Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Nov. 22

November 22, 2021 by

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:  The Winnipeg Jets went 1-1-1 last week and improved their overall record to 9-4-4 on the season.  The Jets play at home Monday night versus the Penguins then head back on the road for 3 games this week (Columbus, Minny, and Calgary) with a back to backs on Friday/Saturday.  

2. Jets:  The highlight of last week’s games was the Jets’ 5-2 win over the Edmonton McWhiners and that win helped them finish their 7-game homestand with an impressive 5-1-1 record.  Any day we beat the Oilers is a good day in my books. 

3. Jets:  Are you kidding me?  FYI, these rankings came out on Tuesday so whatever happened after Tuesday’s 5-2 win over Edmonton is irrelevant.  As far as I’m concerned ESPN’s rankings are a joke and they have no credibility.  


4.  Jets:  I’m getting a little concerned about the number of two on ones the Jets are giving up because of Josh Morrissey’s ill-advised pinches.  Being aggressive in the offensive zone is part of the game now and every defenceman is going to get burned every once in a while but it’s becoming a regular thing with Josh. 

5. Jets:  It doesn’t matter what line Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers plays on, they automatically become a threat.  Ehlers is a line driver and isn’t linemate dependant like a lot of wingers in the NHL.  He is an outstanding puck handler and one of the NHL’s leaders in zone entries every season.         

6. Jets:  Regulars that visit here know how much I hate the NHL’s officiating and on Friday night in Vancouver they didn’t disappoint.  Winnipeg Jets never had one powerplay opportunity in a game where the Jets forwards were interfered with countless times in front of Thatcher Demko.  This league is such a joke.

7. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets played 125 minutes of hockey in their home and home series with the Edmonton Oilers last week and only gave up THREE goals and only ONE at even strength.  Again, ONE at even strength.  Let that marinate for a bit.  The Jets came away with three points and probably should have taken four and looked very good doing so.  The scary thing is this team is not clicking on all cylinders and is still a work in progress.      

8. Jets:  If you want a good chuckle watch this. 

9. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.  The concern seems to be waning in light of Eric Comrie’s play so far this season although I still need to see more and against some tougher competition BUT so far, so good.  We will probably run this poll for a couple more weeks before retiring it but the angst meter has started going a little more in Comrie’s favour.  His numbers are actually pretty good and he has played very well overall but I just don’t like small goalies.  He still scares me to death every start but that’s me.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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10. Jets:  I see the hate for Blake Wheeler has amped up again from the same vocal minority that has been on him for years.  Yes, the captain is off to a slow start but keep in mind he missed a handful of games due to Covid.  He probably isn’t a top-line right-winger anymore but he certainly isn’t ready for the rocking chair yet either.  One of his biggest strengths was running the #1 unit’s powerplay from the right half-wall but for some strange reason, Paul Maurice has him in the left goal-line bumper spot which is a complete waste of his passing ability.  I’ve also heard his detractors say he is too slow which is complete bullshit.  He is faster than Andrew Copp and nobody has ever accused Anze Kopitar of being slow although I’ve seen glaciers move faster.  The captain hasn’t been putting up points at his usual rate but it’s not from lack of chances.  I’m not ready to write him off yet.

11. Jets:  I really like the current configuration of the Jets’ third line right now.  Jansen Harkin, Adam Lowry, and Evgeny Svechnikov have a nice mix of skill and grind in their game and they spend a lot of time in the offensive end of the ice.  It seems like Lowry has to adapt to breaking in new linemates every season but he continues to be a beast and one of the Jets’ most reliable players.  We are lucky to have him.

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12. Ice:  The Winnipeg ICE won both of their road games last week and improved their overall record to 19-1-0 on the season.  Matt Savoie, Mike Milne, and Connor McClennon are one, two, three in the WHL’s scoring race.  The ICE are still the top-ranked team in the CHL.  It’s a great time to be a Winnipeg sports fan.   

