Winnipeg Jets Playoff Practice Report

The Jets touched down in Las Vegas on Sunday after practicing in Winnipeg as they continue to prepare for their upcoming series against the Golden Knights.

Biggest questions marks for the Jets are Nikolaj Ehlers and Kevin Stenlund who were both listed by head coach Rick Bowness yesterday as day-to-day. Ehlers according to the bench boss skated ahead of his teammates while Stenlund did not.

Skate news:

According to Murat Ates of The Athletic Winnipeg the dynamic winger of Winnipeg Nikolaj Ehlers was in a normal jersey today as practice got underway at T-Mobile Arena which is big news. That’s big says Captain Obvious. Also no Kevin Stenlund.

Health updates:

Rick Bowness says he is staying with “day-to-day” on Nikolaj Ehlers. Says he will be evaluated in the AM. But you could tell he was playing the playoff game. He was asked by Wieber about Ehlers being on the PP1 unit. Said 27 was shooting puck well.

On Kevin Stenlund the Jets bench boss said “Kevin is going to skate tomorrow morning. I would say we’re counting on him playing but he’ll probably be a game-time decision.” Says if he feels strong enough tomorrow morning he’ll play.

With respect to Cole Perfetti he indicated that he is still ten days to two weeks away. That could potentially mean he could be an option for game 5.

Lines and D pairs:

Connor-Dubois-Scheifele
Ehlers-Namestnikov-Wheeler
Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton
Barron-Gustafsson-Maenalanen

Morrissey-DeMelo
Dillon-Pionk
Samberg-Schmidt
Stanley-Capobianco

Players interview:

Coach’s media availability:

Topics:

1) Status of Nikolaj Ehlers?
2) Status of Kevin Stenlund? (1:17)
3) Update on Cole Perfetti? (1:38)
4) What’s his approach tomorrow morning? (2:00)
5) What is his team capable of? (2:22)
6) His being with an 8 seed last year (2:40)
7) Vegas playing a zone D, how do they force issue? (3:30)
8) Role emotions play (4:13)
9) Impact Connor Hellebuyck can have on series (4:53)

Up next:

Tomorrow the games get underway as Winnipeg and Vegas will play game 1 of their first round series. Kick start your morning with all the latest news via illegalcurve.com, stick with us throughout the day for now and then join us after the game on the Illegal Curve Post-Game Show.