Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: May 24

May 24, 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. 

 

SWEEP

1. Jets:  After the Winnipeg Jets big comeback on Sunday night they now lead the Edmonton Oilers 3 games to none.  Even the most diehard Jets fan couldn’t have imagined that.  Based on the poll question so far it looks like Jets fans think the Oilers win in a short series or the Jets win in a long series. 

UPDATE:   

IT IS OVER

The WINNIPEG JETS did the unthinkable and swept the Edmonton Oilers in four games after a triple OT win on a brilliant snipe from Kyle Connor.

For me and all the other older fans that were victims of so many losses to the hated Edmonton Oilers this win is special and the sweep makes it even sweeter.

THANK-YOU WINNIPEG JETS. 

Who wins the Jets vs Oilers series?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

2. Jets:  Although he didn’t score in game 2 versus the Oilers I thought this was the most engaged I’ve seen Kyle Connor in some time.  He was the Jets best forward in my opinion and the overall play of the top line was the best 200 ft effort I’ve seen them play in years.  Game 3 was a different story.  KC was awful defensively and Mark Scheifele was a little late on the back-check on Zack Kassian’s goal although I believe Kassian might have been KC’s man.  I’m not a fan of matching the Scheifele line versus the McDavid line but their play in the playoffs has been much better than it was during the regular season.

UPDATE:  

The line of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler were the best line on the ice and lead their team to victory.  They combined for 3 goals and 3 assists and were dangerous all night.  KC scored the OT winner and had a beauty setup on Scheif’s tying goal in the 3rd period.  The big line earned some much needed redemption. 

3. Jets:  Pierre-Luc Dubois returned for game 2 and I thought he played well with Andrew Copp and Paul Stastny but I thought he was much better playing with Paul Stastny and Nikolaj Ehlers in game 3 (2 assists).    

4. Jets:  Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers didn’t dress for game 1 or 2 but was ready for game 3 and boy did the “Great Dane” deliver.  Ehlers sniped a beauty on the Jets PP in the second period to get them back into the game at that time but saved his best for last.  After a miracle comeback in the back half on the 3rd period (tribute to Dennis Beyak) Ehlers converted a masterful face off win by Paul Stastny by sniping the OT winner past Mike Smith.  The Winnipeg Jets are a different team with #27 in the lineup.  He is their best winger and he proved it again.     

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

6. NHL:  It is quite obvious that the NHL has reverted back to it’s old ways and playoff hockey will be officiated differently than regular season hockey.  Now the trick is for GMs to find that balance and build their teams accordingly.  I really like the way this Jets team is constructed right now.  They can play the game any way you want.  Also, it doesn’t hurt that they get Vezina Trophy caliber goaltending. 

7. Jets:  I said this last week and so far the officials are letting them play for the most part.

UPDATE: 

Game 4 had plenty of powerplays for both sides but the officials let the teams decide it in overtime.  There was a couple of calls but the were too obvious to ignore.  One was a “puck over glass”. 

Special teams are huge come playoff time.  The Jets PK looks to be solid but defending against the Oilers PP is a tall order and the best defence against this is to stay out of the penalty box.  I have to admit I’m concerned about the Jets PP and the way it has stagnated down the stretch.  Hopefully the officials don’t turn this into a special teams battle and we see lots of 5 on 5 hockey.   

8. Jets:  I’m glad to see Andrew Copp back on his regular line with Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton although I’m okay with him moving up the lineup in a pinch.  I thought he was excellent in game 2 versus the Oilers.  He was very creative and dangerous offensively with nothing to show for it in regulation time but he made a great zone entry and set up Paul Stastny’s OT winner.  I also thought he created some good chances in game 3 but his best play was a back check on Leon Draisaitl in overtime.

UPDATE:

The line of Adam Lowry, Andrew Copp, and Mason Appleton drew the assignment of going head to head with the McDavid line for most of the night and they did an excellent job of slowing them down.  It is impossible to stop them but they made life hard on the Oiler’s top line and even scored against them.        

9. Jets:  This …. so far, so good. 

I believe this Winnipeg team is better equipped to beat the McDavid Oilers than Jets 1.0 were to beat the Gretzky Oilers.  Those Gretzky teams were definitely better than our Jets BUT in spite of Winnipeg’s record against them this season I don’t think this Oilers team is better than our Jets.  Of course the Jets will need to be at their best and the coaches will need to implement a winning game plan but I think we can win this series.  

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 

Hockey is, always has been, and always be a team game. 

10. Jets:  Logan Stanley does so many little things well but the thing that stands out for me is how he uses his size and makes simple plays because of his strength and reach that smaller defencemen like Josh Morrissey struggle with.  Morrissey is playing very well but it seems he has to work twice as hard to accomplish some of the same basic plays.  Scouts always say “you can’t teach size”.

