Note: The Jets skated in Winnipeg on Tuesday as they prepared for today’s season opening game against the Oilers. The good news for the local NHL club was they brought along two-time Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck who missed practice but skated his pre-gameday routine with goalie coach Wade Flaherty before they flew to Alberta. One curious move made by the club was they recalled Jaret Anderson-Dolan and then placed him on IR. This morning (11:30 AM MT/12:30 PM CT) they’ll skate at Rogers Place in Edmonton and all the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 9 PM CT.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Edmonton, 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. And you can join us live at Boston Pizza on Taylor for a live IC Watch Party.
Note III: The Moose skated yesterday where we had a chance to catch up with a pair of Jets prospects who spoke about their training camp experience and how it will help them during the AHL season in Manitoba. They thereafter played the Bisons at the hockey for all centre in an exhibition game. Today they are scheduled to practice at 10:30 AM CDT.
Jets news:
The Athletic Winnipeg: What we learned at Jets camp: Captain conversation, special teams revolution, more. (Paywall). As a camp observer Murat provides you with his takeaways including looks at: 1) Why Scott Arniel’s roster looks like Rick Bowness’ roster. 2) Trends to watch on D. 3) Why the power play works. 4) Adam Lowry on how the Jets can go deep without a Connor McDavid type talent.
Winnipeg Sun: Will Jets running it back be a step forward? Scott examines five storylines for the upcoming season including: 1) Can the same forward group take the next step? 2) How does this team handle the losses of Dillon, Schmidt? 3) Can special teams finally be special? 4) In Hellebuyck they (must) trust. 5) What will it look like at the box office?
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets expecting Oilers to bring their formidable best. (Paywall). Talk about a tall task to start a season when you’re tasked with starting your season by taking on the best player in the NHL who is looking to erase the pain of a game 7 Stanley Cup loss.
Winnipeg Free Press: Arniel’s ascension to Jets head coach a decades-long journey. (Paywall). Kelly Moore of 680 CJOB asked the bench boss of Winnipeg on Tuesday if it will be a special night when he makes his debut as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. Clearly it means a lot to him and it is fitting that it is coming against his old Smythe Division rivals as well. Wieber with more on what this means to Scott Arniel.
NHL.com: Arniel feels good about second line. Can this trio capture the good numbers they produced last season? As Nikolaj Ehlers told us yesterday “it’s like a puzzle we’re trying to crack” as they look to regain the chemistry from 2023-24.
Global News: Winnipeg Jets fans in for new show with upgrades to venue, in-game experiences. True North showing that they recognize that going to a hockey game is as much about entertainment as it is about the sporting event for many folks.
Jets video:
Illegal Curve: Nikolaj Ehlers | Neal Pionk | HC Scott Arniel