CHL Top 10 for Week #7:

    • 1. Winnipeg ICE
    • 2. Everett Silvertips
    • 3. London Knights
    • 4. Kamloops Blazers
    • 5. Edmonton Oil Kings
    • 6. Sherbrooke Phoenix
    • 7. Charlottetown Islanders
    • 8. Ottawa 67’s
    • 9. Rimouski Oceanic
    • 10. Kingston Frontenacs

13. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose had a good week going 2-1-0-0 in their three-game series with the Milwaukee Admirals and now have an overall record of 9-6-1-0 and sit 5th in the Western Conference.  A fun fact about this team is that there are four defencemen in their top eight scorers.

14. Jets:  I hate the Winnipeg Jets penalty killing and I have for years. It is passive and basically relies on Connor Hellebuyck to stand on his head. This team’s PK has been hovering around the basement all season but yet the Jets AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose has the #1 PK in the AHL.  I don’t know who the Jets’ PK coach is but enough is enough.  It’s time for a different vision.

15. Jets:  My weekly question for Kevin Cheveldayoff and Paul Maurice.
Does Riley Nash or Dominic Toninato bring more to the table than David Gustafsson would?

16. Jets:  Attendance:  Winnipeg Jets attendance has never been an issue or a talking point but after a year with no fans, with people still a little hesitant on attending games because of covid, and maybe some fan backlash toward TNSE and Kevin Cheveldayoff, the attendance is down and I’m a little concerned.  I’ve gone through the pain of losing an NHL team and once in a lifetime is enough for me.  Yes, we have rich owners but the club still needs to be viable on its own merits.

Vs Edmonton Oilers – 13,473

17. Jets:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.

  • Good:  The home-ice win versus the Oilers.  
  • Bad:  The penalty killing is a joke.  It’s like groundhog day.  Nuff said.            
  • Ugly:  The Jets’ powerplay was 4th at 28.10% two weeks ago.  It’s been awful lately and in my opinion, it cost them the Oilers game on Thursday night.        

18. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum). 

  • PP:  12th at … 21.30% down from 8th at … 23.70 last week. 
  • PK:  31st at … 63.80% down from 30th … 65.80 last week.
  • FO:  21st at … 48.70% down from … 50.30 last week.

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  6-2-4 … 2.62 GAA … .918 SV% 
  • Eric Comrie:  3-2-0 … 2.19 GAA … .920 SV%

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finished their regular season with a 13-12 loss in Calgary on Saturday night and now it’s on to the Western Final at home in two weeks.  We are now waiting to see if we go into that game with a full complement of healthy players.   

*

PS:  Winnipeg Hockey Talk needs someone interested in writing about the Winnipeg Ice.  If you are interested contact me (Mitch) at winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 25

October 25, 2021 by

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. 

UPDATE:

Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has resigned after the findings from the sexual assault scandal were released.  The investigation into the allegations began in August led by former federal prosecutor Reid Schar.

Kevin Cheveldayoff previosly stated he had no knowledge of any allegations involving Mr. Aldrich until he was asked if he was aware of anything just prior to the conclusion of his employment with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This story is far from over and could reach as far as Florida (Panthers) and Winnipeg (Jets).  There will be more news coming soon but things don’t look good for Panthers coach Joel Quennevile and maybe even Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went 2-0-1 last week getting back to .500 and eased a bit of the angst around town.  The Jets did play a lot better in stretches but are very far from a finished product.  They now head back to California for three more games before returning home for a seven-game homestand.  Their record currently sits at 2-2-1. 

Update:

The National Hockey League announced earlier today that Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor has been named the NHL’s First Star of the Week for the week ending October 24, 2021.  Congrats KC.

2. Jets:  John Gibson 1 Connor Hellebuyck 1 …. Helle easily won round #2 of the fight for Team USA’s goal crease in the upcoming Olympics.    

