Note: The Jets held a practice on Friday in Boston although we didn’t learn much as interim head coach Dave Lowry was keeping his lineup cards close to his vest. While it seems like Blake Wheeler is back for the first time since December 10th it wasn’t cleared up. Neither was the status of defenceman Brenden Dillon and his possible return and if he does come back who comes out? Will it be Dylan Samberg or Logan Stanley? We will have any updates in the pre-game report. Puck drop is at 2 PM CST and following the final buzzer we want you to join the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.
Note II: The Moose are also in action today as they kick off the first of six straight at home when they host division rival Chicago at 2 pm. The Wolves come into the game with the best winning percentage in the AHL while the Moose aren’t doing too shabby either sitting fifth overall. Should be quite the weekend series.
Note III: Jets interim head coach Dave Lowry confirmed the report from Thursday that Nikolaj Ehlers would be “week-to-week”. Tough news for Ehlers who prior to the game in Washington where he got hurt had missed the last game due to being in covid protocol.
Note IV: Be sure to join us on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show today at 9:00 am CST on our YouTube channel and social media platforms. Guests will be Sara Orlesky of TSN and Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: Sizing up Jets’ path to buying, selling or standing pat at the trade deadline. (Paywall). Feels about cuckoo for cocoa puffs that trade deadline talk is here given it feels like there is so much season left. Murat delves into the subject and the various paths the Jets could choose to take.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets living in a confusing COVID-19 blur. The concept of players just being left behind on the road is so odd. While it occasionally works out (ie. Wheeler in Minnesota or Dillon close to Washington) it really has created such a bizarre wrinkle to this season.
Winnipeg Free Press: Chris Kreviazuk ensures the Winnipeg Jets are rested, fed and get where they need to be. (Paywall). Lots in this one not just on the job Chris does but also zoom chats, team getting healthy and more.
Winnipeg Sun: A tale of two quarantines for Jets’ Dillon, Comrie. Having more than one home can be onerous but in this instance it paid off.
Global News: Competition becoming more than just a buzzword for Jets. It is all players coming from the AHL want. A shot. If they can do better than the guy ahead of them they want to know that they can stick in the NHL. We shall see if that mantra becomes reality for Winnipeg once the team gets healthy.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Sportsnet: Jets stuck in mushy middle ahead of busy February, trade deadline. Ken looks at the present situation in Winnipeg and looks ahead to the trade deadline.
Jets video:
TSN: Jets coach Lowry wants to manage Wheeler’s eventual return. Blake Wheeler hasn’t played a game since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 10 against the Canucks and Jets interim head coach Dave Lowry spoke about how he plans on using Wheeler when he does make his eventual return.
Sportsnet: Jets’ Lowry can’t confirm if Wheeler will be back in lineup vs. Bruins. Jets head coach Dave Lowry can’t confirm whether Blake Wheeler will be back in the lineup versus the Boston Bruins on Saturday but hopes to have him on Mark Scheifele’s line when he does return.
