Note: The Jets were back on the ice on Monday after a day off on Sunday as they turned their focus to the Canucks who they will face this evening. We learned following skate that Vlad Namestnikov will not be a player tonight as he recovers from the blocked shot that injured him on Friday. Two guys who are getting closer are Haydn Fleury and Colin Miller although neither are an option today. We also learned that Connor Hellebucyk had been named 1st Star of the Week for the second time this season. Morning skate gets underway at 10:30 AM CST sp stay tuned for the pre-game report to ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest. Puck drop is at 7 PM CST.
Note II: We’ve got a bonus episode of Illegal Curve Hockey coming your way today. Join us live at Cityplace (or online) at noon for a special edition of Illegal Curve Hockey as we get you set up ahead of the game. Of course after the final buzzer join us on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.
Note III: The Moose are back in Winnipeg as they look to build on their successful road trip which saw them go 4-0-1 as they attempt to claw back into contention. We should get an update on Jets prospect Elias Salomonsson who has been out of the lineup since a game in Winnipeg back on December 6th after taking a heavy hit into the boards. The original hope was it would cost him a few weeks but it’s been 5.5 weeks. They are set to practice the next few days as they prepare for the Marlies on Friday which will kick off a four-game homestand.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Mature’ Jets winning in different ways and having fun doing it. Good insight into how the team protects leads in the 3rd period as they minimize risk and focus on the win.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets goaltender credits teammates for helping him play best hockey of his career. His comments on Monday were interesting when he referenced the maturity of the team, the collective will to win and their focus on the details which makes his life easier.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets top of strong group with Stanley Cup potential. (Paywall). Is this finally the year that a Canadian team lifts the Cup since 1993? Seems like there are a few clubs, Jets included, who have as good a shot as any.
Global News: Are Jets set for memorable final months of NHL season? The reality for the Jets and a few other NHL clubs in their same camp is the final months of the regular season are simply about jockeying for position. And while I think that’s important (especially since it looks like finishing 1st would help them avoid the Avs/Stars in round 1) the fact is this team will be judged on their spring.
Jets video:
TSN: Does any player deserve MVP more than Hellebuyck? Connor Hellebuyck made 22 saves against the Avalanche to pick up his sixth shutout of the season. The Jets goaltender leads the league in goals against and save percentage, begging the question, is there anyone who deserves MVP more than Hellebuyck? Bruce Boudreau joined That’s Hockey to discuss.
TSN: Hellebuyck generating Hart Trophy buzz in Winnipeg: ‘He belongs in that conversation’. Connor Hellebuyck was serenaded with MVP chants last Friday while he was being honoured for earning his 300th NHL win. The Jets netminder is setting career bests in goals against average, save percentage and goals saved above expected, and his Hart Trophy case has only gotten stronger. TSN’s John Lu has more.
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