3. Jets:  Sometimes Paul Maurice makes it just too easy.  Replacing Blake Wheeler (out with covid) on the first unit powerplay with Riley Nash is his latest head-scratcher.  Just because he is right-handed?    

4. Jets:  The sky is falling, the sky is falling!  Yup, Cole Perfetti was assigned to the Manitoba Moose.    

5. NHL:  They couldn’t get Evander Kane on gambling allegations, they couldn’t get him on spousal abuse allegations but the NHL nailed him for something stupid like him using a fake covid vaccine card.  C’mon Evander, really?  He has been suspended for 21 games and is probably done in the NHL.  The Sharks players have publicly said they don’t want him back and I don’t think teams are lining up to give him 3rd, 4th chance.  Good luck in the KHL Comrade Kane.   

6. Jets:  Pierre-Luc Dubois has scored in four straight games and finally looks to be comfortable as a Winnipeg Jet.  PLD has a nice mix of skill, speed, and strength in his game and it’s been on display so far this season. 

7. Jets:  Kristian Vesalainen scored his first NHL goal on Saturday night and his line (with Adam Lowry and Jansen Harkins) were dangerous all night.  This was definitely their strongest game of the season.  Hopefully, there’s more to come and now that Ves has scored his first goal maybe he can relax and start sniping.

8. Jets:  Regular readers here know I’m not an Andrew Copp is a “top-6” guy and he didn’t do anything to change my opinion in his first two games of the season playing on a line with PLD and Nikolaj Ehlers BUT I must admit he was very good in Minny playing with Scheif and KC and Thursday night with Paul Stastny and Nik Ehlers.  Copp isn’t the most skilled forward on the team but he balances that out by being responsible defensively.  No, I haven’t been abducted by aliens, it’s still me.   

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9. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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Looking at the Jets schedule it looks like Eric Comrie’s first start should be Nov. 5 versus Chicago or Nov.6 versus the Islanders.    

10. Jets:  The Jets passive penalty kill drives me crazy.  There are times when they are two feet away from a player that can be challenged and they collapse into a passive position.  This team relies way toooooooo much on Connor Hellebuyck on their PK and even when Helle is at his best the Jets PK falls into the middle of the pack statistically in the NHL.  The last few seasons the problem hasn’t been the personnel, it’s been the system.       

11. Jets:  I don’t get all the angst because Cole Perfetti was assigned to the Manitoba Moose.  I’d rather see him play big minutes as a center and learn that position in the AHL rather than playing lesser minutes in the NHL as a winger.  To be honest I think he could play in the Jets’ top 9 forward groups but I get why he was sent down.  (see #4)     

12. NHL:  The Vegas Golden Bettmans need to turf those gold helmets, they are beyond FUGLY.  They wore them again last week and I haven’t heard one positive review from anybody.  Surprise, surprise.

13. NHL:  To Gary Bettman:  Put the player’s benches on opposite sides of the ice like they used to be and were meant to be.  The excuse that the home team has an advantage because the penalty box is closer to the home team’s bench is beyond lame.  Even if it is a slight advantage, who cares, it is part of being the home team and last time I checked ALL 32 NHL teams play 41 home games.  Sounds even to me.  

14. Jets:  Unpopular take but I don’t think Josh Morrissey has had the great start everybody thinks he has.  He is off to a better start offensively with two goals already but he has only been average at best in his own end.  Yes, he is breaking in a new partner but he is struggling mightily in front of Connor Hellebuyck in the physical game.  A lot of the goals have beaten Helle because Josh can’t move guys in front or tie up their sticks.  Helle can’t stop what he can’t see.  Neal Pionk has been equally bad.  It really showed versus Minny where the Wild owned the front of Helle’s crease.     

15. Jets:  The line of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Kyle Connor and Evgeny Svechnikov have looked very good in their two games together and myself along with other fans in Jetsville are now wondering if they continue to play well together what Paul Maurice does when Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele return to the lineup?      

