Jets face-off against new division rival

Tonight will not be the first time the Winnipeg Jets are playing in Minnesota, but it is the first time they are playing against them as a new division opponent and are their closet geographical rival. I'll be honest and upfront, I can't stand watching Minnesota play hockey. Even with the additions of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, they still play a very safe, controlled game that focuses on defence first. The lessons taught by former coach Jacques Lemaire have not been forgotten. Hopefully Winnipeg and Minnesota learn to hate each other as that is how true rivals are born. (or meet in the playoffs) The one thing the Wild do well is get in fast on the forecheck and pressure the defencemen. Winnipeg is also very good at that so it will be fun to watch that game within the game. 

Early break in the schedule timed well for Jets

Coming off easily their worst game of this young season losing Sunday to the Ducks, the Winnipeg Jets have a 4 day break in the schedule which is perfectly timed. Coach Claude Noel can "punish" the team with a bag skate if he chooses, and can use the extended break to teach, which is always vital early in the season. Even though the coaching staff and the majority of the team has been here for a couple of years, there is always an early adjustment period that happens every season. I would be surprised if they didn't come out with a great effort Thursday against Minnesota. 

The Jets 3.0

 

 

Since the return of the NHL to the fine city of Winnipeg in May of 2011, the MSN and blogger community have referred to them as the Jets 2.0. I neither believe this nickname or agree with it. This is the third version of a professional team known as the "Jets" to play in Winnipeg.

To refer to them as 2.0 is one of two things. Either you are assuming that the team that started in 1979 was not an expansion team (it was actually worse) or you are doing what the NHL does, ignoring the WHA. This is wrong on both fronts.

The Jets are all set to fly high...

Today marks the return of the Winnipeg Jets for their third NHL season of Jets 3.0. Tonight they will face the LA Kings fresh off a shoot out win last night over Minnesota.

It will be a great test for the team, and should be an eye opener for fans and the teams in the Western Conference. The Jets are one of the few teams that are large enough to play with the Kings and arguably have more power wingers then any team in the NHL...

 

 

Josh Morrissey signs entry level deal

As per the Jets official site, the Jets have come to terms with recent first round selection Josh Morrissey. At the time of the draft, I felt it was a bit of a reach pick and poor asset management on the Jets part (not trading down). To his credit, Morrissey has delivered excellent hockey so far this fall and IMO has become the top prospect not playing in the NHL. Go to http://jets.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=685307&navid=DL|WPG|home for more details.

Czech, Mate. The Jets may have traded for a king

Last nights game versus the Edmonton Oilers featured 4 players who hail from the Czech Republic. Early it looked like Ales Hemsky was going to best his country men with a great start with Taylor Hall on the top line. Ondrej Pavelec fought the puck all night and Ladi Smid will never be on the highlight reels. The best Czech last night was easily Michael Frolik who notched 2 goals including the game winner late in the 3rd period. Frolik was one of my wild cards heading into the season and if last night was any indication, he may be the trade of the summer.

Jets ready to drop the puck

Tonight the action starts for real and the NHL's 97th season begins! For the first time in Jets 3.0 history (yes 3.0...I don't agree with the 2.0 terminology) they will travel to Edmonton and take on the Oilers. Due to the lockout, this is only the second meeting between the two clubs, and I can tell you first hand there are thousands of Manitobans now living in Edmonton that couldn't be more excited for tonight. I was at the X game a week or so ago and could not believe the amount of Jets gear and face paint.