Note: The Jets practiced on Saturday afternoon in Winnipeg without knowing who their second round opponent will be and they still had no clarity later that evening as a result of the Habs winning in OT to force a game 7 on Monday in Toronto. While the opponent is still unknown the Jets did learn their schedule for the 2nd round, although where the series starts will be impacted by the winner of game 7. The team is off today.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Jets ‘calm but ready’ as they await outcome of Leafs-Canadiens series. I did see a stat that said in the next series between a team that swept and one that went seven games the winner of the seven game series since 2001 has won five straight but before 2001 it was the team that did the sweeping which was 5-2 meaning that evens out to 7-7.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets champing at the bit for second leg of playoff race. And they are gonna have to wait just a bit longer thanks to the Habs win in OT on Saturday night.
Winnipeg Sun: No media types around, so Jets can let their hair down. Things have certainly changed from what life was like 14 months ago when post-game took place in the dressing room as opposed to via zoom. Paul also wrote about the depth of the Jets next round opponent (regardless of which team it is), Jets not being able to catch anyone unaware, not picking an opponent, Hellebuyck working out with Flaherty.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets prepared for anything as they await Round 2 opponent. (Paywall). No point in getting too bogged down in the details considering who they face is beyond their control.
TSN: Travel exemption expected for NHL semis. Not a huge surprise which will at least mean whichever North Division team emerges will be able to play home games at their home arena.
NHL.com: Pionk brings consistency, competitiveness to Jets in Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has certainly continued to elevate his game for this Winnipeg club, providing it with much needed backend stability.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
The Athletic Winnipeg: Would the Jets prefer the Maple Leafs or Canadiens? Likeability, loatheability, chances of winning and more. (Paywall). The question since the Jets eliminated Edmonton on Monday night was which team will Winnipeg face? A question still not answered as of today. Which means you should read Murat’s article from yesterday which looked into a number of factors in trying to determine which team the Jets would prefer to face.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Jets ready to speak with Manitoba government about fans returning to arena. Chris Johnston and Elliotte Friedman go over all the news and rumours in the NHL including Sabres’ talks with Jack Eichel, the latest on John Tavares, if the Winnipeg Jets will have fans in the stands and more.
TSN: Lowry describes challenges Habs or Leafs will present. Adam Lowry discusses the different challenges the Maple Leafs and Canadiens present but says Winnipeg’s approach won’t change regardless of who their opponent is. The Jets also explain how they stay prepared without knowing the specifics of their next series.
Illegal Curve Hockey Show:
Topics: Reflecting on Jets four game sweep of Oilers. A look at the Jets potential second round opponent and how they match up against the Leafs or Habs. (Forwards, Defence).
Guest: Murat Ates (The Athletic Winnipeg)
To listen to part 1 click here.
Topics: Continuing our look at how the Jets matchup against the Leafs/Habs for 2nd round (defensively, special teams, coaching and goaltending).
Guests: Justin Cuthbert (Yahoo Sports) and Brian Englblom (former NHLer, Lightning analyst)
To listen to part 2 click here.
