Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: May 24

May 24, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

 

SWEEP

1. Jets:  After the Winnipeg Jets big comeback on Sunday night they now lead the Edmonton Oilers 3 games to none.  Even the most diehard Jets fan couldn’t have imagined that.  Based on the poll question so far it looks like Jets fans think the Oilers win in a short series or the Jets win in a long series. 

UPDATE:   

IT IS OVER

The WINNIPEG JETS did the unthinkable and swept the Edmonton Oilers in four games after a triple OT win on a brilliant snipe from Kyle Connor.

For me and all the other older fans that were victims of so many losses to the hated Edmonton Oilers this win is special and the sweep makes it even sweeter.

THANK-YOU WINNIPEG JETS. 

Who wins the Jets vs Oilers series?

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2. Jets:  Although he didn’t score in game 2 versus the Oilers I thought this was the most engaged I’ve seen Kyle Connor in some time.  He was the Jets best forward in my opinion and the overall play of the top line was the best 200 ft effort I’ve seen them play in years.  Game 3 was a different story.  KC was awful defensively and Mark Scheifele was a little late on the back-check on Zack Kassian’s goal although I believe Kassian might have been KC’s man.  I’m not a fan of matching the Scheifele line versus the McDavid line but their play in the playoffs has been much better than it was during the regular season.

UPDATE:  

The line of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler were the best line on the ice and lead their team to victory.  They combined for 3 goals and 3 assists and were dangerous all night.  KC scored the OT winner and had a beauty setup on Scheif’s tying goal in the 3rd period.  The big line earned some much needed redemption. 

3. Jets:  Pierre-Luc Dubois returned for game 2 and I thought he played well with Andrew Copp and Paul Stastny but I thought he was much better playing with Paul Stastny and Nikolaj Ehlers in game 3 (2 assists).    

4. Jets:  Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers didn’t dress for game 1 or 2 but was ready for game 3 and boy did the “Great Dane” deliver.  Ehlers sniped a beauty on the Jets PP in the second period to get them back into the game at that time but saved his best for last.  After a miracle comeback in the back half on the 3rd period (tribute to Dennis Beyak) Ehlers converted a masterful face off win by Paul Stastny by sniping the OT winner past Mike Smith.  The Winnipeg Jets are a different team with #27 in the lineup.  He is their best winger and he proved it again.     

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

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6. NHL:  It is quite obvious that the NHL has reverted back to it’s old ways and playoff hockey will be officiated differently than regular season hockey.  Now the trick is for GMs to find that balance and build their teams accordingly.  I really like the way this Jets team is constructed right now.  They can play the game any way you want.  Also, it doesn’t hurt that they get Vezina Trophy caliber goaltending. 

7. Jets:  I said this last week and so far the officials are letting them play for the most part.

UPDATE: 

Game 4 had plenty of powerplays for both sides but the officials let the teams decide it in overtime.  There was a couple of calls but the were too obvious to ignore.  One was a “puck over glass”. 

Special teams are huge come playoff time.  The Jets PK looks to be solid but defending against the Oilers PP is a tall order and the best defence against this is to stay out of the penalty box.  I have to admit I’m concerned about the Jets PP and the way it has stagnated down the stretch.  Hopefully the officials don’t turn this into a special teams battle and we see lots of 5 on 5 hockey.   

8. Jets:  I’m glad to see Andrew Copp back on his regular line with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton although I’m okay with him moving up the lineup in a pinch.  I thought he was excellent in game 2 versus the Oilers.  He was very creative and dangerous offensively with nothing to show for it in regulation time but he made a great zone entry and set up Paul Stastny’s OT winner.  I also thought he created some good chances in game 3 but his best play was a back check on Leon Draisaitl in overtime.

UPDATE:

The line of Adam Lowry, Andrew Copp, and Mason Appleton drew the assignment of going head to head with the McDavid line for most of the night and they did an excellent job of slowing them down.  It is impossible to stop them but they made life hard on the Oiler’s top line and even scored against them.        

9. Jets:  This …. so far, so good. 

I believe this Winnipeg team is better equipped to beat the McDavid Oilers than Jets 1.0 were to beat the Gretzky Oilers.  Those Gretzky teams were definitely better than our Jets BUT in spite of Winnipeg’s record against them this season I don’t think this Oilers team is better than our Jets.  Of course the Jets will need to be at their best and the coaches will need to implement a winning game plan but I think we can win this series.  

