Note: The Jets came into the game last night having points in four straight contests but were only really happy with the first game of that run which was a full effort against the Blues. The message after the three-game road trip was of a team that didn’t feel like they were playing a sustainable brand of hockey. While last night didn’t get off to a good start they eventually got things rolling and won their fourth game in five to improve to 6-3-1 on the season as they defeated the Habs 3-2 in OT. Today they are scheduled to practice at 12 noon so stay tuned for the Practice Report.
Note II: If you missed it on Thursday there was some health news coming out of morning skate as head coach Rick Bowness indicated that Morgan Barron is expected out 4-5 weeks as he’ll have wrist surgery today while there is no timetable on a return for Nikolaj Ehlers.
Note III: The Moose homestand continues this evening as they welcome the Stars to town for a two-game set with Texas. Manitoba looking to build on top spot in the central when puck drops at 7 PM. I’ll be joining play-by-play voice Daniel Fink in the broadcast booth to provide colour which you can hear on AHLTV and moosehockey.com.
Note IV: The Ice look to make it ten wins in a row as they take on Tri-City on Saturday night.
Note V: Looking ahead to Saturday be sure to join us on the Illegal Curve Hockey Show at 9 AM (which will be live at the Winnipeg Ice Fishing Show doors open at 10 AM) and then join us after the game on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show after the Jets/Hawks afternoon contest.
Note VI: With the calendar flipping from October to November it means more chances to win authentic Winnipeg Jets gear (jerseys, hats & shirts). Enter here.
Jets news:
Global News: Jets not sputtering like some other Canadian teams. Given the lack of real success since 1993 I’d say all teams are sputtering until they win a Cup. Bit premature at this point to suggest otherwise.
Sportsnet: Dubois answers own challenge, Connor breaks slump as Jets beat Canadiens. Wieber gives you his thoughts/assessment following the OT win by Winnipeg last night with a focus on Pierre-Luc Dubois and Kyle Connor.
Photo Credit: Alexander James (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Connor ends his goalless drought with overtime winner against Canadiens. Given it felt like he had seven Grade A chances it was appropriate that it was him that got the game-winning goal and get that monkey off his back.
Winnipeg Sun: Former Jets defencemen Kovacevic relishing opportunity with Habs. One of the buzz words I’ve been using is ‘opportunity’ and that is just what the Jets 2017 3rd rounder is getting in Montreal and from what I’ve read he is making the most of it.
Winnipeg Free Press: Connor ends scoring slump with OT goal. (Paywall). Kyle Connor’s OT winner tied him with Mark Scheifele for second most on the team with 34 GWG in his career. Blake Wheeler is in top spot with 36. Impressively Connor has played 258 fewer games than Scheifele and 418 fewer than Wheeler in a Jets jersey.
Winnipeg Free Press: Kovacevic lands full-time gig with Habs. (Paywall). With a need for defencemen in Montreal and the logjam in Winnipeg it proved to be a blessing in disguise for the well-liked and well-respect former Jets prospect to be claimed by Montreal. However you have to be able to do something with the chance and he seems to be taking it and running with it..
Montreal Gazette: Kyle Connor scores in overtime as Jets beat Canadiens in Winnipeg. Check out the game recap from a Habs writer.
Sportsnet: Montembeault sensational in loss to Jets, key to Canadiens’ vibe remaining positive. Similar to what we saw on Sunday in Vegas where Hellebuyck was the difference maker it seemed like the Habs netminder was gonna be able to keep his squad alive and for 60 minutes he did just that.
The Hockey News: Ville Heinola deserves a longer look in the NHL: agent. Unfortunately for Heinola he is a victim of his waiver exempt status right now. As is 2018 5th rounder Declan Chishom. Two very good left side guys who are champing at the bit for an NHL shot. Jacob spoke to Heinola’s agent to get his insight into his player.
Jets video:
Sportsnet: Connor’s relentlessness, Jets structure were the difference in OT win vs. Canadiens. Sean Reynolds and Ken Wiebe broke down the Winnipeg Jets 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadians in overtime, discussing the Jets’ structure, the top line of the Canadiens, and Kyle Connor breaking his goal drought for the winner.
TSN: What’s the biggest reason for the Jets’ early success? With an abundance of forwards on the roster, That’s Hockey discusses whether the Habs might look to move one, dissects what Rick Bowness has been able to do with the Jets despite his battle with COVID the last couple of weeks, and shares the biggest reason for Winnipeg’s early season success from the players standpoint.
