Thoughts on the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, Winnipeg ICE, and the NHL
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
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.
PAUL MAURICE RESIGNS AS COACH OF THE WINNIPEG JETS [Read more…]
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
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: After being schooled by Carolina on Tuesday night the Winnipeg Jets rebounded by getting 3 points out of Seattle and Vancouver and ended up 1-1-1 on the week. The Jets record sits at 13-9-5 on the season and they currently occupy the last Wild Card spot. [Read more…]
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
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 had a decent week and rediscovered their goal-scoring as they went 2-1-0. Their record currently sits at 12-8-4 on the season. The Jets now play Carolina at home on Tuesday night and then head out west for back-to-backs versus Seattle and Vancouver on Thursday and Friday.
2. Jets: If you know me you’ll know that I’m kind of twisted. I’m not a Paul Maurice supporter but I’m not a hater either. Don’t get me wrong, he drives me crazy at times but not as crazy as his haters on Twitter. For some reason, I get great amusement from their angst, to the point where I can’t wait for Mark Chipman to announce PoMo’s 5-year extension. What an a-hole eh?
3. Jets: Congratulations to Winnipeg Jets captain, Blake Wheeler on playing in his 1000th NHL game on Sunday night. It would have been nice to see him pot his first goal of the season on his special day but I’m sure he’ll be happy with two assists and a win.
4. Jets: I’ve mentioned this a few times in the previous weeks but Kristian Vesalainen is slowly and I mean glacier speed slowly coming out of his shell. He is giving us small glimpses of offensive chops in his game. I would love to see him get to the point where Paul Maurice or whoever is responsible for our powerplay tries him in the right half-wall one-timer spot. Vesy had great success there in the Finish League and he was actually called “the left-handed Laine”.
5. Team Canada: Hockey Canada has invited Cole Perfetti to the U20 World Junior Selection Camp later this month. Perfetti will be the only returning forward from last year’s silver medal-winning team and should have a huge role with this year’s team.
6. Jets: I’ve decided that #6 is going to be the permanent home dedicated to my weekly bitch-fest about NHL officiating. I’ll never have to worry about having a lack of content, hell I could probably fill all 20 thoughts here on NHL officiating. Here’s one from Friday night. Check out this subtle little slew foot or should I say slew knee by PK Subban. PK is one of my favourite NHL players but he is getting a bit of a reputation for the slew foot. I believe he has been flagged for 2 or 3 of these lately. Maybe his nickname should be PK Slewban. This infraction went uncalled and Nikolaj Ehlers was rightfully not pleased.
PK Subban takes out #NHLJets Nikolaj Ehlers pic.twitter.com/Ivc0wQAtUi
— Michael Remis (@mremis) December 4, 2021
Next, on Sunday night after Rasmus Sandin collided knee on knee with Neal Pionk, the next shift Jason Spezza knees Neal Pionk in the head while he is sliding on the ice. In my opinion, this was premeditated as retaliation to Sandin being injured and should be suspendable but I wonder if the DOPS will even look at it.
UPDATE:
NHL Department of Player Safety offers Jason Spezza an in-person hearing, meaning there is option to suspend him more than 5 games. Neal Pionk will have a phone hearing and Wayne Simmonds fined $2,250. All from last night’s TOR/WIN game.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 6, 2021
UPDATE:
Neal Pionk is suspended for 2 games. Jason Spezza was suspended for 6 games.
Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk has been suspended for two games for Kneeing Toronto’s Rasmus Sandin. https://t.co/69HHijjoXA
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 6, 2021
Toronto’s Jason Spezza has been suspended for six games for Kneeing Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk. https://t.co/DDlM0Tdzw3
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 8, 2021
7. Jets: Riley Nash has now been healthy scratched for 5 straight games. Wow, how the mighty have fallen, from the 1st unit powerplay to the first unit in the popcorn brigade. Put him on waivers and put this chapter behind us and do it now before the Christmas roster freeze.
UPDATE:
Riley Nash (WIN) & Kevin Connauton (FLA) on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 6, 2021
UPDATE: This is huge news and looks like finally an opening for David Gustafsson.
TB claims Riley Nash
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 7, 2021
8. Jets: Say what you want about Paul Maurice reuniting Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Blake Wheeler but this threesome does have unspoken chemistry that is eerie at times. They’ve never had a problem scoring, it’s been their play in their own zone that’s been an issue the past 2-3 years. I’m curious to see if they can hold their own this time around at even strength. Time will tell I guess.