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 

Hockey is, always has been, and always be a team game. 

10. Jets:  Logan Stanley does so many little things well but the thing that stands out for me is how he uses his size and makes simple plays because of his strength and reach that smaller defencemen like Josh Morrissey struggle with.  Morrissey is playing very well but it seems he has to work twice as hard to accomplish some of the same basic plays.  Scouts always say “you can’t teach size”.

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11. Jets:  I’ve been very hard on Tucker Poolman but since he has been moved to the third pairing with Logan Stanley he has played very well and they look comfortable playing together.  Poolman and Stanley have been more than solid in the first three games of this series. 

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 15 – Playoffs begin
  • July 15 – The latest the Stanley Cup can be awarded
  • July 17 – Expansion draft protection lists tentatively due
  • July 21 – Expansion draft
  • July 23-24 – 2021 NHL Entry Draft
  • July 28 – Free agency opens

13. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

UPDATE:

I think the answer to the poll question is moot now.  Nobody is going anywhere.

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

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14. Jets:  Lost in the euphoria of the Jets amazing comeback win in game 3 was Connor Hellebuyck shutting the door after Edmonton’s 4th goal.  Helle gave his team 26:04 of shutout hockey to get the job done. 

UPDATE:

Connor Hellebuyck was once again brilliant in game 4 and was key in leading his team to the 4-game sweep.   

15. Jets:  Playoff Schedule

1. Wednesday May 19 at Edmonton 8:00 PM (W 4-1)

2. Friday  May 21 at Edmonton 8:00 PM (W 1-0 OT)

3. Sunday May 23  vs Edmonton 6:30 PM (W 5-4 OT)

4. Monday May 24 vs Edmonton 8:45 PM (W 4-3 3OT)

5. Wednesday May 26 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

6. Friday May 28 vs Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

7. Sunday May 30 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

16. Jets:  Derek Forbort is an enigma wrapped in a riddle for me.  I’ve never seen a defenceman do so many good things in a game and also make so many turnovers and mistakes in a game.  Right now he might be the Jets weakest link on the blueline.  I’m not sure I agree but I can understand why Paul Maurice keeps running him out there.  He battles and he competes but I think he is a victim of too much ice-time.  He is probably better suited in the 3rd pairing but the problem is the Winnipeg Jets have an over-abundance of middle to bottom pair defenceman.  This is more of an observation than a criticism because this group is doing it’s best and on most nights gives this team a chance to win.  Better times are coming with Ville Heinola and Dylan Samberg waiting in the wings.    

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

Playoff rankings:  Canadian Division

  • PP: 1st at 30.00% 
  • PK: 3rd at 81.80  
  • FO: 1st at 54.60

18. Jets:  Overall there is no direct correlation in faceoff wins dictating winning or losing a hockey game but in a series or an individual game it can be huge.  Call me crazy but I would prefer to start the play with the puck and a perfect example was overtime in game 3 when Paul Stastny won the draw clean and Nik Ehlers sniped the game-winner.        

19. Goaltending:

Playoff stats:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  4-0-0 … 1.60 GAA … .950 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  0-0-0 … 0.00 GAA … .000 SV%

20. NHL:  Sportsnet’s Cassie Campbell’s blatant homerism when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers is embarrassing and disgraceful.  GET HER OFF NATIONAL BROADCASTS IMMEDIATLY. 

UPDATE:

I thought Cassie did a pretty good job of holding back the tears.  On a positive note it was nice to see Jennifer Botterill with that coy smile on her face.

21. Jets:  I guess there is a magic switch after all and Paul Maurice flipped it.   

*

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

[email protected]

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch
*

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: May 17

May 17, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets won 2 out of 3 home games last week to end their season at 30-23-3.  After a horrible stretch of losing the Jets finished their regular season on a semi-positive note winning 3 of their last 5 games.  They now head into their first-round playoff match-up versus the heavily favoured Edmonton Oilers and most Jets fans are hoping this isn’t Jets 1.0 all over again.   

Who wins the Jets vs Oilers series?

