Note: The Jets started off Sunday with a signing ceremony which saw long-time centre Bryan Little sign a one-day contract with Winnipeg so he could retire as a Jet. With that out of the way he spoke to us in the Matt Frost Media Centre (watch here) a little more than an hour before puck drop. The team played a video tribute and then Little took one final skate around the ice in downtown Winnipeg as a member of the Jets. During the game Little had one last chance to thank the fans and folks in Winnipeg responded by giving him a standing O. It was funny that during his media availability Little spoke about being a fan of the team and hours later they showed him on TSN standing and cheering as Adam Lowry scored.
Note II: Even though there was lots of nostalgia going on there was a hockey game to be played on Sunday afternoon in Winnipeg and the Jets and Penguins spent the opening period testing each other out. The middle frame was chaotic with the visitors dominating the opening half but the home team taking control late to head into the final period with a lead. While that was short-lived the Jets were able to get things rolling downhill and they did not look back leading them to their fifth straight victory as they won 6-3 to improve to 5-0-0 on the season. Today they will practice at 11:30 AM CDT before taking off for St. Louis which is where they will kick off three games on the road. Check back for the Practice Report.
Note III: The Moose return to Winnipeg as they prepare for their home opener this coming weekend. Even though the games were close in Grand Rapids they were swept back to Manitoba leaving them with a 2-2-0 record as they prepare to face their third straight divisional opponent (Rockford). Today they are scheduled to practice at 10:30 AM CDT.
Jets news:
Global News: The Winnipeg Jets are undefeated. Should we be surprised? Given the way the schedule played out I did expect them to be 5-0 or 4-1 at this point. How about you?
Winnipeg Sun: Ehlers showed Sunday why Arniel needed him. The play he made a 4 on 4 which led the the Namestnikov goal was exactly the type of daring he brings to the game.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Jets survive second-period scare to keep perfect start intact. The team looked like they were skating in quicksand for the first 10 minutes of the second period. After some choice words from their coach they seemed to get back on track.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘In my heart I never left’: Bryan Little given hero’s welcome in return to Winnipeg. One thing this city does well is love their sports heroes as the Ontario product re-discovered on Sunday afternoon.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets win fifth straight to start season. (Paywall). Somewhat crazy that this Jets club has actually won 13 straight regular season games going back to last season.
Winnipeg Free Press: Bryan Little celebrated by Jets. (Paywall). It was quite the day for him and his family.
Sportsnet: Though not deployed like one, Jets’ Ehlers shows ability to be game-breaker. Arniel called him that during the summer and it’s clear that number 27 has that ability.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins bleed goals again, get lit up by Jets in Alex Nedeljkovic’s first start of the season. Get insight into the game from a writer that covers the Jets opponent.
TSN: Comrie thrilled to be back in net helping unbeaten Jets soar. As someone who felt this relationship works for both the player and team I am not surprised that
CBC: ‘In my heart I never left’: Bryan Little gets the spotlight to mark end of hockey career. More on the player who captured all the attention on Sunday afternoon.
Jets video:
TSN: ‘The boys battled’: Comrie on Jets being the final undefeated team in NHL. Eric Comrie made 39 saves against the Penguins to earn his first win of the year and help the Jets remain the only unbeaten team in the league.
TSN: Jets improve to 5-0 as they celebrate Bryan Little’s retirement. Bryan Little signed a one-day contract so he could retire as a member of the Winnipeg Jets. Not only did the team honour him before the game but they also were able to celebrate a win over the Penguins that kept them undefeated and improve to 5-0.. Play-by-play voice Dan Robertson and analyst Kevin Sawyer break it all down.
Jets audio:
Illegal Curve Hockey Show: Saturday podcast. On the show this past weekend we discussed the Jets/Sharks win, the impact of the Namestnikov line, Special Teams, Jets compacted schedule, the Bryan Little retirement/his impact on the team, previewing the Jets/Penguins game and Jets prospect talk. Guests were Murat Ates of The Athletic Winnipeg and Craig Button of TSN.
