Note: The Jets finally recalled David Gustafsson from the AHL and their 2018 2nd rounder joined them for practice on Thursday which saw him at centre of the 4th line alongside Kristian Vesalainen and Jansen Harkins. Winnipeg will need to have all four lines rolling as they take on a Washington team which sits tied for 1st place in the Metropolitan division and are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. Morning skate gets going at 10:30 AM so check back for the pre-game report to get all the latest news as they get set to play the Capitals for the first time this season. Puck drop is at 7 PM. Join the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show once the final buzzer sounds.
Note II: The Moose had a rare stumble yesterday afternoon in Chicago as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory allowing a last second goal against which capped a three goal comeback for the division leading Wolves. On the positive Jeff Malott scored his fourth goal in seven games and Jets 2017 3rd rounder Johnny Kovacevic set a career high for goals with this bank shot (which left one Manitoban shaking his head in disbelief it went in off of him). Manitoba now sits 15-8-1 on the season. They won’t have any time to lament their loss as they flew into Iowa where they will play another division rival in the Wild tonight and tomorrow night. Puck drop is at 7 PM tonight.
Note III: Somewhat breaking news today given the fact that Paul Maurice has resigned as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets and assistant coach Dave Lowry has been named interim head coach. You can watch the media availability with Paul Maurice here and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff here.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: David Gustafsson relishing chance of making his mark with Jets. He’s been one of the best players for the Moose and was designated one of the leaders of the squad at just 21.
Winnipeg Free Press: Gustafsson’s patience pays off. (Paywall). He works hard on and off the ice and that is evident when you watch him play. There is still growth to come but his 200 foot game at 5 on 5 as well as what he can do on the PK will definitively be an asset for the Jets.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets loss to struggling Sabres a wake-up call. (Paywall). While the cliche is often tossed out that on any given night any NHL team can defeat another, that seems to be happening on a fairly regular basis to this club.
Global News: Jets’ reunion of Copp and Lowry was done with purpose. This really does give the Jets balance and a 4th line, that if trusted, could also be an important cog in the wheel for this Jets club.
The Athletic Winnipeg: It’s time to ask about Mark Scheifele’s ceiling as the Jets’ franchise player. (Paywall). You can always count on plenty of interesting thoughts and tidbits in Murat’s articles and his latest piece on number 55 just does that. Give this one a read for sure.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Global News: True North to keep full capacity at Winnipeg Jets games. With what is happening in Ontario and now Quebec there wasn’t certainty but the team made this announcement on Thursday.
Jets video:
Global News: Weekly segment with John Shannon on the Jets. Their weekly conversation with 680 CJOB hockey analyst John Shannon touches on COVID-19 wreaking havoc on the NHL and what it could mean for the season plus what’s plaguing the inconsistent Winnipeg Jets.
