Note: It was an incredibly busy practice on Tuesday as we were expecting the news that Gabriel Vilardi would be back in the lineup (and he returns for game 5 on the top line) but we also saw Nikolaj Ehlers on the ice for the first time (although we were later told he has been skating). Ehlers is expected to skate today in a yellow, non-contact jersey. Morning skate for Winnipeg gets underway at 11 AM CDT so stay tuned for the pre-game report to ensure you’re up-to-date on the latest. Puck drop is at 8:30 PM CDT.
Note II: Come say hi at the Special Edition Illegal Curve pre-game show live from Cityplace starting at 6:30 PM CDT (or join us here) and then join us after the final buzzer on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.
Note III: A pair of Jets prospects were in action last night. In the OHL 2023 1st rounder Colby Barlow had two goals and an assist for Oshawa as they win it in double OT to take a 3-0 series edge. Barlow is the points leader in the playoffs. Over in the WHL 2023 1st rounder Brayden Yager had a goal and assist for Lethbridge which was looking like it would be the GWG but Medicine Hat tied it up and then won in OT which means the Hurricanes are on the brink of elimination down 0-3.
Jets news:
Winnipeg Sun: Jets to hit long playoff road, or ditch of futility. Based on what we’ve seen since September to date I would be shocked if this team isn’t prepared right at puck drop.
Winnipeg Sun: DeMelo’s illness mirrored Jets’ play in St. Louis. Sounded like the affable defenceman had a rough night, much like his team, on the night of game 3.
Winnipeg Sun: ‘I’m not going to be Superman’: Just super will do for Jets’ Vilardi. The impact for the power play alone is massive.
NHL.com: Perfetti stayed patient, worked hard to earn full-time role with Jets during playoffs. What a difference a year and some late season heavy hockey makes.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve)
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets power forward to make series debut in Game 5. (Paywall). Not a moment too soon.
Winnipeg Free Press: Ehlers on the mend, DeMelo healthy as Jets prepare to take back series momentum. (Paywall). Kenny’s notebook.
The Athletic Winnipeg: The 6 Jets who need to step up the most against the Blues in Game 5. (Paywall). No surprise with Murat’s list.
Jets video:
680 CJOB: Chat with goaltending expert Kevin Woodley about Connor Hellebuyck. The crew took a hard look at Connor Hellebuyck’s play, bringing in goaltending expert Kevin Woodley from InGoal Magazine to analyze the netminder’s performance. What can Hellebuyck do differently? How much of the blame lies in front of him—and how can the Jets better support their star goalie?
Sportsnet: How have the Blues had so much success against Jets’ Hellebuyck? Steve Valiquette joins Kyper and Bourne to discuss what has gone wrong for Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck and how the St. Louis Blues have figured him out in Games 3 and 4.
TSN: What are the keys to a Connor Hellebuyck bounce back and potential impact of Gabriel Vilardi? The Blues took care of business in St. Louis, chasing Connor Hellebuyck in back-to-back games to even up their first-round series with the Jets. What are the keys to a Hellebuyck bounce back in Game 5? Can Gabriel Vilardi contribute in his return? TSN Hockey analyst Martin Biron joined That’s Hockey to discuss.
WST: Jets face gut check after losing both games in St. Louis. Kevin Sawyer joined Andrew “Hustler” Paterson on Winnipeg Sports Talk to break down the massive momentum shift in the Jets-Blues series. After two tough losses in St. Louis, how do the Jets regroup for a crucial Game 5 at home? They discuss Connor Hellebuyck’s struggles, adjustments by the Blues, the physicality ramping up, and the leadership needed now more than ever. Can Winnipeg bounce back?
