Random Thoughts From Motown Mitch: Feb. 4

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

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

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 Blue Bombers, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Toronto Raptors, all curlers from Manitoba, and all Canadian athletes competing on the international stage. 

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:  Winnipeg Jets were back at it this week and managed three wins out of their four games.  The Jets took advantage of the games they had in hand over Nashville and now have a four-point lead on the Preds AND still have two games in hand.  Their record is now an impressive 34-16-2.  

2.  Moose:  The Manitoba Moose split their two games this week and are still mired in last place in the AHL’s Central Division. 20-20-3-2.  I wonder how much Kristain Vesalainen would have helped this team.    

3.  WHL:  I am absolutely thrilled that the WHL has returned to Winnipeg.  I spent many, many nights in the old barn on Maroons Road watching the many incarnations of Winnipeg’s WCHL and WHL teams.  Winnipeg Junior Jets, Clubs, Monarchs and Warriors.  I hope Winnipeg hockey fans get out and support the Winnipeg Ice.  Now, all the inner scouts in us can go see NHL prospects first hand.  

4.  Jets:  I wish guys calling into Winnipeg’s talk shows would stop suggesting NHL trades based on the deals they make in their fantasy leagues.      

5.  NFL:  This is the first time I’ve watched the Super Bowl and did not miss a play.  I sure picked a bad time to be attentive.     

6.  Jets:  I’m getting a little tired of everybody blaming Bryan Little for Patrik Laine’s lack of production.  Winnipeg Jets are lucky to have him.  STOP already! 

7.  Jets:  Jets fans are hoping that Chevy pulls off a blockbuster trade at the deadline that nets us a one or two big fish that lead us to the promised land BUT keep in mind his in his two biggest trades he wasn’t necessarily the driver in those deals.  Chevy is very careful and he won’t or shouldn’t mortgage the Jets future for a quick fix.  I’ll be watching Trade Center and be hoping for a big Jets trade BUT I’m not going to hold my breath.  

8.  Raptors:  After being in first place for most of the season it looks like Raptors are going to be a dog fight with the Bucks who now sit on top in the Eastern Conference.  I think first place in the conference and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs is huge this year. 

9.  NHL Trade Rumours:  I think we’ve heard the name Kevin Hayes linked to Winnipeg in trade talks.  I’m not sure I would give up a first round pick in a deal for him.  Where would he slot in?  

10.  Jets:  Congrats to Jack Roslovic on his first NHL hattrick versus the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night.  This is a nice accomplishment for any player but extremely nice for a player of Roslo’s age.  Well done.

UPDATE:

The National Hockey League announced that forward Jack Roslovic has been named the NHL’s “First Star of the Week” for the week ending Feb. 3, 2019.

11.  NHL:  Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov was fined $5000.00  for TRIPPING the Isles Scott Mayfield.  What kind of Namby-pamby, Mikey Mouse league is Count Chocula trying to turn the NHL into?    

12:   WHT Podcast:  Podcast 084 can be found here >>> 084

13:  Jets:  Question for Kevin Cheveldayoff:  If you traded for hometown boy Mark Stone would you treat him as a rental OR try to sign him long-term?  

14:  Jets:  Based on the usage of his defencemen it looks like Paul Maurice has Sami Niku in next year mode.   

15:  NFL:  I wonder what percentage of people who go to Super Bowl parties actually watch or care about the game?  I know if MY team is playing in the game I don’t want anybody around.   

16:  Random Thought:  The McDonalds “Filet-O-Fish” is a very underrated sandwich. 

17:  Jets:  Kyle Connor has really grown on me.  I like almost everything about his game BUT I still don’t think he is a first unit, power-play guy.  

18:  Goaltending:

• Conner Hellebuyck:  24-14-1 … 2.86 GAA … .910 SV%             
• Laurent Brossoit:  10-2-1 … 2.09 GAA … .940 SV% 

19:  Special Teams:  Rule of thumb.  Have the two red numbers total at least 100% when added.  (as your minimum) 

• PP:  2nd at 27.60% up from 4th at 26.00% last week.    
• PK:  11th at 81.00%  down from 11th at 81.20% last week.   

20:  NHL Trade Deadline:  Feb. 25 at 2 pm local time.  

If you have any questions for Darryl or myself (Mitch) please give us a shout.  You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.  

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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