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 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 warn
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets played two terrific games this past weekend but only managed two points. The Jets came out of the break below the playoff line but it could have been worse. Their overall record is 26-23-4 and still within touch of the Wildcard spot.
2. Jets: I know I’m hard on Kyle Connor but he makes it so easy. Connor has been MIA since returning from the break. He is still the worst forward in the Jets’ end and if the game gets heavy he is no factor. He is a great skater and has terrific hands but when he isn’t scoring he bugs the crap out of me. I don’t like him on the first unit PP and the jury is still out if he can score without Mark Scheifele. Okay, I’m good for a couple of weeks now.
3. Pet Peeve: It pisses me off how everybody talks about back-to-back games like it is such a hardship. AND goalies can’t or shouldn’t play back-to-back. I would suggest you base your goalie start on the workload he faced. When did we become so soft?
4. Jets: I like fighting and tough hockey as much as the next guy and I generally don’t mind a player going after a guy for a cheap shot on a star player BUT BUT BUT these response fights by the Jets versus Boston were for nothing hits that got instigator penalties and cost the Jets TWO goals in a game they lost 2-1. Have these guys ever heard of “TAKE A NUMBER”? The only thing that pisses me off more than soft hockey is dumb hockey and that was dumb hockey. This coming from a dinosaur.
5. Jets: Remember last season when many fans complained about Ben Chiarot and Tyler Myers? No, they weren’t perfect but I bet if they were on this Jets team we would be above the playoff line.
6. Jets: I’m on record in saying I’m not in favour of firing Paul Maurice but sometimes a change needs to be made and if the Winnipeg Jets decide to move on from Maurice I think Kevin Cheveldayoff needs to go with him. If we’re going to start fresh let’s start fresh.
7. Jets: The Jets blueline has had its struggles this season but our young wingers struggle in the defensive zone too and they don’t seem to be getting better. It is time to simplify our defensive structure. It can’t continue like this and it might be Maurice’s undoing. I saw a Jets forwards skate right past a guy standing still with the puck TWO feet away to chase his check. It looks ridiculous.
8. Jets: The Dustin Byfuglien watch: Elliotte Freidman had a small “BUFFARAZZI” update. He said Buff isn’t skating and a resolution to his NHLPA grievance should be settled shortly. I’m sure Chevy would like to know if he has extra cap space or not going into the trade deadline.
UPDATE:
Hearing #nhljets and Dustin Byfuglien are working toward a mutual contract termination over the next several days, which would end his suspension (and grievance) – and finally give Winnipeg the salary cap clarity needed ahead of #TradeCentre.
STORY: https://t.co/5KRyWUnplA pic.twitter.com/4P5JFGMheT
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 3, 2020
I guess this tweet from Frank Seravalli sheds a little light on this poll question.
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9. Jets: The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 24.
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10. Jets: It was nice to see the third line score some huge goals in their win versus St. Loo. I liked Andrew Copp with Jansen Harkins and Jack Roslovic.
11. This week:
- Manitoba Moose – Feb. 6, 7
- Winnipeg Jets – Feb. 4, 6, 8, 9
- Winnipeg Ice – Feb. 5, 8
12. Goaltending:
- Conner Hellebuyck: 22-16-4 … 2.72 GAA … .918 SV% … 4 shutouts.
- Laurent Brossoit: 4-7-0 … 3.59 GAA … .885 SV%
13. 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.
- PP: 20th at 19.00% down from 15th at 20.00%
- PK: 29th at 74.10% down from 28th at 74.10%
- FO: 15th at 50.10%
14. Jets: Mason Appleton got his shot a the top 6 and he didn’t look out of place but I’m not sure he is ready for prime time yet.
15. Jets: We are hearing that Paul Stastny might be available. I doubt Vegas would trade him to a conference rival but if they ate some of his salary I would be interested.
In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.
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Thanks, Mitch
