Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose, and the National Hockey League.
1. Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele and defenceman Jacob Trouba have been added to the U23 Team North America roster for this fall’s World Cup of Hockey in Toronto. They will be joined by Connor Hellebuyck who was previously named to the team.
2. A lot of hockey fans and NOT just Winnipeg Jets fans think Nikolaj Ehlers is a curious omission from the Team Europe roster. I guess Team Europe assistant coach Paul Maurice didn’t have enough influence.
3. Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien didn’t have to sweat out Team USA’s final roster selections as they were already named.
4. After a solid World Hockey Championships, Jets property Ivan Telegin has been named to Russia’s World Cup roster.
5. In a bit of a surprise, Team Finland has named Patrik Laine to their World Cup roster but Jesse Puljujarvi didn’t make the grade. Does this solidify Laine as the Jets choice at #2?
6. With Pascal Vincent being named as the Manitoba Moose’s new head coach it has opened the door for the Jets to hire a qualified assistant coach to shore up their pathetic special teams.
7. To nobodies surprise, Winnipeg Jets 2015 1st round draft pick Kyle Connor has been named the “USA Hockey College Player of the Year” for the 2015-16 season.
8. Ondrej Pavelec, who was named to Team Czech Republic’s opening roster, brings the Winnipeg Jets total to six roster players, one prospect (Telegin) and one potential draft pick (Laine) participating in the World Cup of Hockey this fall. Good Luck boys.
9. From me last Monday … What the hell do I know? (see #2)
I also believe that Nikolaj Ehlers is a no-brainer to be added to Team Europe’s World Cup team as well.
10. Now that the WHC and Memorial Cup tournaments are over, I can start paying more attention the Stanley Cup playoffs. Have the finals started yet?
Loading ...11. For me, a Pittsburgh vs San Jose Stanley Cup final isn’t all that compelling. If I’m forced to choose a team, I hope the Sharks win because I’ve always had a soft spot for Joe Thornton.
12. IMHO, Pierre-Edouar Bellemare and Marion Gaborik are borderline selections for the Team Europe roster. (see #2)
13. I like Jake Muzzin BUT he is not one of Canada’s top 6 or 7 defencemen. Because he’s Drew Doughty’s partner is an extremely weak reason to be selected for a national team.
14. Would you have selected Pernell Karl Subban for Team Canada?
15. Steven Stamkos was a surprise starter for game 7 vs the Penguins this past week but I can’t help to wonder if that was his last game in a Lightning jersey.
16. Is Pascal Vincent’s new job as head coach of the Moose a promotion or a demotion? You could probably spin it both ways. (see #6)
17. The London Knights are one heck of a hockey team and are the 2016 Memorial Cup Champions but the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies gave them all they could handle in a 3-2 overtime loss. I really enjoyed watching Rouyn-Noranda play in this tournament.
18. The Brandon Wheat Kings Memorial Cup demons have reared their ugly heads once again. After a terrific season where they won the WHL Championship, they went 0-3 in the Memorial Cup and missed the playoff round. With a solid nucleus returning for next season, don’t be surprised if the Wheat Kings are banging on the door again next season.
19. Countdown to the 2016 NHL Entry Draft: 26 days (1st round on June 24th) in Buffalo, N.Y.
20. Countdown to the 2016 World Cup of Hockey: 111 days (Sept. 17) in Toronto, Ont. The final rosters of 20 skaters and 3 goalies are posted here >>> Rosters
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11. I’m calling a Sharks’ sweep with 2 OT wins.
WOW …. bold prediction …. a sweep would be tough to do.
Although I am cheering for SJ, I feel that a lot of people are overlooking a very strong Penguin team, one that will win the Cup in 6 games.
By the way, I’m extremely pleased to see that the CFL has allowed the Bombers to pull out a version of the old Blue and Gold uniforms from the closet. Such a classy look and reminds me of happy and proud days from the past.
I totally agree.
I went to all three of Brandon’s games at the Memorial Cup, they just didn’t have ‘it’. Their stars just didn’t show up. I know it’s harsh to put the blame on a few teenaged kids but they just didn’t look ready for that grand of a stage
too bad … it puts a bit of a damper on a great season BUT I think they’ll have enough to get back next year.
Watching tonights game and couldn’t agree more with Don Cherry about the crappy quality of sticks being used. Would love to see them go back to top end hickory.. (or whatever)
Also, I love Burn’s release from the point.. Either a wrist shot or a half slapper that is tough to block and easy to aim ( Not like Buff or Trouba winging a wild slapper over or wide of the net.) Burns shot is easier to deflect as well. Just saying”
OEL has back to back 20 goal seasons and 80% of his goals are on well-placed wrist shots from the point …. I can actually verify this as I’m a Coyote STH … LOL