Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers (Thursday, March 22nd)

While Dave Minuk is off partying in Vegas, looks like I will be taking over the Morning Papers. Follow along with Dave’s shenanigans on his twitter account. If you’re going to follow him, might as well follow me too!

Now it’s time for the news.

Jets News

Winnipeg Free Press: Jets vow to be ready for Caps on Friday – You’ve heard the saying just about every game for the last few months, but Friday is an absolute must win for the Jets to have any shot at the playoffs.

Winnipeg Free Press – Powerful Pens looked “frightening” to Winnipeg – The Jets were completely outmatched by Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. Crosby, Malkin, and Neal looked unstoppable on the power play. As Ric Jeanneret once said about the ’06 Sabres, “these guys are good, scaaaaryyy good!“

Winnipeg Free Press: The Race – Winnipeg is falling behind the race for 8th to Washington and Buffalo, but only ONE will survive.

Winnipeg Free Press – Can Jets take a punch? – Jets look to respond on Friday at Washington.

Winnipeg Sun: Pavelec forgets quickly – Pavelec will be playing in his career high 62nd game on Friday, it’s important for him, or any player to put the loss behind him and move on to the next one. (A popular theme after a tough loss)

Winnipeg Sun: Jets down, but not out – According to SportsClubStats.com, the Jets have a 9.5% chance of making the playoffs. 

CBC: A Painful Reminder – In case you need that “painful” reminder, the Jets are 23-11-4 at home (7th), and 11-20-4 on the road (28th). We’ll be hearing “can they win on the road?” for years to come.

ESPN: Tebow lands with Jets – He’s the top six forward the Jets have been looking for all season…oh sorry, wrong Jets.

Affiliate News – St John’s Ice Caps

IceCaps are hurting on all levels – Carl Klingberg and Brett Festerling both left the game yesterday for Winnipeg’s AHL affiliate. They join an injured reserve that consists of Eric O’Dell, Max Macenauer, Marco Rosa, Garth Murray, Brock Trotter, Paul Postma and Derek Meech…not to mention the Jets just called up Ben Maxwell and leading point getter Spencer Mahacek. After winning last night, the IceCaps remain first in the Atlantic Division wih 83 points.

Next opponent news: Washington Capitals

Washington Post: Mike Green is getting used to playing in Dale Hunter’s system – He’s missed 47 games with injuries, but he’s getting back into the swing of things. Niklas Backstrom is practicing now as well, the Caps could finally be healthy come playoff time.

Next opponent news: Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators get Alexander Radulov back – Nashville now has the scorer they’ve always needed on their quest for the cup. While it may be surprising that some players on the team would want him back, when a Stanley Cup is on the line, you do whatever it takes to win. Radulov may suit up tonight for Nashville, and will most likely be in the lineup when the Jets are in Nashville on Saturday.

Race for the playoffs: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo News: Miller Blanks Canadiens as Sabres catch Caps – The Eastern Conference standings now look like this, 8. Washington – 80 points (9 games remaining), 9. Buffalo – 80 points (8 games remaining), 10. Winnipeg – 76 points (9 games remaining). The Jets aren’t done yet.

NHL News:

The Globe & Mail: Daniel Sedin leaves game after headshot – Hopefully for the Canucks they aren’t missing their leading scorer for too long. Duncan Keith will most likely get suspended for this elbow to the head.

Winnipeg Minor Hockey

Winnipeg Free Press: Winnipeg Wild snag first championship – Congratulations to the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League Champions. I remember when my team won the A2 City Championships back in 2003, it was one of the best moments of my sporting career. Coincidentally, I remember the next season when we blew a 2-0 lead in the finals to lose the series 3-2, that was the worst moment of my sporting career.

Stay tuned to Illegal Curve later this morning for an interesting article from Richard Pollock

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