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: Game 1 – I only have one thing to say about the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday night and that is the Jets showed up to a gunfight with a butter knife. It was hard watching them getting pushed around.
Game 2 – The Jets showed up for game two in a definite playoff mode and were full value for their 3-2 victory. Their hard work and compete level was where it needed to be for a playoff game. Kyle Connor has been virtually invisible so maybe he will show up in game three with a big effort.
2. Jets: There is no need to jump off the Jets bandwagon yet because I don’t think this series is over, not by a longshot. As long as we have Connor Hellebuyck we are never out of it. Now in saying that the rest of the team needs to show up ready to compete and pay the price no matter who is or isn’t in the lineup. I think Game 1 was probable an eye-opener for a few of the Jets pretty boys. You aren’t going to win hockey games by floating around the ice.
3. Jets: For the record, I don’t think Matthew Tkachuk was trying to sever Mark Scheifele’s Achilles tendon BUT there is no doubt he was targeting Scheif. That was quite apparent right from the drop of the puck. The Flames game-plan was to play hard on the Jets skill players and I have no problem with that, it’s playoff hockey.
4. Jets: The Calgary Flames exposed my greatest fear in Game 1 of the best-of-five play-in-in series. Without players like Trouba, Buff, Chiarot and even Myers we are like putty in the Flames hands. For those out there that think toughness isn’t a part of hockey, you are kidding yourselves. (CHECK OUT THE POLL QUESTION AT #14)
5. NHL: I have to admit the games look good on tv but I wonder what it feels like for the players? My impression is it looks like a lifeless atmosphere.
6. Jets: I’m guessing Jansen Harkins draws into the lineup today and I hope he gets meaningful minutes. I love everything about his game.
7. Jets: There are quite a few obvious differences between this current Winnipeg Jets team and the Jets team that went to the Conference Finals a couple of years ago but for me, the biggest difference is that team could play you any way you wanted. I think this Jets team buckles when it comes to tough hockey and it appears their best chance to win is if the game turns into a shootout and Helle holds the fort.
8. Jets: In a game where they had SEVEN powerplays the Jets had a total of eighteen shots on goal and seven of those shots came early in the first period. That is so disgusting I can’t even put it into words. This team’s habit of passing up decent shot attempts and looking for the perfect play is getting old real quick and hockey has only been back for one game. SHOOT THE DAMN PUCK.
9. Jets: POLL QUESTION: Now that the series is tied at 1-1 how do you feel? You can select up to two answers. 
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I must admit I was a little surprised by the early returns to the poll question. I thought there would be a lot more gloom and doom.
10. Jets: The Jets restart schedule. All games are Manitoba time.
Best of five play-in series
Saturday: Aug. 1, 9:30 pm – Jets at Flames ( L 4-1)
Monday: Aug. 3, 1:30 pm – Jets at Flames (W 3-2)
Tuesday: Aug. 4, 5:45 pm – Flames at Jets (L 6-2)
Thursday: Aug. 6, 9:30 – Flames at Jets
Saturday: Aug. 8, TBD – Jets at Flames (if necessary)
11. Jets: I mentioned last week that I was a little surprised that Dylan Samberg wasn’t part of the Winnipeg Jets restart. As it turns out Samberg was not eligible because his contract doesn’t kick in until 2020/21.
12. NHL: So, it is the Seattle Kraken … hmmm. I like their colour scheme but to be honest I don’t like the name Kraken.
13. Jets: Whenever you talk or debate about grit and/or team toughness there seems to be a divide based on your age. I’m older as you well know and I like tough hockey. There is nothing I hate more than watching our top players being pushed around and being taken advantage of. With that being said, check out the poll question below.
14. Jets: POLL QUESTION: Do you feel the same after game 2? You can select up to three answers. Loading ...
15. Jets: I predict a 3-2 win for the Jets today. √
UPDATE:
16: Jets: Today I predict a 4-2 win for the Jets. x
In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.
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Thanks, Mitch