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2. Jets:  Well it is playoff time and Jets fans are really hoping to see playoff Pierre-Luc Dubois.  I expect PLD and Adam Lowry to be huge factors in this series.   

3. Jets:  I love watching the IIHF World Championships but having Cole Perfetti on Team Canada makes it even more interesting.  CONGRATS COLE!

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose finished their season going 0-2-1-1 versus Belleville and had their streak of consecutive games gaining points snapped at 13.  Their overall record ended up being a solid 18-13-3-2 on the season.  This Moose team was a lot of fun to watch this season.  

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

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6. NHL:  The Tampa Bay Lightning roster is currently $17,000,000 (approx) over the salary cap but the NHL doesn’t have cap restrictions for the playoffs.  Teams always find a loophole and this one looks real bad on the NHL.  This will need to be addressed because right now there are a lot of really pissed off GMs.

7. Jets:  Special teams are huge come playoff time.  The Jets PK looks to be solid but defending against the Oilers PP is a tall order and the best defence against this is to stay out of the penalty box.  I have to admit I’m concerned about the Jets PP and the way it has stagnated down the stretch.  Hopefully the officials don’t turn this into a special teams battle and we see lots of 5 on 5 hockey.   

8. Jets:  Kyle Connor has started scoring again and it couldn’t have come at a getter time.  The Winnipeg Jets need him scoring because that is his biggest contribution to this team.  If he’s not scoring he doesn’t really contribute much else.      

9. Jets:  I believe this Winnipeg team is better equipped to beat the McDavid Oilers than Jets 1.0 were to beat the Gretzky Oilers.  Those Gretzky teams were definitely better than our Jets BUT in spite of Winnipeg’s record against them this season I don’t think this Oilers team is better than our Jets.  Of course the Jets will need to be at their best and the coaches will need to implement a winning game plan but I think we can win this series.  (see #1)  

10. Jets:  The line of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler have an opportunity to change the narrative that they are done as a top line.  Hopefully a healthy Blake Wheeler can get them playing the way they did a couple of years ago against Nashville.   

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11. Jets:  Right now, to start the playoffs I would prefer seeing Logan Stanley in the 3rd pairing over Tucker Poolman.  I’ve been really down on Poolman in the second half of this season.  If you’re a regular reader here I’m sure you are aware of that.  I haven’t been kind to him.   

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 15 – Playoffs begin
  • July 15 – The latest the Stanley Cup can be awarded
  • July 17 – Expansion draft protection lists tentatively due
  • July 21 – Expansion draft
  • July 23-24 – 2021 NHL Entry Draft
  • July 28 – Free agency opens

13. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

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14. Jets:  Based on practice pairings ahead of Wednesday’s game one vs Edmonton it looks like the defensive pairings could be:

Morrissey/DeMelo

Forbort/Pionk

Stanley/Benn      

15. Jets:  Playoff Schedule

1. Wednesday May 19 at Edmonton 8:00 PM 

2. Friday  May 21 at Edmonton 8:00 PM 

3. Sunday May 23  vs Edmonton 6:30 PM

4. Monday May 24 vs Edmonton 8:45 PM

5. Wednesday May 26 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

6. Friday May 28 vs Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

7. Sunday May 30 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

16. Jets:  The biggest question in town is will Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers be dressed for game one?  All Jets fans have our fingers crossed because this is a different and much better team with Ehlers in the lineup.  Outside of Helle, he might be (he is) our best player.  

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

Final regular season Canadian Division rankings.

  • PP: 2nd at 23.00% down from 23.90% last week.
  • PK: 3rd at 80.50 up from 79.90% last week. 
  • FO: 3rd at 50.50 up from 50.20% last week.

18. Jets:  It took all season but it looks like Dylan DeMelo will be paired with Josh Morrissey going into the playoffs.  They played together down the stretch and looked very comfortable, just like they were last season.  I’ve also liked when Paul Maurice has paired Neal Pionk together with Morrissey when they need to push the pace and need offence.     