9. Jets: I’ve never been keen on Andrew Copp playing as a top-6 forward but he surprises me every now and then. I’m not saying I’m completely off the fence but I’m slowly slipping. I actually like the new line of Andrew Copp, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Nikolaj Ehlers. I have a feeling though, that Paul Maurice will have the blender on overdrive all season long.
10. NHL: Does anybody realize the New York Islanders have now lost 11 straight games? This has to be the least talked about slump around the league this season. I guess Barry Trotz has forgotten how to coach. I wonder if their fan base is calling for his head?
11. Jets: After scoring 14 goals in their last two games this week that 1-0 loss last Monday to Arizona seems like ages ago.
12. Ice: The Winnipeg ICE split their two home games with Saskatoon last week and now have an overall record of 22-2-1 on the season. After week 9 the ICE are still the top-ranked team in the CHL. It will be interesting to see if their one loss this week will change their CHL ranking in Week 10.
ICE forward Matthew Savoie after he was named the McSweeney’s WHL Player of the Month for November. Savoie recorded 22 points (7G-15A) in 10 games in November and he begins the month of December as the WHL’s leading scorer with 39 points (13G-26A).
Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 9
1. Winnipeg ICE
2. Kamloops Blazers
3. Everett Silvertips
4. Edmonton Oil Kings
5. London Knights
6. Charlottetown Islanders
7. Gatineau Olympiques
8. North Bay Battalion
9. Sherbrooke Phoenix
10. Hamilton Bulldogs
13. Moose: The Manitoba Moose swept their two-game series in Belleville this week and improved their overall record to 13-6-1-0 and remain in 4th place in the Western Conference. Arvid Holm stopped all 22 shots he faced on Sunday afternoon to get the 2-0 shutout, the first in his short AHL career. Cole Perfetti continues to lead the Moose in scoring with 15 points in 17 games.
14. NHL: Since there is no such thing as Maple Leafs. I think Toronto should change its name to Maple Leaves. I bet they win a Stanley Cup soon after. Of course, they won’t. BAZINGA.
15. Jets: My weekly question for Kevin Cheveldayoff and/or Paul Maurice.
Why not send Nate Beaulieu down to the Moose or are you afraid he can’t crack their blueline either?
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.
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
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 1-3-0 last week and as bad as it was and it was getting really ugly, the Jets adverted a complete disaster with a much-needed 4-2 in Calgary on Saturday night. Their record now sits at 10-7-4 on the season. The Jets now have 4 in a row at home and need to get back on track.
2. Jets: The highlight from last week for me was when PLD scored late versus Minny and broke up Cam Talbot’s shutout. I got one point in my fantasy league and the team right behind me lost his shutout. That was a 3 point swing. Talk about small victories.
3. Jets: When people ask me why Paul Maurice hasn’t been fired, I always joke he is a lifer and will never be fired unless he has completely lost the room or the team hits rock bottom. He may not have lost the room yet but I would consider Friday afternoon’s loss in St. Paul to be pretty rock bottom.
4. Jets: I hate to admit this because he was once one of my favourite players buy Josh Morrissey is driving me up the wall. He is now officially my new whipping boy. He is so overrated it’s sickening. The other day Craig Button was telling us how great Josh was and he should be on Canada’s Olympic hockey team’s radar. Holy shit, half the time you need radar to find him after he pinches and gives up another 2 on 1. Hell, in the Pittsburgh game last Monday he gave up a 2 on 1 in the first 20 seconds of the game AND it was Sidney Crosby to boot. I’m so down on him right now I cringe every time he’s on the ice. If you think I’m just being an a-hole, just focus on him for a game or two. He has some good moments but for the most part, when he doesn’t have the puck he looks lost.
5. Jets: It looks like Paul Maurice finally has his excuse to keep the Kyle Connor/Mark Scheifele/Blake Wheeler line for good now since they helped end the losing streak when reunited vs the Flames and KC potted a couple of goals. To be honest, I’m kind of surprised it took this long.
6. Jets: Regulars that visit here know how much I hate the NHL’s officiating and on Wednesday I thought I had seen it all when after a scrum seemed to be defused, Blue Jacket’s forward Max Domi wasn’t quite finished with Jets’ Evgeny Svechnikov and started swinging while the linesman ( CJ Murray or Jessee Marquis), not sure which one decided to put Svech in a bear hug while Domi was feeding him right hands.
Columbus’ Max Domi has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Unsportsmanlike Conduct during last night’s game with the Winnipeg Jets.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 25, 2021
The NHL DPS fined Max Domi which is fine but I’m not even sure it was all his fault. In my opinion, the league should also be looking at the linesmen involved in that skirmish.
