flames left with tough call between Talbot, Rittich as starter vs. Jets. A look at the top question facing the Jets opponent.
The Athletic Calgary: Getting to know the Flames’ stars, goalies and unsung heroes. (Paywall). The flip-side to Murat’s article below for folks in Winnipeg who may be unfamiliar with the Flames.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Jets’ game-breakers, goalies and glue guys with Murat Ates. (Paywall). Murat provides some good insight for folks in Calgary who may be unfamiliar with the Jets.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: 3 Big Questions for Winnipeg heading into series against Calgary. Will Paul Maurice’s slow start impact Winnipeg’s return to game action? Does Hellebuyck need to stand on his head for Jets? And can Winnipeg’s high-end offence carry them to a series victory over Calgary? Sean Reynolds & Shawn McKenzie discuss.
Sportsnet: 3 Big Questions for Flames heading into series against Jets. Will Calgary’s top line produce when it matters most? Will David Rittich or Cam Talbot get the nod in goal? And will there be significant changes if the Flames can’t win a playoff series? Eric Francis & Shawn McKenzie break it down.
TSN: ‘It’s a sprint right off the bat’: Jets ready for playoff grind. As the Jets continue tuning up for their best-of-five series with the Flames, the team realizes how important a strong start will be as these playoffs are more of a sprint than a marathon.
Jets audio:
TSN 1290 Winnipeg: Beaulieu on NHL return to play: ‘It’s a big opportunity’. Jets defenseman Nathan Beaulieu joined the Afternoon Ride as his team gets set to face Vancouver in an exhibition game.
