With the news that the Jets had recalled Ondrej Pavelec back to the big club breaking this morning (not to mention breaking twitter) it should come with little surprise that all eyes were on the MTS Centre for the 12 noon Jets practice. Via Brian Munz of TSN 1290 Winnipeg we learned that “Pavelec & Hellebuyck on ice. Hutchinson was out early working with goalie coach but has now left”.
Audio:
Ondrej Pavelec: On getting the call. His thoughts on what has been happening with the Jets goalies this season. Will he start tomorrow? Has he been given any indication as to what expectations are. How much is he looking forward to playing with the Jets? How did it feel walking into this room? On his game this year with the Moose. Did he think an NHL opportunity wasn’t going to come? How surprised was he when the call came? How important is this stretch for him? Comparing this to time he carried Jets to playoffs. His relationship with Hellebuyck and Hutchinson and whether he chatted with them when he came in. Is this a perfect opportunity for him? How different did today’s practice feel and how did he feel? Does he look at this opportunity to showcase himself to other NHL teams? Differences in the job for NHL and AHL. Adjusting to the NHL game. Can he reproduce the “very best Ondrej Pavelec”? Has he been told “he’s gonna be given the ball”? Was he angry when he got sent down?
Connor Hellebuyck: His mindset with Pavelec joining the goalie corps. Was he surprised to hear that Pavelec was called up? Does he take it as a message to himself and Hutchinson? Is he aware that the goalies haven’t been playing poorly, and that’s why management made this decision? What has he learned? The difference on being a starter and the expectations that come with that responsibility. On the need for the team to play better in front of the goalies. On developing the “mental toughness” needed to be in the NHL. Lessons to be learned from this situation. What did he like about his last few games? What can he learn from Pavelec? Has his confidence wavered at all?
Michael Hutchinson: On what it means with Pavelec joining the team. Does it get tougher for him with the struggles they are facing. How surprised was he when they called up Pavelec?
Coach Maurice: On the last few days leading into this decision to bring Pavelec up. Pavelec starts tomorrow? How long does he anticipate keeping Pavelec around for? Any update on Patrik Laine? Still hasn’t skated? How does this fit with the decision to start the season with two young goalies? On Hellebuyck’s belief in his abilities. What does it do to his team when the puck is going into the net at an irregular pace? On the team’s preparation. Is there any consideration to putting Byfuglien back with Enstrom? Status of Tyler Myers? Did the organization overestimate what Hutchinson/Hellebuyck could provide them in terms of wins. Long term goalie situation. On timing of Pavelec call up. .
Audio courtesy of TSN 1290 Winnipeg.
