Note: The Jets were off on Saturday choosing to fly to Columbus without holding a practice as they prepare to kick off five straight games on the road. Morning skate for the Jets gets underway at 9:30 AM CDT. All the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 5 PM CDT.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Columbus, we want you to be part of the conversation on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show as we discuss and analyze the results of the game.
Note III: The Moose had already had a successful road trip (4-1-0) heading into their sixth and final game of it last night in Chicago. They had won the previous night over the Wolves and that theme continued on Saturday as they went on to win the contest 6-2, which pushed them to a six point edge over their longtime rivals for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Central. They went 5-0-1 on the road all against divisional opponents. An impressive effort by the AHL club of Winnipeg who return home today and will be back on the ice tomorrow as they get set to kick off six straight at home.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ backup Laurent Brossoit needs seven more games for Jennings trophy recognition. For those who want to see Connor Hellebuyck’s load eased so he can be fresh heading into the playoffs they’d likely love it if Brossoit can hit the 25 starts needed. I suspect he’s getting two (Devils & Capitals) on this five-game road trip.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Bowness keeps blowout win in perspective. The Ducks are not a very good hockey team so the decisive win on Friday night was important but obviously needs to be tempered by the reality of the opponent. A similar reality stares them in the face this evening when they face the Blue Jackets.
Winnipeg Free Press: A feast in the East? (Paywall). Helps that their first opponent played last night so the Jets will have that benefit. Also helps they’ve played well against the East this season.
The Hockey News: Five NHL players getting squeezed out by trade deadline additions. Jacob writes about Cole Perfetti as the 2020 1st rounder spends a bit more time off the ice (whether he’s in a game or not).
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Podcast. On yesterday’s show we spoke about the Jets/Ducks game, Gabriel Vilardi being out indefinitely with an enlarged spleen, configuring the Jets top six without 13 in the lineup, confidence in Jets goaltending/giving Connor Hellebuyck some rest before playoffs/exemplary play of Laurent Brossoit, what’s best for Cole Perfetti right now and did a preview of Jets/Blue Jackets. Guests included Cam Poitras of CJOB and Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.
