Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers

Note: The Jets had a big comeback in the game last night but they could have suffered a catastrophic injury which definitely muted the celebration as they picked up their fourth straight victory courtesy of a 4-2 comeback defeat of the Ducks in Anaheim. However a 2nd period injury to leading goal scorer Kyle Connor left the team and fanbase rather glum after he suffered a knee-on-knee injury. Jets head coach Rick Bowness said he would be evaluated further. The team is in San Jose today where they are off, ahead of their game tomorrow against the Sharks.

Note II: The Moose were looking for a split in Calgary yesterday afternoon against the Wranglers although things got off to an inauspicious start as the home team scored a shorthanded goal to take a 1-0 lead. After Jets prospect Brad Lambert used his speed to create some time and space Jeffrey Viel buried a rebound to tie the game in the opening period. Fellow Winnipeg prospect Nikita Chibrikov showed off his creativity with this chance. Two minutes after giving up their second shorthanded goal of the game, the Moose tied it courtesy of Kristian Reichel‘s first of the year to get the monkey off his back. We spoke to Moose assistant coach Eric Dubois about Simon Lundmark last week and yesterday he used a good stick to break up a chance against and then send Reichel away on a breakaway. 13 seconds after giving up another goal, Kristian Reichel tied the game for the Moose with his second of the contest and he really ensures that the monkey stays off his back. The game would need OT and in extra time Brad Lambert wheeled from his end and fired this shot past the Wranglers netminder to win it for his team 4-3 which earned them a split. They are off today.

Jets news:

Global News: Is Winnipeg up for the challenge after injury to key Jets player Kyle Connor? We should get an idea soon as to the extent so until that time it’s theory but the reality is that this team won’t be able to replace his scoring which likely means they’ll have to ensure they tighten up defensively. 

Winnipeg Sun: Jets built to withstand key personnel losses. Scott shares his thoughts on Connor’s injury, Jets gutsy effort, Scheifele’s leadership and what Jets might be eyeing from Philly.

Winnipeg Sun: Jets produce gutsy effort in win after losing Connor to injury. Had a very ‘win one for the Gipper’ vibe as the Jets pulled off their first 3rd period comeback of the season.

Winnipeg Free Press:  Jets surge back to down Ducks. (Paywall). Play of number 44 and his 30+ minutes was a big part of that win.

Winnipeg Free Press: Cheveldayoff’s travel itinerary raises questions, speculation. (Paywall). Not certain ‘GM watches hockey game’ is out of the ordinary but Mike sees it as a siren call that something is amiss.

The Athletic Winnipeg: How Winnipeg adjusts without leading scorer Kyle Connor. (Paywall). It won’t be easy but at least the team is playing better defensively and may have to be prepared to win some low scoring games.

Jets video:

TSN: Craig Button dissects Strome’s hit on Connor: ‘There has to be a suspension on that play’. The Jets won the game, but of more importance is the loss of their leading scorer Kyle Connor, who took a knee-on-knee hit in the second period from Ryan Strome. Craig Button joins SportsCentre to explain why Strome deserves a suspension for the hit, saying it’s “not an acceptable play”.

TSN: Kevin Sawyer calls Connor’s injury ‘a devastating blow’ for Jets. TSN’s Kevin Sawyer joins Dan Robertson to give his thoughts on Kyle Connor’s injury in the second period after a knee-on-knee hit from Ryan Strome, and the Jets’ impressive play in the third period to rally back and beat the Ducks.

Illegal Curve Hockey Show: TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button talks Winnipeg Jets. Craig provided his insight on the Jets improved 5 on 5 defensive play, emergence of Cole Perfetti, what the Jets are getting in Nino Niederreiter, strides being made by Dylan Samberg, Team Canada at World Junior and Jets prospects who are eligible for that tournament. 

Jets audio:

Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Podcast. On the show this weekend we discussed: Are the Jets an elite team in the NHL? Starting the road trip with a win in Colorado. Previewing the Jets upcoming games in California. How Winnipeg may use Connor Hellebuyck/Laurent Brossoit during next three games. Which player is a priority to sign – Dylan DeMelo or Brenden Dillon? Jets being tied for best team in terms of 5 on 5 goals against. Situation with Nate Schmidt. Salary cap increasing.