Embed from Getty Images

11. Jets:  I’ve been very hard on Tucker Poolman but since he has been moved to the third pairing with Logan Stanley he has played very well and they look comfortable playing together.  Poolman and Stanley have been more than solid in the first three games of this series. 

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 15 – 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. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

UPDATE:

I think the answer to the poll question is moot now.  Nobody is going anywhere.

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

14. Jets:  Lost in the euphoria of the Jets amazing comeback win in game 3 was Connor Hellebuyck shutting the door after Edmonton’s 4th goal.  Helle gave his team 26:04 of shutout hockey to get the job done. 

UPDATE:

Connor Hellebuyck was once again brilliant in game 4 and was key in leading his team to the 4-game sweep.   

15. Jets:  Playoff Schedule

1. Wednesday May 19 at Edmonton 8:00 PM (W 4-1)

2. Friday  May 21 at Edmonton 8:00 PM (W 1-0 OT)

3. Sunday May 23  vs Edmonton 6:30 PM (W 5-4 OT)

4. Monday May 24 vs Edmonton 8:45 PM (W 4-3 3OT)

5. Wednesday May 26 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

6. Friday May 28 vs Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

7. Sunday May 30 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

16. Jets:  Derek Forbort is an enigma wrapped in a riddle for me.  I’ve never seen a defenceman do so many good things in a game and also make so many turnovers and mistakes in a game.  Right now he might be the Jets weakest link on the blueline.  I’m not sure I agree but I can understand why Paul Maurice keeps running him out there.  He battles and he competes but I think he is a victim of too much ice-time.  He is probably better suited in the 3rd pairing but the problem is the Winnipeg Jets have an over-abundance of middle to bottom pair defenceman.  This is more of an observation than a criticism because this group is doing it’s best and on most nights gives this team a chance to win.  Better times are coming with Ville Heinola and Dylan Samberg waiting in the wings.    

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

Playoff rankings:  Canadian Division

  • PP: 1st at 30.00% 
  • PK: 3rd at 81.80  
  • FO: 1st at 54.60

18. Jets:  Overall there is no direct correlation in faceoff wins dictating winning or losing a hockey game but in a series or an individual game it can be huge.  Call me crazy but I would prefer to start the play with the puck and a perfect example was overtime in game 3 when Paul Stastny won the draw clean and Nik Ehlers sniped the game-winner.        

19. Goaltending:

Playoff stats:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  4-0-0 … 1.60 GAA … .950 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  0-0-0 … 0.00 GAA … .000 SV%

20. NHL:  Sportsnet’s Cassie Campbell’s blatant homerism when it comes to the Edmonton Oilers is embarrassing and disgraceful.  GET HER OFF NATIONAL BROADCASTS IMMEDIATLY. 

UPDATE:

I thought Cassie did a pretty good job of holding back the tears.  On a positive note it was nice to see Jennifer Botterill with that coy smile on her face.

21. Jets:  I guess there is a magic switch after all and Paul Maurice flipped it.   

*

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:

[email protected]

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: May 17

May 17, 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 won 2 out of 3 home games last week to end their season at 30-23-3.  After a horrible stretch of losing the Jets finished their regular season on a semi-positive note winning 3 of their last 5 games.  They now head into their first-round playoff match-up versus the heavily favoured Edmonton Oilers and most Jets fans are hoping this isn’t Jets 1.0 all over again.   

Who wins the Jets vs Oilers series?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

2. Jets:  Well it is playoff time and Jets fans are really hoping to see playoff Pierre-Luc Dubois.  I expect PLD and Adam Lowry to be huge factors in this series.   

3. Jets:  I love watching the IIHF World Championships but having Cole Perfetti on Team Canada makes it even more interesting.  CONGRATS COLE!

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose finished their season going 0-2-1-1 versus Belleville and had their streak of consecutive games gaining points snapped at 13.  Their overall record ended up being a solid 18-13-3-2 on the season.  This Moose team was a lot of fun to watch this season.  

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

6. NHL:  The Tampa Bay Lightning roster is currently $17,000,000 (approx) over the salary cap but the NHL doesn’t have cap restrictions for the playoffs.  Teams always find a loophole and this one looks real bad on the NHL.  This will need to be addressed because right now there are a lot of really pissed off GMs.

7. Jets:  Special teams are huge come playoff time.  The Jets PK looks to be solid but defending against the Oilers PP is a tall order and the best defence against this is to stay out of the penalty box.  I have to admit I’m concerned about the Jets PP and the way it has stagnated down the stretch.  Hopefully the officials don’t turn this into a special teams battle and we see lots of 5 on 5 hockey.   

8. Jets:  Kyle Connor has started scoring again and it couldn’t have come at a getter time.  The Winnipeg Jets need him scoring because that is his biggest contribution to this team.  If he’s not scoring he doesn’t really contribute much else.      