Another example was on Sunday in Boston when superpest Brad Marchand slew-footed Vancouver’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson, It was pretty bad and neither referee thought to call a penalty. I just shook my head and wondered why I was surprised?
UPDATE:
Boston’s Brad Marchand has been suspended for three games for Slew-footing Vancouver’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson. https://t.co/SpI0MVHulW
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 29, 2021
How do 4 sets of eyes miss a penalty that requires a 3-game suspension? It is time the referees are outed publicly and repremanded.
7. Jets: How long before we see Riley Nash on the waiver wire? He’s hasn’t worked out as planned and he’s now being healthy scratched. I think he would more than likely get claimed and a spot will open up for David Gustafsson. If the Jets are going to do it, do it now before the Christmas roster freeze.
8. Jets: Saturday night in Calgary was a nostalgic night for quite a few Jets fans. Connor, Scheif, and the captain were back together. The Jets were outplayed for most of the game. The Jets’ defensive coverage looked like Swiss cheese. After giving up a couple of early goals, Helle stood on his head and shut the door allowing his team to come back and steal a win.
All kidding aside, this game was a microcosm of the last 3-4 years. The names are different but the play looked very familiar. This hybrid man-on-man system just doesn’t work. It has too many holes in it and gives up too many grade-A chances. It’s time to change the system or change to coaches. I always thought it was guys like Forbort, Beaulieu, Kulikov and Bitetto who were the problem but we have a much better defensive corp and it’s the same old, same old while Forfort and Kulikov are playing just fine with their new teams. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out and although I think I’m pretty smart, my wife will tell you I’m no genius.
9. Jets: I’m finally putting the Eric Comrie poll to bed. After a very slow start trying to win the fans over, Comrie has reversed some of the doubt BUT not all of it. His numbers are actually pretty good and I think he has played very well overall. I’m still not a fan of smallish goalies and he still scares me a bit every start but that’s me.
10. Jets: I wonder if Paul Maurice end up moving Andrew Copp to the 3rd line with Adam Lowry and Jansen Harkins? I was skeptical about Copp playing in a top-6 role but he acquitted himself very well and although his scoring has dried up a little I have no problem leaving him up there a little longer.
11. Jets: Josh Morrissey got dinged again by the NHL’s DSP. I’m not sure if Josh is considered a repeat offender or not but he better stay on the straight and narrow for a while.
Winnipeg’s Josh Morrissey has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Slashing Columbus’ Alexandre Texier.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 25, 2021
12. Ice: The Winnipeg ICE went 2-0-1 in three home games this past week and improved their overall record to 21-1-1 on the season. The only blemish last week was an overtime loss to Prince Albert. Matt Savoie, Mike Milne, Connor McClennon, and Jakin Smallwood are one, two, three, four in the WHL’s scoring race. After week 8 the ICE are still the top-ranked team in the CHL.
Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 8
13. Moose: The Manitoba Moose won both their home games versus the Texas Stars this week and improved their overall record to 11-6-1-0 and moved into 4th place in the Western Conference. Cole Perfetti, David Gustafsson, and Ville Heinola lead the team with 14 points but Perfetti has done it in 15 games. He also leads the team with 6 goals.
14. Jets: Even though the Jets were struggling through a 5 game winless streak last week there was some good news, the Jets were in a playoff position on Thursday which was the US Thanksgiving and since the lockout, 77% of teams in a playoff position on this day make the post-season.
15. Jets: My weekly question for Kevin Cheveldayoff and Paul Maurice.
After witnessing one of the worst weeks all season do you think it’s about time to give a couple of kids on the farm a look? (see #13)
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.
Mitch Kasprick is the “Motown Curmudgeon” aka “Motown Mitch”
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.
The #NHLJets, who lead the Central Division at 9-3-3 and have just one regulation loss in the last 12 games (9-1-2) fall from 12th to 20th in this week’s ESPN/NHL power rankings — following a dominating 5-2 win over their No. 1 team, Edmonton.
🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/vI0cuj0h7g
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) November 17, 2021
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.
“Ladies and gentlemans, welcome aboard. Your captain speaking!”
Go ice-level with Evgeny Svechnikov as the Jets took on the Kings in another edition of Mic’d Up presented by @DavesQuickPrint!
WATCH 🔽 pic.twitter.com/hxOndpI7wB
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) November 18, 2021
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.
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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.
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:
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.
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