Note: The Jets had one final day of practice on Thursday as this unusual quirk in the schedule finally concluded. Logan Stanley returned in a regular uniform and head coach Scott Arniel confirmed he will not require a conditioning stint with the Moose although he wasn’t prepared to provide any timelines on the return of the big defenceman. This morning (10:30 AM CDT) they’ll skate in downtown Winnipeg and all the relevant news will be posted in the pre-game report so check back for that. Puck drop is at 7 PM CDT.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and San Jose, 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 starting around 9:40 PM CDT.
Note III: If you’re going to the game tonight between the Jets and Sharks you may be the 20 millionth guest to walk through the doors of the downtown arena and if your tickets is scanned you could win a bunch of prizes.
Note IV: The Moose used Thursday as a travel day to head to Michigan after two days of practice in Manitoba. They will look to continue their winning ways when they take on the Griffins in Grand Rapids starting tonight. Might we see the first game for Jets prospect Chaz Lucius who wore a light blue jersey at skate on Wednesday which would convey he isn’t likely but he did take part in the second unit power play drills. I’m inclined to think they hold off on rushing him back but we will have to wait and see what the coaching staff chooses to do. Puck drop is at 6 PM CDT.
Note V: While it is still very early in the OHL season fans should be excited by the early returns from Jets 2024 4th rounder Kevin He as he scored two goals and added an assist on the OT game-winning goal last night for his IceDogs to leap into the top of the points standings with 18 (9G 9A).
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Hellebuyck looking forward to sharing Vezina, Jennings with fans. It will be a night to remember for the netminder who will have family and friends as well as thousands of fans to help celebrate his achievements.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Stanley leaning on lived experience as he battles back from latest injury. Unfortunately for Stanley he’s had plenty of experience having to work his way back from injury.
Winnipeg Free Press: Hellebuyck already in mid-season form. (Paywall). He’s looked locked in from the first time puck dropped in game 1 of the regular season.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets towering blue liner working his way back from knee injury. (Paywall). It will be interesting to see how quickly they get him back in the lineup if they continue to win hockey games with a third pairing of Haydn Fleury and Colin Miller.
Sportsnet: Comrie rejoins Jets looking to restart career behind Hellebuyck. Probably shouldn’t be overlooked how well liked Comrie is by the players on this team including Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey and that probably helps with team cohesion. Of course what matters are results and I suspect Comrie will be able to recapture the good form he showed when he was the backup in Winnipeg a few years back.
NBC Sports: Celebrini remains out for Sharks’ game vs. Jets. The first overall pick from 2024 was eligible to be taken off IR yesterday but as per this report he won’t be coming to Winnipeg for the game this evening.
Jets audio:
680 CJOB: Jets at Noon – Conversation with Connor Hellebuyck. The recently named 2nd Star of the Week by the NHL jumped on a call with Jim Toth and Tyson Rewucki to chat about the season to date, his being honoured this evening, being in a tandem with Eric Comrie and more.