16. Jets:  Don’t ask me because I can’t explain Paul Maurice’s decision to dress 11 forwards and 7 defencemen.   

17. Jets:  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly this past week.

  • Good:  The improving powerplay.   
  • Bad:  Opposition camping out in front of Helle.     
  • Ugly:  The number of turnovers/giveaways by a veteran defence corp.   

18. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum). 

  • PP:  11th at … 26.30% up from 31st … 00.00 last week.
  • PK:  30th at … 54.60% up from 27th … 60.00 last week.
  • FO:  20th at … 48.90% up from 26th … 00.00 last week.

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  2-2-1 … 3.80 GAA … .886 SV% 
  • Eric Comrie:  0-0-0 … 0.00 GAA … .000 SV%

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers improved their record to 10-1 after humiliating the BC Lions 45-0 on Saturday night.  The Bombers have now officially clinched home-field for the Western Final.  This is probably the most dominating defensive effort I have seen from a Winnipeg Blue Bomber team and this team has had some great defences over the years.*

PS:  Winnipeg Hockey Talk needs someone interested in writing about the Winnipeg Ice.  If you are interested contact me (Mitch) at winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Oct. 4

October 4, 2021 by
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:  I want to get excited about some of the performance’s in the pre-season games but I’m going to temper my optimism because the games have been filled with a lot of AHL players but in saying that I thought Jansen Harkins, Cole Perfetti, and Evgeny Svchnikov have looked good.  Conversely, I thought Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Blake Wheeler looked like they could hardly wait for the regular season to start.    

2. Jets:  Update for Jets fans wanting to attend training camp, the IcePlex will be open to watching practice but there are rules. 

  • Fans will be allowed to into the rinks to watch. 
  • Seating will be limited. to 250 people max per rink.
  • Spectators need to be fully vaccinated and have proof  (QR code or physical card) and one piece of government-issued photo ID.

3. Jets:  Jansen Harkins has looked poised and more like a veteran so far this season and is a lock for a roster spot.  I’m a little biased because I’ve always liked him but in this case, I believe my optimism for him is deserved. 

4. Jets:  I’ll be surprised if Evgeny Svechnikov isn’t on the Winnipeg Jets opening night roster.  Svech might be the steal of this summer’s UFA market.  

5. NHL:  Duncan Keith hasn’t quite grasped the concept that the NHLPA’s job is to protect its members and not selfish individuals.  Getting vaccinated and protecting the rest of the league’s membership is exactly what the NHLPA is mandating.  ME ME ME ME … I’M SICK OF IT.

From Jim Parsons at the Hockey Writers

Duncan Keith elaborated on why he ultimately decided to get the shot, he said he felt pressure from the NHLPA to adhere to the rules to play. Had he not been essentially forced into getting the vaccine, he made it sound like he wouldn’t have. In the end, he realized he’d have missed too much time and couldn’t have been part of the team had he not gone with the program. “It is what it is he said.” He added it would have been nice to get some more support and push back from the NHLPA for players who were making that personal choice.

DUNCAN, the union did show their support, for the other 98% of the membership.  

6. Jets:  FYI:  Nate Schmidt is an elite skater.   

7. Jets:  Upcoming events.

Oct. 6 – Pre-season game vs Calgary (TSN 3)

Oct. 13 – First regular-season game at Anaheim.

Oct. 21 – Home opener vs Anaheim.

8. Jets:  I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Riley Nash so far this season.  He is a bottom-six forward but seems to have more offensive upside than the departed Trevor Lewis or Nate Thompson.  I believe I’m mentioned this previously but he is only a couple of years removed from a 41 point (15G and 26A) in 76 games season. 

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9. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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10. Jets: 

  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 
  • I promise I won’t pick on Kyle Connor. 

