Note: The Jets were on the ice at hockey for all centre on Thursday as they prepped for tonight’s final game against the Islanders before the 4 Nations tournament gets underway. No lineup changes are expected based on yesterday. Morning skate gets underway at 10:30 AM CST so 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: Reminder we have a special edition of Illegal Curve Hockey live downtown at Cityplace on the 2nd floor by the food court. If you cannot come say hello in person then be sure to join us online on our YouTube channel at 12 noon CST.
Note III: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and New York (I), 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 CST.
Note IV: The Moose are finally back on the ice today following the conclusion of the AHL All-Star break. They’ll hit the ice for practice at 10:30 AM CST as they prepare for a pair of games this weekend against the Wild.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Connor Hellebuyck, Kyle Connor look forward to superstar gathering. Amazing to think that the last real international competition involving NHL players was the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. While this tournament seems rather contrived the fact of the matter is when these players pull on the jerseys with their respective country on it, it will mean something to them.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Hoping to say bye-bye on a positive note after final pre-break tilt vs. Islanders. Should be an excellent hockey game with two red-hot teams looking to do battle. Winnipeg looking to end the pre 4 Nations portion of the schedule on a high note while New York has this contest and another one tomorrow night in St. Paul against Minnesota.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets figure to play prominent roles in 4 Nations Face-Off tourney. (Paywall). Might there be a fourth Jet added with Canadian forwards getting hit by the injury bug? Wouldn’t be shocked if 55 gets added before the end of the weekend.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets focus on taking care of business. (Paywall). It would be easy to look ahead to getting out of town (likely to a warmer destination) for a week to rest and recover but there is still an important game this evening against a very good Islanders team. Mike sets the stage.
Sportsnet: Time for Jets to wave white flag on Ville Heinola. It does appear that the writing is on the wall for the 2019 first rounder who will likely be a healthy scratch for the 10th straight game this evening. While the team could hope he gets to where they want him in the future the reality is if they want to make an add on defence it will likely mean the team has to deal someone back the other way and at this point it seems like Heinola would be the one.
Sportsnet: Jets having fun soaring to new heights on special teams. We’ve been talking about just how good this power play had been through 2/3 of the NHL season and we aren’t the only ones focused on it’s success.
Jets video:
Daily Faceoff: What’s behind the Winnipeg Jets sustained success? Former QMJHL coach Jon Goyens shares his tremendous insight on the NHL club of Winnipeg.
Jets audio:
680 CJOB: Conversation about the league leading Winnipeg Jets. TSN analyst Travis Yost joined Cam on yesterday’s show for an extensive and insightful chat about the Jets.
