Note: The Jets were looking to build off an impressive win against the Central leading Stars on Thursday in yesterday’s afternoon contest against an Avalanche team they were destined to meet in the first round of the 2023-24 playoffs. The biggest question surrounding this club was whether they could bring that same effort forward and show consistency for another 60 minutes. Well they didn’t just keep that rolling they exploded for seven straight goals against Colorado to win it 7-0, which was their sixth straight victory and meant they had picked up their 50th win of the season for just the second time since the franchise returned to Manitoba. They are off today.
Note II: The Moose kicked things off Saturday afternoon with a game against a Wild team that, while they mathematically still had a chance to catch the Manitoba, the odds were astronomical against Iowa. And aside from a minor blip to start the game (which was no problem for Jets 2023 5th rounder Thomas Milic) the Moose built up a 5-0 lead before they closed things out with a 7-4 victory that pushed them within one point of clinching. They’d have to wait for the result from the Wolves (the other team chasing them) game as they were in action against the Griffins last night. When the final buzzer sounded on that game Chicago had lost 3-1 and were eliminated from post-season contention which meant the Moose had clinched their spot. From 0-10-1 to 20 wins in 32 games for the AHL club of Manitoba as they will do battle with the Stars in the play-in series although home ice advantage is still up in the air.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets look ready for playoff run after convincing wins in Dallas and Colorado. After these two games hard to see the Jets as frauds.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets throttle Avalanche in playoff preview, get leg up for home-ice advantage. Don’t know how many folks possibly could have foreseen the game going that way.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets hammer defenceless Avs. (Paywall). Wieber was in Ball Arena and provides this game recap.
The Athletic Winnipeg: The Winnipeg Jets are back — just in time for their series against the Avalanche. (Paywall). Murat provides you with his assessment of the state of play for the NHL club of Winnipeg.
Denver Gazette: Avalanche-Jets first round playoffs confirmed: Is Colorado in trouble? A view of things from a writer that covers the Jets first round opponent.
Denver Post: Jets get tacos, Avs get Denver omelet on their face in most embarrassing defeat of season. An assessment of the game from a writer that covers Colorado.
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Podcast. On yesterday’s show we previewed the Jets/Avs and it’s playoff implications, if Jets are healthy does Cole Perfetti play in first round, if Logan Stanley has solidified himself alongside Dylan Samberg and Neal Pionk’s struggles. We were joined by Sean Reynolds of Sportsnet and former NHLer Wendel Clark.
