Note: The Jets weren’t in action on Tuesday but they finally learned their playoff opponent as they will face the Blues for the second time in franchise history in a playoff series. Of course we also learned yesterday that Gabriel Vilardi had returned to skating, Dylan Samberg was feeling fine after leaving the last game following a shot block and that Nikolaj Ehlers had been upgraded from day-to-day to week-to-week. Morning skate for Winnipeg gets underway at 9:30 AM CDT so stay tuned for the pre-game report to ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest. Puck drop is at 6 PM CDT.
Note II: This evening, after the final buzzer sounds between Winnipeg and Anaheim, 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 8:40 PM CDT.
Note III: The Moose concluded two days of practice on Tuesday and will fly out today for Texas which is where they will conclude their season against the Stars this weekend. We did learn that head coach Scott Arneil will not recall prospect Elias Salomonsson to make his NHL debut which will have to wait for either the playoffs or next season. Today is a travel day.
Note IV: A trio of prospects in action on Tuesday night starting with Jacob Julien (2023 5th) who scored as his red-hot London squad remained undefeated through seven games. Also scoring in the OHL was Colby Barlow (2023 1st) who showed off his characteristic shot (while adding two assists) for Oshawa as they picked up a big game three win to cut their series deficit to 2-1. Over in the WHL, Brayden Yager (2023 1st) was held off the scoresheet as his Lethbridge lost their first game in the second round. I missed posting this from the night prior but Markus Loponen (2024 5th) scored for Victoria as they earned a split through two games.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Ready for more rubber: Jets’ Samberg has that not-so-loving feeling. (Paywall). One thing about 54 is he isn’t about to change his game regardless of the cost although all of Jetsland was breathing easier when he skated yesterday.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Hard to believe’: NHL players rank Jets’ Hellebuyck a lowly No. 3. The reaction of the players was classic. The look on the face combined with the comments from both Cole Perfetti (here) and Dylan Samberg (here) let you know exactly how these two felt about their fellow players voting in this NHLPA poll.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Can’t take it for granted’: Jets’ Niederreiter driven by childhood dream. You don’t get many kicks at the can and there may be no greater chance for a Winnipeg based franchise to make noise than this season.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: Not a scratch on Jets’ Perfetti this year. He’s been very focused and you can see the elevation in his game. I don’t want to say it’s been since the Prickfeti game but it kinda feels that way.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets versatile forward set to play all 82 games. (Paywall). It’s been a massive step forward for the Ontario product this season as we’ve seen him go from a complimentary piece to more of a line driver.
Winnipeg Free Press:. Jets set to face Blues in opening round matchup. (Paywall). Gonna be a heck of a series with so many storylines.
Global News: Jets to face St. Louis Blues in first round playoff series. Gonna be lots of excitement as these two clubs get set for the second ever series between them.
Jets video:
TSN: ‘I think this is their time’: Button believes Jets are set for a deep playoff run. The Flames didn’t get the help they needed and had their playoff push fall short on Tuesday. With the playoff matchups in the West now set, Craig Button joins Jay Onrait to share why he believes the Jets are set to go on a deep run and why Calgary can still call this season a success.
TSN: NHLPA poll ranks Hellebuyck 3rd… are they wrong? The NHLPA player poll results are in and Jets’ netminder Connor Hellebuyck was ranked third as the best overall goalie. Frankie Corrado joins Gino Reda to discuss the surprising results.
TSN: Five questions for the Winnipeg Jets ahead of the playoffs. Hockey analyst Frankie Corrado joined Gino Reda to discuss on The Talking Point where the two discussed the need for Ehlers to ensure a deep run, Winnipeg balancing top forward offence with top defence, trying to figure out first round opponent, how Hellebucyk stacks up and importance of Mark Scheifele.
WST: Kevin Sawyer on the Jets historic 2024-25 season. Andrew “Hustler” Paterson is joined by TSN Jets analyst Kevin Sawyer for a look back of the Winnipeg Jets historic 2024-25 Presidents’ Trophy winning season and a preview of what we might see in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Moose news:
Illegal Curve Hockey: Jets prospect Fabian Wagner more comfortable on and off ice after first year with the Moose. The sixth rounder from 2022 has really developed nicely this season.
Illegal Curve Hockey: Jets goalie prospect Domenic DiVincentiis’ gear provides an important reminder of his hockey journey. Really enjoyed the insight we got from the goalie prospect on his equipment.
