Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon.“ Odds and Ends, Thoughts, and Questions from this past week in Hockey
I am a fan of the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, 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, or is it the 8Ps? You’ve been warned.
For a more in-depth look at these Random Thoughts, check out the Winnipeg Hockey Talk YouTube channel LIVE every Monday at 7 PM where host Harley Friesen and Winnipeg Hockey Talk writer Mitch Kasprick discuss his Random Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Jets: The Winnipeg Jets only had 1 game last week, but once again, the NHL’s incompetence reared its ugly head again and turned what should have been a hard-earned Jets win into an excruciating OT loss. Their record now sits at 15-17-4.
2. Jets: The Jets got royally screwed on Saturday night by referees Pierre Lambert and Peter McDougal, and it all happened in the last 30 seconds of the 3rd period. Josh Morrissey was brutally cross-checked from behind and both referees chose not to call the penalty and to make matters worse Josh Morrissey was injured. He didn’t practice on Sunday and is considered day to day and probably a gametime decision.
Can’t blame this one on the Jets. Absolute disaster by the refs as Morrissey got drilled dangerously from behind. Terrible officiating.
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) December 28, 2025
No call on a clear check from behind but retaliatory cross check is called. #NHL still has an overall officiating problem. Do the job right & call the first one, what happens? If something, then call the cross check as well. Do the job. #NHLJets #MNWild.
— Jim Toth (@JimTothSports) December 28, 2025
3. NHL: I think the National Hockey League not having games on Boxing Day is a huge mistake. Growing up, it was one of my favourite games of the season with Jets 1.0.
4. Jets: From the “Put that in your pipe and smoke it” file.
With the Olympics fast approaching and the World Juniors currently going on, it’s just not the same without the Russians being there. Don’t get me wrong, the tournaments are still great, but the Gold Medals will be slightly tarnished. That just one man’s opinion, so … Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
5. Jets: Wednesday night is a big night for Mark Scheifele and Josh Morrissey as Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team will officially be announced. It is expected that both Jets will make the team.
6. Jets: Question for Scott Arniel: WTF is wrong with you and your assistants? You had Morgan Barron, who was 1 for 6 (17%), taking the defensive zone faceoff while short-handed in the dying seconds of a 3-2 game, while Jonathon Toews, who was 10 for 13 (77%) and Adam Lowry, at 11 for 16 (69%), were available. Is there a suit behind that Jets’ bench that understands faceoff percentages? WHY WHY WHY? UN-F’N-BELIEVABLE.
7. Jets: Two top Jets prospects to keep an eye on at the U20 WHC.
Alfons Freij, LD (Swe), #20 … Jets comparable … Josh Morrissey
Sascha Boumedienne, LD (Swe), #5 … Jets comparable … Dylan Samberg
8. Jets: This week’s updated playoff odds from Money Puck.
On Sunday morning, after gaining 1 point versus Minnesota on Saturday night, the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs increased to 28.7% and ended the week at 27.3%. As you can see, the percentage fluctuates daily, whether the team plays or not; however, the days following games exhibit larger fluctuations.
9. Things that make me go hmmm: #1 🤔
How long before the National Hockey League joins the NFL and NBA with 2-3 games on Christmas Day?
10. WJHC: Team Canada World Juniors 2026 Schedule
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL
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