Note: While it was an optional practice on Monday there was plenty of news including the revelation from head coach Scott Arniel that Gabriel Vilardi is “if he’s cleared to go then it’s all in” and he confirmed that Vilardi has been cleared to play. Check out these short snappers coming out of the skate. From Connor Hellebuyck (watch here) to Adam Lowry (watch here) the theme from players and coach was the same and that was they will not be reinventing the wheel. They are back at it today with a full practice as they get set for game 5 on Wednesday. Check back for the Practice Report.
Note II: Jets prospect Jacob Julien (2023 5th) gets this one to go on the power play which gave London a 2-1 lead over Kitchener. They’d go on to win game 3 taking a commanding 3-0 series lead. They still haven’t lost in the playoffs (11-0). He’s got 4G 9A for 13 points in 11 games. Over in the ECHL goalie prospects Domenic DiVincentiis & Thomas Milic helped guide Norfolk through their first round series.
Note III: Jets prospect Colby Barlow (2023 1st), who is currently tied for the second most playoff points, and his Oshawa club will be looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead over Barrie tonight. Puck drop is at 5 PM CDT. Over in the WHL Brayden Yager (2023 1st) and his Lethbridge team are also in action tonight as they look to get back into their Eastern Conference Finals series with Medicine Hat trailing 0-2. Puck drop at 7 PM CDT.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets uphold team mentality as Hellebuyck questions intensify. They’ve played 86 games this season and didn’t breakdown when they faced a little adversity.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Sun: ‘It’s a surprise in my world, too’: Jets’ Hellebuyck does some soul-searching. Will they be able to hold serve in their home court? That’s the question.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘Start to finish’: Jets need to find consistency against the Blues in Game 5. They had an ideal start in the last game but they need a full 60 minute effort tomorrow night.
Winnipeg Sun: Jets’ Vilardi cleared and ‘all-in’ for Game 5 vs Blues. That’s the boost this club needed.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets confident they can handle the moment. We are about to learn some things about the NHL team of Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets uphold team mentality as Hellebuyck questions intensify. (Paywall). I chortled at all the Eric Comrie talk. You won’t hear a bigger Eric Comrie defender than us but at same time it’s lunacy to suggest he’d get the start over 37 in game 5.
The Athletic Winnipeg: Why the Jets’ ‘best of three’ series vs. Blues is 3 years in the making. (Paywall). As always an insightful read.
Global News: Home game should provide answers in 2-2 Jets series. It sure will.
Global News: Jets goalie Hellebuyck expects to bounce back in Game 5: ‘I am going to be better’. Given how he played in 4 Nation I suspect we see a big bounce back from him in game 5.
Daily Faceoff: Why can’t Connor Hellebuyck perform in the playoffs? Lots of folks outside this market who have questions.
Jets video:
TSN: How do the Winnipeg Jets slow the surging Blues? The Jets had all the momentum prior to the series shifting to St. Louis but all of a sudden, the series is tied at two games apiece and Connor Hellebuyck has been chased in both defeats. TSN Hockey analyst Bruce Boudreau joined Gino Reda to discuss the home and away discrepancy in play with the Jets, how he would coach a team that is in this position and whether or not Hellebuyck is showing signs of fatigue.
TSN: Hellebuyck, Vilardi and other key Jets notes ahead of Game 5. TSN Jets reporter John Lu joined Gino Reda to share his thoughts on the struggles of Connor Hellebuyck, who has allowed 11 goals in the past two games and has been pulled in both. Lu also discusses the importance of the Jets taking Game 5 on home ice.
