Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Jan. 24

January 24, 2022 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.

Today’s thoughts are sponsored by the word ENOUGH!

1. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets went winless on this road trip, bookending two losses with an overtime loss and a shootout loss.  It’s hard to be overly critical with the effort in most of the games but this team just lacks any type of killer instinct.  They have had multiple chances to extend leads but they let teams hang around and eventually lose.  The Jets record sits at 17-14-7 and they are 3 points out of the last wildcard position.    [Read more…]

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Dec. 27

December 27, 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:  It looks like we should be back to playing hockey this week and the Jets are currently below the playoff line with a record of 14-11-5 after 30 games.  With the postponed games the Jets saved a few man games to injured players like David Gustafsson and Blake Wheeler.  [Read more…]

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Winnipeg Jets Prospects At The 2022 U20 WHC

December 23, 2021 by

Winnipeg Jets prospects at WJHC –

The 2022 U20 WJHC starts on Sunday, Dec.26 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.  The Winnipeg Jets will have two of their first rounders and two of their second rounders representing four countries in this year’s event. [Read more…]

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Nov. 8

November 8, 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 2-1-0 last week and improved their overall record to 6-3-2 on the season.  The Jets still have 4 more games left in their season longest 7-game homestand. 

2. Jets:  The Jets’ streak of gaining points in consecutive games reached 8 after beating Chicago 5-1 on Friday night but ended after losing 2-0 to the Islanders on Saturday night.  Not a bad run considering they played like crap in a couple of those games.   

3. Jets:  As each game goes by it looks more and more like Evgeny Svechnikov is getting comfortable in his role with the Jets.  He was a low-risk/high-reward gamble that looks to be turning into the steal of the UFA season.   

4.  NHL:  Now the NHL has hearings for tripping a guy? 

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? 

I watched the replay of Subban’s “tripping” penalty but it wasn’t any worse than Phillip Danault’s TWO slewfoots against two Jets players vs the LA Kings a couple of weeks ago.  One was called tripping and one was let go.  The Subban slewfoot was a penalty but it wasn’t any worse than Danault’s.  The NHL’s inconsistency never fails to disappoint. 

By the way, PK was fined $15,000 for his bad behaviour.  What a joke.

5. NHL:  I thought that Mark Chipman and Kevin Cheveldayoff handled their presser fairly well and for the most part I believed most of it but they put a lot of spin on their narrative and had the benefit of following that brutal Gary Bettman/Bill Daly presser.  It was staged well, scripted well, and it was conveniently scheduled at 4 pm where it could only last one hour.  They left some satisfied, a lot frustrated, and a lot wanting more.     

6. NHL:  Finally the Jack Eichel trade happened and TSN is more relieved than Buffalo Sabres fans.  Now TSN can spend more time talking about Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner.   

7. Jets:  Paul Stastny and Andrew Copp aren’t exactly the fastest guys on the ice but somehow it works.  They leave the skating to Nik Ehlers.   

8. Jets:  Winnipeg Jets fans are now seeing the REAL Pierre-Luc Dubois and he is becoming a fan favourite.  He has a contrasting style to most of the Jets skill forwards but he also does it with speed and skill.  He plays very well in the heavy areas and seems to have found some nice chemistry with Kyle Connor.  Jets fans will never forget Patrik Laine but at least now they see why the Jets made that trade. 

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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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This thought was written after the Dallas Stars game on Tuesday.

Eric Comrie got his second win of the season against a goal-scoring challenged Dallas team.  He basically did just enough for his team to get the win.  He wasn’t bad but he certainly wasn’t great. (.889 SV%)  Every win the Jets can get with him starting is a bonus but for me, the jury is still out. 

This thought was written after the Chicago Blackhawks game on Friday. 

Eric Comrie got his third win of the season against Chicago in a game where he wasn’t tested a lot but came up big a few times when he had to. 

This thought was written after the New York Islanders game on Saturday.

