Note: Things were moving along swimmingly for the Jets last night in Colorado and if you stopped watching after the first period you probably felt pretty good about the local NHL club. However hockey is a 60 minute game and the Avalanche showed you why they are one of the best teams in the NHL as they stormed back to score six straight to win a game Winnipeg desperately needed for their standings bank. It drops the Jets on this road trip to 0-2-1 with their last shot against the Coyotes tomorrow afternoon. Today they are scheduled to practice in Arizona. Stay tuned for the Practice Report.
Note II: The Moose nine-game homestand continues this afternoon when they welcome the top team in the Central for a pair of games this weekend starting with a matinee game today in Winnipeg. Puck drop is at 2 PM.
Note III: Jets 2018 3rd rounder Nathan Smith is back with his Minnesota State club after playing in the Olympics with Team USA. He helped his team tie game and then assisted on the OT winner with a hard forecheck. Tied for 2nd in NCAA scoring (16G 27A 43PTS in 29GP). See his work here.
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 Jim Toth of CJOB 680 and Mike McKenna of Daily Faceoff.
Jets news:
Sportsnet: Jets fail another litmus test to Avalanche as significant decisions loom. Ken reacts to last night’s brutal loss and looks at the ramifications moving forward.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets blow big lead against league-leading Avalanche. As nobody says the “three goal lead is the worst lead in hockey” as was exemplified by what happened to Winnipeg last evening.
Winnipeg Sun: Staring down another wasted year, Jets’ Hellebuyck deserves better. Even though he has given up some goals this year we aren’t used to seeing him allow, his advanced numbers are still pretty decent this season. He has the 8th best Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) in the NHL according to Evolving-Hockey. Scott writes about what a lost season means.
Winnipeg Sun: Hockey hearts go out to Ukraine. Paul had a chat with the Jets 1.0 defenceman.
Winnipeg Free Press: Landeskog hat trick helps Avs bury Jets 6-3. (Paywall). Jeff was there in Denver last night and provides his insight from the game.
Winnipeg Free Press: Steen rebuilding his life in Sweden. Mike caught up with the long-time Jets forward.
Denver Post: Avalanche scores six unanswered goals to rally from 3-0 deficit vs. Jets. Always good to gain insight into the game from a writer that covers the Jets opponent.
Denver Gazette: Avalanche drop six unanswered goals on Jets, including Landeskog hat trick. Always good to gain insight into the game from a writer that covers the Jets opponent (Part deux).
Sportsnet: Tipping point quickly approaching for trade deadline decisions. Kenny released his most recent mailbag on Friday so if you had questions he tried to give you answers.