11. NHL:  As usual the NHL implements a new rule and the officials overreact and feel obligated to call it without using any common sense.  I’m in full agreement in calling the hard cross-checks but half the ones I’ve seen called were barely love taps.  C’mon NHL.   

12. Jets:  Mikey Eyssimont has opened a few eyes with his play and I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays on the Manitoba Moose.  He may not ever be an NHLer but he could be a nice pick-up for the Moose.

13. Jets:  I thought last night’s game in Vancouver was Ville Heinola’s best of the pre-season.  I know Paul Maurice has a thing for Nate Beaulieu but I put Heinola ahead of Nate.   

14. Jets:  I don’t care that it’s only pre-season but Kyle Connor might be one of the laziest hockey players I’ve ever watched in a Winnipeg Jets jersey.  (see #10)  

15. Jets:  Mikhail Berdin had an early blip in his first start of the pre-season vs the Nucks Sunday night but I thought he was pretty solid overall.  He gives me a lot more hope for the future than Eric Comrie.  (see #9)

16. Jets:  David Gustafsson may or may not stick with the big club but I would keep him just for his face-off prowess.  He is a beast in the circle and a pretty good hockey player to boot.   

17. Jets:  Kristian Veslalainen has had an up and down pre-season and is still on the bubble according to some experts but I prefer him over a guy like Dominic Toninato.     

18.  Jets:  My forwards are in no particular order based on a 23 man roster with 14 forwards, 7 dmen, and 2 goalies but there is a possibility the Jets could start the season with a 22-man roster for salary cap reasons.

Mark Scheifele … Pierre-Luc Dubois … Adam Lowry … David Gustafsson

Kyle Connor … Andrew Copp … Paul Stastny … Jansen Harkins

Blake Wheeler … Nikolaj Ehlers … Riley Nash … Evgeny Svechnikov

Kristian Vesalainen  

If the Jets go with a 23 man roster the last spot will be between Cole Perfetti, Dominic Toninato or Nate Beaulieu.  As much as I’d like to see Perfetti make the roster there is no rush and he will probably be better served playing big minutes in the AHL to start the season.  I’m not sure how much time Perfetti plays with the MOOSE but it probably won’t be very long.

19. Jets:  My defencemen are in no particular order based on a 23 man roster with 14 forwards, 7 dmen, and 2 goalies but there is a possibility the Jets could start the season with a 22-man roster for salary cap reasons.

Nate Schmidt … Dylan DeMelo … Neal Pionk

Josh Morrissey … Ville Heinola … Logan Stanley … Brendan Dillon

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 7-1 after spanking the BC Lions in Vancouver on Friday night.  The Bombers dominated every facet of the game and are easily the class of the league to date. 

*

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

Filed Under: Featured, Random Thoughts Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Sept. 6

September 6, 2021 by
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. IIHF:  It’s official, NHL players will be going to the Olympics. 

The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that they have concluded an Agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) that confirms a break in the 2021-22 NHL Regular Season Schedule, subject to terms of the Agreement, in order to accommodate the participation of NHL Players in the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The Agreement allows for the possibility of a later decision to withdraw in the event evolving Covid conditions are deemed by the NHL/NHLPA to render participation by NHL Players to be impractical or unsafe. 

2. NHL:  The Montreal Canadiens have chosen not to match the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet and instead accept the compensation of Carolina’s 1st and 3rd round draft picks in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.  To be honest I wasn’t surprised by their decision. 

3. Jets:  It has been very quiet in Jetsville but now with the NHL players going to the Olympics we have 4-5 months to speculate on which Winnipeg Jets players will be participating.  

4. Team Canada:  Congrats to Team Canada!  The Canadian women have won their first women’s World Hockey Championship in almost a decade on Tuesday night when Marie-Philip Poulin sniped the game-winner seven minutes into the 3 on 3 overtime.   

5. NHL:  The NHL sent a memo updating vaccination requirements to its teams:

“Any person whose job, role, position or access entails or entitles them to have personal interactions (within 12 feet) with Club Hockey Operations personnel (including Players) are required to be Fully Vaccinated.”  

