As I somewhat expected the Jets held an optional skate today following the 3-2 win over the Devils last night. One of the faces on the ice at the IcePlex was Tobias Enstrom who returns from a three game absence after dealing with a family situation in Sweden.
Coach Maurice confirms that Enstrom will be in the lineup tomorrow against the Oilers. He also indicated that Dano could be available tomorrow provided he checks out fine tonight. Perreault (as you can hear below) says he is ready to play but it will be coach Maurice’s decision.
Player audio:
Nikolaj Ehlers: Getting pucks to the net, instead of making the extra pass. On having Bryan Little back in the lineup. A full top six. Any frustration on the power play? Does they have to change their style to face McDavid and the Oilers? On what the Oilers did against the Jets in the Heritage Classic and guarding against it?
Mark Scheifele: What does he have to do when facing McDavid? On how the Leafs used Kadri on McDavid. On the fun he has with the rivalry with McDavid. Does Little’s return remove pressure from his line? Anything to be taken from the Heritage Classic game?
Mathieu Perrault: How does he feel? Seeing the other guys come back does that excite him? Frustration in sitting and watching. Just a nagging issue.
Coach audio:
Paul Maurice: On the status of Marko Dano. What is the key to dealing with McDavid? Will it be done by committee? Is Enstrom back in tomorrow? What type of offensive driver is Ehlers? Does the NHL know how good Nikolaj Ehlers is? Would he have been selected for Team Europe based on his current play? On how Ehlers sees himself. On a Nikolaj Ehlers “goal scoring slump”. Does he take anything from the Heritage Classic game into this one? Does he put any stock into the streak that Hellebuyck has put forth at home? How is he going to keep Hutchinson sharp? What has been so special about the MTS Centre that has allowed them to put together this streak?
All audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