19. Goaltending:

Final regular season stats:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  24-17-3 … 2.58 GAA … .916 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  6-6-0 … 2.42 GAA … .918 SV%

20. Jets:  For me, Jordy Benn has been a lot better than expected.  He provides a physical presence and moves the puck better than I thought.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts in game on versus the Oilers.  (see #14)  

*

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

[email protected]

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch
*

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: May 10

May 10, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  When it comes to hiring and firing, player deployment, and prospect development hockey franchises always play the long game and don’t run their teams like how fans run their fantasy hockey rosters.  In the NHL, teams deal with real people and real money.  Fans, including me often have takes or opinions based on recent events that aren’t realistic.  I am trying real hard to stay balanced but this team is making it very hard.       

2. Jets:  Thank goodness it is over.  The Winnipeg Jets snapped their worst losing streak in Jets 2.0 history vs Calgary thanks to a solid 4-0 victory over an uninspired Flames team.  The Winnipeg Jets went 1-2 last week but continued their uninspired play at home.  While other teams are peaking for the playoffs, the Jets are limping in and look like a team that wants to just get the playoffs started.  The Jets now sit at 28-22-3. 

3. Jets:  The Jets only have 6 more wins than the youthful Ottawa Senators.  Let that marinate for a few minutes.   

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose had a great week in Toronto sweeping the 3-game series with the Marlies and improved their overall record to 18-11-2-1 on the season.  Cole Perfetti is on a heater right now putting up 5 goals, 11 assists in his last 10 games.

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

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6. NHL:  I’m sorry Leaf fans but Connor McDavid is and should be the unanimous winner of the Hart Trophy.  Auston Matthews has had a very good season but if one media member from the Toronto media votes for Auston Matthews it shows that they really don’t understand the award and should have their credentials revoked.  If the Oilers didn’t have McDavid they would be a lottery team, if the Leafs didn’t have Matthews they would still be a solid playoff team.  End of story.

7. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose have now extended their streak of earning points to 11-consecutive games (10-0-01) after a 4-3 win versus the Marlies on Sunday afternoon.  Is is too bad there is no AHL playoffs because the Moose would be going into the playoffs playing the right way unlike the parent club.

8. Jets:  Kyle Connor has disappeared.  It was 8 games ago that he put up his last point and his effort level is less than inspiring.  I would trade him for Patrik Laine in a heartbeat.        

9. Jets:  Ville Heinola got into a couple games this past week and for the most part played very well.  The thing the impresses me about his game is that he doesn’t seem to get rattled.  He is going to be a special player.    

10. Jets:  I think Adam Lowry is a very underappreciated, underrated cog in the Jets engine and it was very noticeable when he was on the IR during their streak from hell.  Lowry is definitely the straw that stirs the drink on one of the best third lines in the NHL.  

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11. NHL:  Jeff Carter is starting to get comfortable in Pittsburg and looks to be a nice trade deadline addition.  Carter has put up 9 points in his past 10 games for the Pens in a secondary role.  Not bad.    

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 16 – End of the regular season
  • May ?? – Playoffs begin
  • July 15 – The latest the Stanley Cup can be awarded
  • July 17 – Expansion draft protection lists tentatively due
  • July 21 – Expansion draft
  • July 23-24 – 2021 NHL Entry Draft
  • July 28 – Free agency opens

13. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

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14. Jets:  This won’t be a very popular take but I’m old school and I believe there is some truth to this.  The Winnipeg Jets need more CHLers and less USHL/NCAA pretty boys.  To be clear I’m not talking about nationality but style of play in these leagues.                 

15. Jets:  Schedule

Monday May 10 vs Vancouver 7:00 PM

Tuesday May 11 vs Vancouver 7:00 PM 

Friday  May 14 vs Toronto 7:00 PM 

16. Jets:  Tucker Poolman was back at home in the third pairing on Saturday night but it didn’t seem to help, he was still pretty bad.  It will be interesting to see what the Jets do this off-season with Poolman who is a pending UFA.  I don’t see any room for him on next year’s roster.  In my opinion, he is/will be behind Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo, Neal Pionk, Logan Stanley, Ville Heinola, Dylan Samberg, and the Jets still have Nate Beaulieu and Sami Niku under contract for next season.

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

These are the Winnipeg Jets rankings within the seven team Canadian Division.  Since all games played during the regular season are divisional the rest of the league’s numbers don’t really matter.

  • PP: 2nd at 23.90% down from 25.00% last week.
  • PK: 3rd at 79.90 up from 79.10% last week. 
  • FO: 5th at 50.20 up from 49.90% last week.