The first thought that came to mind was why is everybody involved with the teams required to be vaccinated with the exception of the players?  This makes ZERO sense to me.  Then this got me wondering if I would want to know which players on my team weren’t vaccinated and how I would feel about them if I knew? 

Would you want to know the vaccination status of your favourite teams players and would it change how you feel about them?

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6. NHL:  Based on a lot of the contracts being signed in the last couple of years there seems to be an interesting shift in philosophy.  Players are getting paid a lot more money in their second contracts than in the past.  There are fewer and fewer bridge deals and teams are now paying for potential.  Conversely, older players are getting paid less and not being paid for past performances.  It is an interesting dynamic.

7. Jets:  I would say that Connor Hellebuyck and Nikolaj Ehlers are the only two locks to be going to the Olympics with Kyle Connor probably being close to a lock.  Others that will garner some consideration should be Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and possibly Josh Morrissey and Neal Pionk.  Of course, a lot will depend on early-season play and injuries.  Let the speculation begin. 

I see an Olympic games poll in our future.

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8. Olympics:  Here are the groups for the hockey competition in February.  

Group A:  Canada, USA, Germany, China

Group B:  ROC, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Denmark

Group C:  Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia

9. NHL:  Of all the RFAs out there Jesperi Kotkaniemi is one of the last players I’d try and get to sign an offer sheet so there is little doubt that this was purely a revenge signing by Carolina no matter what they say. 

10. Jets:  Going into camp most Winnipeg Jets fans think this is the biggest talking point.

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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11. Jets:  I wonder if Ville Heinola will get any consideration for the Finnish team in Beijing?  I’ve been reading that he could be a dark horse although he is way down the Finn’s depth chart but things can change real fast in the world of hockey.  

12. Jets:  Upcoming events.

Sept. 26 – First pre-season game vs Ottawa.

Oct. 13 – First regular-season game at Anaheim.

Oct. 21 – Home opener vs Anaheim.

13. Jets: It’s only been a couple of days since the NHL announced they are going to the Olympics and the mock line-ups have already started and I’m seeing an awful lot of boards with Mitch Marner on it and not a lot with Mark Scheifele.  The eastern/Toronto bias has already started.  I would take Scheif over Marner ANY day of the week and twice on Sundays.   

14. IIHF:  The host team getting an automatic entry into all the Olympic events isn’t always a good idea and this year is one of those years.  It is going to be ugly when China plays Canada and the USA in hockey.  I really hope teams don’t run up the scores and then blame it on goals for and against being used as tie-breakers.  (see #8)  

15. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers completely shut down Cody Fajardo and the Saskatchewan offence and took over first place in the west with a grinding 23-8 win in the LDC.  Zach Collaros and Andrew Harris were tough as nails while the receivers made clutch catches when called upon in a very physical game.  Also, this was certainly not the secondary we saw last week versus Calgary.  The Bombers go into the Banjo Bowl with a 4-1 record. 

*

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Aug. 9

August 9, 2021 by
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:  The arbitration hearing dates have been set for pending RFAs.  Neal Pionk’s date set for Aug. 13 and Andrew Copp’s is set for Aug. 26.

Now with Neal Pionk's and Andrew Copp's arbitration dates being set what do you think will happen?

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2. NHL:  I’m always surprised how Kurt Overhardt gets hated on in Jets chatrooms and on social media.  He is a player agent just doing his job.  The key word is player, hockey fans need to realize that he works for his clients and not the teams or fans of those teams.  If I were a player I’d love to have him as my agent.  

3. Jets:  Does anyody actually think that Eric Comrie will last the season as Connor Hellebuyck’s back-up in goal?

Will Eric Comrie last the seaon as Jets back-up goalie?