Eric Comrie was forced to start in back-to-back games on Saturday versus the Islanders with Connor Hellebuyck not available and he was very solid in a 2-0 loss.  Comrie played well enough to keep his team in the game but unfortunately got no support on the scoreboard.  Comrie didn’t lead his team to a win but I thought it was his best effort of the week.  I think he is starting to win the trust of his doubters, myself included with his early-season play. 

10. Jets:  Back to the 11 and 7 talk again.  Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are both healthy and playing but Paul Maurice still stuck with 11 and 7.  I hate to admit this but I’m starting to dig the 11 and 7.  I like that we are getting to see the Jets’ top players a little more as they rotate them in with the fourth-line guys.          

11. Jets:  When Paul Maurice gets the itch to put Kyle Connor back with 55 and 26 and you know it is just a matter of time I hope that he considers giving Nikolaj Ehlers a shot playing there first.  I would love to see how many goals Ehlers would score playing with an elite center.     

12. Ice:  The Winnipeg ICE won both of their games last week improving their record to 14-1.  The ICE have now moved into the first spot in the CHL’s weekly rankings. (updated Wednesdays)      

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13. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose went 1-1-1 last week in the first 3 games of their 6-game road trip and now have a record of 5-4-1-0.  They have 3 more games on this road trip before returning home for 5 straight in Winnipeg. 

David Gustafsson is the leading scorer with 8 points in 1o games.  Ville Heinola and Johnathan Kovacevic are right behind with 7 and 6 points respectively.  Top prospect Cole Perfetti has 5 points in 7 games.  

I know a lot of Winnipeg Jets fans are waiting for the 2019 1st rounder, Ville Heinola to get his chance with the big club and with injuries in a long NHL season, he will definitely see some action BUT don’t be surprised if 2017 3rd rounder, Johnathan Kovacevic challenges Heinola for a shot at the big club.  Ville Heinola is no longer the default first call-up.

As of this writing, the Moose are in sixth place in the AHL’s Western Conference.

14. Jets:  The 2 goals by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele in the shootout Tuesday vs Dallas were things of beauty but it still doesn’t change my mind about shootouts.  They are horseshit garbage.  I say keep playing 3 on 3 until there is a winner.  It should not take long and the lame-ass excuses about time constraints are just that …. LAME.  If time is an issue then scrap the anthems.  Funny there’s no time constraints when they have 15-20 minute pre-game ceremonies.  SCRAP THE SHOOTOUTS.      

15. Jets:  My weekly question for Kevin Cheveldayoff and Paul Maurice. 

Why is David Gustafsson still in the AHL?

I’m going to keep asking until they call him up.   

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 of covid, and maybe some fan backlash toward TNSE/Kevin Cheveldayoff and his role in the Chicago Blackhawks/Kyle Beach scandal 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 Dallas Stars – 13,174

Vs Chicago Blackhawks – 13,756 

Vs New York Islanders –  13,424  

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

  • Good:  Jets PP is is starting to have different looks and not being so predictable.   
  • Bad:  Jets PK is still too passive.         
  • Ugly:  To be honest nothing really ugly this week.     

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:  4th at … 28.10% up from 10th at … 25.00 last week.
  • PK:  Last at … 65.70% up from … 63.60 last week.
  • FO:  13th at … 50.90% up from … 50.00 last week.

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  3-2-2 … 3.42 GAA … .899 SV% 
  • Eric Comrie:  3-1-0 … 1.98 GAA … .926 SV%

20. CFL:  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers improved their record to 11-1 by sweeping their seven-game home schedule with a 31-21 victory over Montreal on Saturday night.   They also responded to some early week trash talking by a few Alouettes players that said the Bombers haven’t played anybody tough and they (Als) are better.  Pretty tough talk from a team that has Ottawa on their schedule THREE times. 

