Mitch Kasprick is now the “Westdale Curmudgeon”
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 split their two home games last week and now have a record of 10-5-1. They played very well in their 3-0 loss to Pittsburgh but couldn’t beat Tristan Jarry in what turned out to be an entertaining goalie duel. Connor Hellebuyck was very good as well.
The Jets play Carolina tonight and then head on the road for three games. This is going to be an important week for this injury-riddled team. They are facing some early-season adversity with the injury bug and I’m interested to see who steps up. I think it needs to be Kevin Cheveldayoff.
2. Jets: The first bit of bad news the Jets got last week was Mason Appleton did indeed break his wrist and will be out for 8-12 weeks.
I’m hearing that the upper-body injury that Mason Appleton sustained in Winnipeg’s 3-2 OT win in Seattle on Sunday is going to keep him out for quite a while. Sounds like he will need surgery, which he will have today. Told he will be out for at least eight weeks. #NHLJets
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) November 16, 2022
3. Jets: I like Sam Gagne but now with Nikolaj Ehlers and Mason Appleton out long-term I’m not sure if he is a fit on the right wing with KC and Scheif. Maybe it’s time to get the band back together and play the ex-captain up there.
4. Jets: My greatest fear and the next bit of bad news was confirmed on Saturday.
Nikolaj Ehlers will have sports hernia surgery next week. No timeline for return. #NHLJets
— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) November 19, 2022
5. Jets: You would think the injuries to Mason Appleton and Nikolaj Ehlers should trigger a trade for an experienced forward or two. With all due respect to Mikey Eyssimont and Dominic Toninato, they aren’t going to cut it for the next 2-3 months.
6. Moose: The Manitoba Moose continue to play good hockey snagging 3 points in two games in Texas this past weekend. Their record currently sits at 8-3-1-0. The Moose are still in third place in the AHL’s Western Conference but have games in hand on the front-runners.
7. Jets: Don’t you find that after watching an exciting 3-on-3 overtime that the shootout is a complete buzzkill?
8. ICE: The Canadian Hockey League announced their Week 7 edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2022-23 season. The Winnipeg ICE won both of their games this week versus Regina and improved their record to 20-1-0. The ICE have a busy week with two games at home and two on the road. They should still hold the #1 spot in the CHL when the new rankings come out on Wednesday but next week could be a different story. Stay tuned.
Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 7
as of Nov. 16
1. Winnipeg ICE (18-1-0-0)
2. Quebec Remparts (17-1-0-1)
3. Ottawa 67’s (15-1-0-0)
4. Red Deer Rebels (15-3-0-1)
5. Portland Winterhawks (13-1-1-1)
6. Seattle Thunderbirds (12-3-1-0)
7. Sherbrooke Phoenix (14-3-1-1)
8. Windsor Spitfires (11-3-3-0)
9. Saskatoon Blades (14-4-0-0)
10. North Bay Battalion (12-5-0-0)
9. Jets: Kyle Connor was due for a breakout game and it happened last week against the lowly Anaheim Ducks who actually played a very good hockey game. My fantasy team and all Jets fans hope it continues.
10. Jets: The Josh Morrissey we are watching right now is the Josh Morrissey that I remember playing for the Prince Albert Raiders and the Kelowna Rockets, especially in the WHL Final against the Brandon Wheat Kings. See what a new system and philosophy can do for a player.
11. Jets: There is no doubt in my mind that the Winnipeg Jets are much harder to play against again. Their compete level is much higher right across the board.
12. Jets: Poll question-
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13. Jets: Mark Scheifele is playing with a different level of commitment and especially in the defensive zone while not inhibiting his offensive game. Scheif really looks bought in.
14. Jets: My weekly question for Rick Bowness, Kevin Cheveldayoff, or Mark Chipman.
This one is for Rick Bowness and Kevin Cheveldayoff. I see that Ville Heinola is in the lineup tonight versus Carolina and it made me wonder if this is his chance or if you are just showcasing him.
15. Jets: Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).
- PP: 19th at 20.40% down from 17th last week at 20.00%
- PK: 3rd at 83.90% up from 5th last week at 83.80%
- FO: 24th at 47.10% up from 27th last week at 45.80%
16. Jets: Goaltending:
- Conner Hellebuyck: 8-4-1 … 2.07 GAA … .935 SV% … 2 shutouts
- David Rittich: 2-1-0 … 2.73 GAA … .890 SV%