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4. Jets:  I really hope that Kristian Vesalainen gets more opputunities in offensive situations this season.  I would love to see him on the 2nd unit PP playing the right half wall teeing up his wicked one-timer.  Ves has a very good shot and the Jets need to make use of it. 

5. Jets:  I’m so tired of some of our mainstream media in Winnipeg pumping Andrew Copp’s tires as being a top 6 forward.  He is a very good third line winger that can kill penalties and in a pinch move up in the lineup.  In a pinch and that is it.  Andrew Copp is NOT a top 6 forward on a good NHL team and he will never be one on this Winnipeg Jets team.  Average fans will tend to believe this narrative so PLEASE STOP.  As for Andrew Copp himself, I like that he wants more responsibilty but if he wants to be paid and play as a top 6 forward he better ask for a trade to Arizona or Detroit.

6. Jets:  RFA defenceman Logan Stanley has re-upped for two more years in Winnipeg for $900,000 per season.  Stanley was last season’s biggest surprize and has become a fan favourite in his short time with the big club.  

7. Jets:  Speaking of the Jets powerplay I would like to see the following 10 players on our powerplay units.

1st unit:

Mark Scheifele … Paul Stastny … Blake Wheeler

Nikolaj Ehlers … Neal Pionk

2nd unit:

Kyle Connor … Pierre-Luc Dubois … Kristian Vesalainen

Josh Morrissey … Nate Schmidt 

Of course there are a couple guys the can flip-flop and a few different configurations in structuring both units but it is time that Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers is on the #1 unit.  Also, if Cole Perfetti makes the team he is a definate canditate for the 2nd unit.

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8. Jets:  I’m really looking forward to watching our improved defence corp this upcoming season but if Paul Maurice doesn’t change their defensive system it might not matter how much they have improved on paper.  You can’t have players following/chasing their checks all over the defensive zone.  Brenden Dillon can’t be tough in front of the Jets net if he is following his check to the blueline in Maurice’s ridiculous man on man hydrid system.   

9. NHL:  Who just gets a Vezina Trophy winner for nothing?  

10. Jets:  Just in case you forgot, we SWEPT the Oilers.   

11. IIHF:  Congrats to Manitoba’s contribition to Team Canada for the upcoming Women’s World Hockey Championship later this month in Calgary.  Veteran Jocelyne Larocque (defence) from Ste. Anne will be joined by first-timers Ashton Bell (defence) from Deloraine and Kristen Campbell (goaltender) from Brandon on our women’s hockey team.  Canada will be joined by nine other countries in this 10-team tournament.  Good luck girls. 

12. IIHF:  The 2022 Winter Olympics are only 6 months away and there is still no agreement between the NHL and the IOC.  As they say on Letterkenny, pitter-patter.   

13. NHL:  I’ve often wondered why more players don’t negotiate their own contracts?  I can see new players coming into the league needing a good agent but veteran players like OV who just negotiated his own don’t need one. 

14. Random: This is the week that I go through severe Olympic Games withdrawl.  I love watching and pulling for our Canadian athletes.  There is nothing better than watching our athletes achievements whether they win a medal or not.   

15. CFL:  On a non-hockey note it was unbelievable to see all the fans enjoying themselves at IG Field on Thursday night at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game.  I wasn’t there but I was very happy for the fans that were.  

 

In memory of my friend Darryl Manchulenko.

If you have any questions, please give me a shout. You can use the comment section or use the #ASKWHTPOD hashtag on Twitter.

If you like our new format, let us know in the comment section or hit me on Twitter at WpgSportsTalk or WpgHockTalk

If you are interested in writing for Winnipeg Sports Talk or if you know somebody interested, please contact us at:

winnipeghockeytalk@gmail.com

We are looking for writers to cover the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, The Winnipeg ICE, Manitoba Bisons, Winnipeg AAA, MJHL, MMJHL, KIJHL, and Winnipeg High School or any sports team in town.

If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. We would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks, Mitch

 

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