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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

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Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Jan. 11

January 11, 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. NHL:  Our first Covid hiccup happened last week with the Dallas Stars having six players and two staff members being placed into quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.  Lets hope this is just a blip and doesn’t become a talking point every week.  Since the time I first wrote this, Columbus, Pittsburg, and Vancouver all have cancelled practices.  OH BOY!

2. NHL:  The NHL (Bill Daly) stated that the advertising on the players’ helmets could be around for a while and based on the economic climate it could be around for a few years.  Once the NHL owners get a taste of this new revenue I can’t see them giving it up.

 3. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose have opted-in to play the 2020-21 season and will play in the Canadian Division along with the Belleville Senators, Laval Rocket, and the Toronto Marlies.   

4. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose have been cleared to play their home games in the local barn and before everybody gets their shit in a knot because little Johnnie can’t play but the big bad professionals can it really isn’t the same thing.  The pros can afford to follow the strict protocols and testing set forth by the NHL where other leagues and organisations can’t.  Yes, I guess, in this case, money does talk.   

5. Jets:  All is quiet on the Jack Roslovic front.  I wonder how much interest there is around the league and what type of offers Chevy is getting.  If I had to guess it is probably middling draft picks. 

FYI:  Jack Roslovic (RFA) has until Feb. 11 to sign with the Winnipeg Jets or another team, if the Jets trade him, or he becomes ineligible to play this season.   

6. Jets:  Does anybody out there actually think Tucker Poolman can handle the responsibility, minutes, and tougher opposition that playing alongside Josh Morrissey demands.  I liked Poolman’s play during the play-in round this summer but this is a mighty big ask of him.   

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7. Jets:  I wonder how long Paul Maurice stays with his new lines and the defence pairings that he is trying out during training camp?  I’m sure he has the blender on speed dial.

8. Jets:  I am very very interested to see if and/or how much influence Winnipeg Jets’ new assistant coach, Dave Lowry has on this group of Jets forwards.  If the forwards can learn to be better defensively without sacrificing their offence this team could take a lot of pressure off their defencemen and especially Helle.  Fingers crossed.    

9. Jets:  For this season the number of games for an Entry Level Contract to be activated is now seven (pro-rated) instead of the usual ten games.  If a player plays in a seventh game his contract officially kicks in.  

Will Cole Perfetti play more than 6 games.

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10. Jets:  Why didn’t Chevy bring in a veteran goalie on a PTO as insurance for Helle and Brossoit.  The thought of Eric Comrie having to play leaves me sleepless at nights and Mikhail “birdman” Berdin is not quite ready yet. 

UPDATE: 

Eric Comrie was claimed on waivers by the New Jersey Devils and Luca Sbisa was claimed by the Nashville Predators.

11. Jets:  I would have loved to have seen a whole season of Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo playing together.  (see #7)     

12. NHL:  Key dates. 

  • Jan. 13 – Season opener
  • Feb. 1 – Teams may start requesting players waive their NMC for the expansion draft
  • Feb. 11 – Deadline to sign Group II RFAs (usually December 1)
  • Mar. 12 – Players on one-year deals can sign extensions (usually Jan. 1)
  • Apr. 12 – Trade Deadline
  • May 8 – End of the regular season
  • May 11 – Playoffs begin
  • July 15 – The latest the Stanley Cup can be awarded
  • July 17 – Expansion draft protection lists tentatively due
  • July 21 – Expansion draft
  • July 23-24 – 2021 NHL Entry Draft
  • July 28 – Free agency opens

13. NHL:  I’m not sure having fans in the stands in some of the American rinks is a smart idea.  I wouldn’t want to be indoors with anybody and especially in states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, or California, hell any State.  What’s the rush?    

14. Jets:  So far the early returns on Trevor Lewis have been positive.  I wasn’t a fan of this potential signing and we still don’t know if he is being offered a contract but it never hurts to have players with a Stanley Cup winning pedigree no matter what their role in the win was.     

15. Jets:  Schedule

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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