Note: The Jets held a second day of practice on Saturday as they continued to ramp up for their first game of round 1 which gets going this evening in Winnipeg. We learned that David Gustafsson would draw in for Morgan Barron. 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 6 PM CDT.
Note II: Join us before the game on the Illegal Curve Pre-Game Show which gets underway at 4 PM CDT and which you can watch live at CityPlace (333 St. Mary’s). As well we want you to be part of the discussion after the final buzzer on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.
Note III: The Moose concluded their regular season in Texas last night which saw them sweep the two-game set with the Stars with their 4-1 victory. It was another eventful game (highlighted by this Brad Lambert snipe and Colby Barlow PP blast) despite the fact Manitoba rested some regulars as they prepare for their upcoming play-in best of three series with the Stars which gets underway on Tuesday at 7 PM CDT with game 1. They will likely be off today and then hit the ice tomorrow in Cedar Park for a playoff practice.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: ‘We’ve got something to prove’: Jets hope to atone, as bad taste lingers. While Rick Bowness is quick to point out that this is a different team than the one we saw last year you’d suspect he wants his players to remember the sour taste they experienced when they lost in the first round.
Winnipeg Sun: After 57 games in press box, Stanley ready to make playoff impact for Jets. When opportunity comes knocking you better be prepared to open up that door.
Winnipeg Sun: The ‘Gus Bus’ set to ride on fourth line for playoff opener. Speaking of opportunity, without knowing how serious the injury is to Morgan Barron, this is an opportunity for David Gustafsson who played very well when he came into the lineup during Nino Niederreiter’s absence.
Winnipeg Free Press: Scheifele looks to be difference maker against Avalanche. (Paywall). On yesterday’s IC Hockey Show, Craig Button highlighted number 55 as a player who could be a difference maker in this series.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Free Press: Puck prognosticators make their playoff picks. (Paywall). Mike and Ken look into their crystal balls to try and project what might happen during these playoffs.
The Athletic: Five keys for Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar matchup in Jets-Avalanche. (Paywall). Murat gives you his analysis on what the Jets face in the Avs.
Denver Post: Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin to miss series vs. Winnipeg Jets with lower body injury. This was rather significant news that came out on Saturday.
Denver Post: Jared Bednar must be prepared to act quickly if Alexander Georgiev’s slump continues. Not a lot of confidence in the goaltending over in Colorado.
CBC: What you need to know for Sunday’s Winnipeg whiteout street party. Insight into the party that will precede the hockey game.
Jets video:
TSN: Jets look to erase last year’s early exit and seek first conference final since 2018. This year’s edition of the Jets has two playoff years that could be used as measuring sticks. The franchise’s high-water mark in 2018, and last year’s flameout to the eventual Cup winning Golden Knights. John Lu has more on what this playoff run means for Winnipeg with the potential to make the conference final, erasing last year’s disappointments, how Mark Scheifele has played this year and how he matches up against Nathan MacKinnon.
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday Show podcast. We did a comprehensive preview of the Jets/Avs first round series, took a look at how these teams match-up against each other, Morgan Barron confirmed out for game 1, who is best suited to come in for him? Special teams analysis. Moose Minute. We were joined by Ted Wyman of the Winnipeg Sun and Craig Button of TSN