18. Jets:  Right now I would part ways with Charlie Huddy before I would fire Paul Maurice. 

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  22-17-3 … 2.66 GAA … .914 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  6-5-0 … 2.36 GAA … .920 SV%

20. Jets:  I have to admit I was on the fence when it came to David Gustafsson but the more I see him the more I like him.  At the NHL level I think he probably tops out as a 3rd line center at best and there is nothing wrong with that.  He has 6 goals and 11 assists in his 18 games played for the Moose and might have some offensive upside at the next level.  I think he is more than capable of playing in Nate Thompson’s role next season.

*

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

[email protected]

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why The Winnipeg Jets Should Protect Mason Appleton

May 6, 2021 by

Protect Mason Appleton?

Kevin Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets will have a tough time trying to decide who to protect as we head closer to the NHL’s Seattle Expansion Draft.  The expansion draft options for Chevy and the Winnipeg Jets are to either protect seven forwards, three defencemen and a goalie or, they can protect eight skaters and one goalie. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Featured, Roster Tagged With: , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: May 3

May 3, 2021 by

Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”

Odds and Ends, Thoughts and Questions, from this past week in hockey –

Just so there’s no confusion when I’m spewing my bias, I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, Arizona Coyotes, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg Ice, and all Team Canada Hockey teams.

I am NOT a fan of Gary Bettman or as I call him, Count Chocula.  I am a big believer in the 7Ps. You’ve been warned. 

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets finished one of their most embarrassing stretches in 2.0 history last week going 0-5 on their last homestand, losing 3 games to Edmonton and 2 games to Toronto.  Even more disturbing was they only scored 6 goals in those 5 games, the goaltending was sub-par, and they had minimal push-back as the Leafs and Oilers toyed with them in their own barn.  Thank goodness there were no fans in the building because it might have gotten ugly.  A lot of Jets fans are trying to put on a brave face and say things will be ok once the playoffs start etc. etc. but there is a lot of gloom and doom amongst the fanbase right now.  

UPDATE:  After a tough 2-1 loss in Ottawa last night the Winnipeg Jets losing streak is now SEVEN games.  The Jets went 0 for 6 on the PP and gave up a shorthanded goal.  I think that says it all.

2. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 0-3 last week and don’t have to worry about first or second place anymore.  That ship has sailed.  Now they are only two points ahead of Montreal for third place.  Wow, how the mighty have fallen.  The free-falling Jets now sit at 27-20-3. 

3. Jets:  The bloom is definitely off the rose as far as Derek Forbort is concerned.  Has now entered Anthony Bitetto and Nathan Beaulieu country as far as the Jets fanbase is concerned.  

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose had a good week snagging 5 of 6 points from the Stockton Heat and now have finished their monster 7-game homestand with a solid 9-5-2-1 record improving their overall record to 15-11-2-1 on the season.  The Cole Perfetti watch now has him at 8 goals, 15 assists, for 23 points in 29 games.

UPDATE:  The American Hockey League announced today Moose forward Cole Perfetti has been named the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for April.  Perfetti, 19, tied for the lead among AHL rookies, and the Moose, in scoring in April.  He recorded 13 points (4G, 9A) in just nine games. 

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

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6. Jets:  The biggest thing I’ve noticed during this bad stretch for the home team beside their ongoing poor defensive play is their offence is struggling because they spend far to much time on the perimeter.  This team likes to score off the rush but when that’s not happening they seem to lack the grind to score the greasy goals.  The only players that regularly go to the tough areas and get their noses dirty are Mathieu Perreault, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Adam Lowry, and Mason Appleton.  Teams are starting to adjust their game plans from regular season to playoff mode and the Winnipeg Jets haven’t or can’t match those adjustments.  They have three weeks to figure it or it will be another early exit from the playoffs and then heads should roll …. if Mark Chipman has the balls.

7. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets blueline has been a source of concern all season but to be honest I think this team’s biggest problem isn’t the actual players but the deployment of the players.  Tucker Poolman is taking a lot of heat but is it his fault he is on the top pairing?  Derek Forbort’s play has really gone downhill in the last few weeks but he is still being trotted out alongside Neal Pionk every night.  Right now, Jordie Benn might actually be playing better than the beleaguered Derek Forbort.  Why is Dylan DeMelo still playing in the third pairing?  Why aren’t Ville Heinola and Logan Stanley playing more?  Hell, Sami Niku couldn’t be as bad as Forbort lately.  The biggest problem with the Jets blueline seems to be the guy or guys behind the bench.  I can’t believe the suits all agree on the deployment of the team’s defencemen and if they do the problem is even worse than we could imagine.   

8. Jets:  Does Kyle Connor still play for the Jets?  Is he the “Seven Million Dollar Man” or the “Invisible Man”?  I’ve tried real hard to change my attitude when it comes to KC but it is stretches like his current slide (one assist in six games), that validate my opinion that he is an overpaid one-dimensional hockey player and when that one dimension disappears he is absolutely useless.  He brings nothing else to the table if he’s not scoring.       

9. Jets:  I like the new Jets powerplay setup with Blake Wheeler on the right-side half wall and Neal Pionk on the point but for the life of me I can’t understand why Kyle Connor,  the team’s top sniper is sitting on the bench in favour of ANDREW COPP?  What the hell is wrong with Paul Maurice?  Are the Jets paying Kyle Connor over 7 million dollars a year to get 20 seconds on the second PP unit? 

10. Jets:  I love Connor Hellebuyck’s positive attitude and his belief in himself and his teammates but I can’t help but wonder how he really feels about his team’s play in front of him most nights.  He is definitely a little off right now but I never doubt his ability to rebound.  As always, this Winnipeg Jets team only goes as far as Helle takes them.   

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11. NHL:  Your referees are LOL laughable.  Only NBA officiating is worse and that’s nothing to be proud of.  Their bar is set so low.  It was bad enough the Jets stunk on their 5-game homestand but they weren’t the only ones that stunk in the building.  

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 16 – End of the regular season
  • May ?? – Playoffs begin
  • July 15 – The latest the Stanley Cup can be awarded
  • July 17 – Expansion draft protection lists tentatively due
  • July 21 – Expansion draft
  • July 23-24 – 2021 NHL Entry Draft
  • July 28 – Free agency opens

13. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s job in jeopardy.  Is Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

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14. Jets:  Enough already with the Andrew Copp in the top six and on the powerplay.  He is a very good third line winger and with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton he is part of one of the very best third lines in the NHL.  (see#9)   

15. Jets:  Schedule

Update:  The May 7 game vs Ottawa has been re-scheduled to Monday, April 5.  This is due to the two postponed Vancouver games this week.

16. Jets:  Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers is one of my favourite Jets players and he could possibly be the team MVP but there is no way that his absence and Adam Lowry’s absence should impact this team as much as it seems it has.  Where is all this alleged depth this team has?    

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

These are the Winnipeg Jets rankings within the seven team Canadian Division.  Since all games played during the regular season are divisional the rest of the league’s numbers don’t really matter.

  • PP: 2nd at 25.00% down from 25.20% last week.
  • PK: 2nd at 79.10 up from 81.10% last week. 
  • FO: 5th at 49.90 up from 49.60% last week.

18. Jets:  I’m not big on firing coaches and GMs after a tough stretch like the Winnipeg Jets are going through right now but the warts and warning signs we’ve been seeing for the past 3 seasons are on full display right now and if this Jets team had any other goaltender than Connor Hellebuyck, Paul Maurice and Kevin Cheveldayoff might have been gone long ago.  This organisation needs somebody like a President of Hockey Operations for the coach and GM answer to and not an owner that still thinks he’s running an AHL team.  Mark Chipman is too damn loyal and doesn’t have the stones to make the hard decisions.  Getting past the first round ONCE in twelve years would have had most GMs canned years ago.  This fanbase deserves better.    

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  21-16-3 … 2.72 GAA … .912 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  6-4-0 … 2.39 GAA … .922 SV%

20. Jets:  EVERYBODY GETS INJURIES.  EVERYBODY IS DEALING WITH A TOUGH COMPRESSED SCHEDULE.  EVERYBODY IS BORED, FEELING CONFINED AND SICK OF COVID-19.  ENOUGH ALREADY.  PUT YOUR BIG BOY PANTS ON AND PLAY HOCKEY.  NO MORE EXCUSES.  

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In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

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Thanks, Mitch
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