9. Jets:  I believe this Winnipeg team is better equipped to beat the McDavid Oilers than Jets 1.0 were to beat the Gretzky Oilers.  Those Gretzky teams were definitely better than our Jets BUT in spite of Winnipeg’s record against them this season I don’t think this Oilers team is better than our Jets.  Of course the Jets will need to be at their best and the coaches will need to implement a winning game plan but I think we can win this series.  (see #1)  

10. Jets:  The line of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Blake Wheeler have an opportunity to change the narrative that they are done as a top line.  Hopefully a healthy Blake Wheeler can get them playing the way they did a couple of years ago against Nashville.   

Embed from Getty Images

11. Jets:  Right now, to start the playoffs I would prefer seeing Logan Stanley in the 3rd pairing over Tucker Poolman.  I’ve been really down on Poolman in the second half of this season.  If you’re a regular reader here I’m sure you are aware of that.  I haven’t been kind to him.   

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • May 15 – 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. Jets:  Is Paul Maurice’s or Kevin Cheveldayoff’s job in jeopardy?

After being swept in the second round by Montreal should heads roll?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

14. Jets:  Based on practice pairings ahead of Wednesday’s game one vs Edmonton it looks like the defensive pairings could be:

Morrissey/DeMelo

Forbort/Pionk

Stanley/Benn      

15. Jets:  Playoff Schedule

1. Wednesday May 19 at Edmonton 8:00 PM 

2. Friday  May 21 at Edmonton 8:00 PM 

3. Sunday May 23  vs Edmonton 6:30 PM

4. Monday May 24 vs Edmonton 8:45 PM

5. Wednesday May 26 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

6. Friday May 28 vs Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

7. Sunday May 30 at Edmonton TBD  (if necessary)

16. Jets:  The biggest question in town is will Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers be dressed for game one?  All Jets fans have our fingers crossed because this is a different and much better team with Ehlers in the lineup.  Outside of Helle, he might be (he is) our best player.  

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

Final regular season Canadian Division rankings.

  • PP: 2nd at 23.00% down from 23.90% last week.
  • PK: 3rd at 80.50 up from 79.90% last week. 
  • FO: 3rd at 50.50 up from 50.20% last week.

18. Jets:  It took all season but it looks like Dylan DeMelo will be paired with Josh Morrissey going into the playoffs.  They played together down the stretch and looked very comfortable, just like they were last season.  I’ve also liked when Paul Maurice has paired Neal Pionk together with Morrissey when they need to push the pace and need offence.     

19. Goaltending:

Final regular season stats:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  24-17-3 … 2.58 GAA … .916 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  6-6-0 … 2.42 GAA … .918 SV%

20. Jets:  For me, Jordy Benn has been a lot better than expected.  He provides a physical presence and moves the puck better than I thought.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts in game on versus the Oilers.  (see #14)  

*

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:

[email protected]

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: Apr. 19

April 19, 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 returned home from a successful (4-1) road trip this week and then stunk the joint out on Saturday night versus a well rested Edmonton Oilers team.  The good guys looked tired and slow in a 3-0 loss.  What is it about these first home games after a road trip?  The Jets are now 4 points behind Toronto for first and 3 points ahead of third place Edmonton.  They play Toronto and Edmonton twice each in their next 4 home games.  These next four games could either clear up the top of the division or muddle it up even more, we’ll see in a couple of weeks.  Their overall record currently sits at 27-15-3. 

2. NHL:  FYI:  Seattle is required to draft 14 forward, 9 defencemen, and 3 goalies according to their expansion agreement AND the Vegas Golden Knights are exempt from the expansion draft per their entry agreement.  The most any team can lose is one player.  

3. Jets:  The Winnipeg Jets just finished a stretch of 22 games where 17 were on the road.  They went a very impressive 11-5-1 away from home and 13-7-2 overall in that stretch.  That is a lot of hockey in a 43 days.  The Jets now finish off their season with 9 of 12 at home.     

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose only played 1 game last week, a solid 5-1 victory over Belleville.  They start a 5-game series at home this week vs Stockton before closing out their season with seven road games in Toronto and Belleville.  Their overall record improved too .500 at 11-11-2-0.  

5. Jets:  Poll Question:  Should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don’t lose a player off their roster in the expansion draft?  In the 2017 Vegas expansion draft the Jets and Vegas cut a deal where the Golden Knights would select Chris Thorburn’s expiring contract.  In the deal they flip-flopped 1st rounders with Winnipeg acquiring the 24th pick (from Vegas, from Columbus) in the 2017 NHL Draft in exchange for the 13th pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, and the Jets third-round selection in 2019.  

Will Chevy or should Chevy cut a deal with Seattle GM Ron Francis so the Jets don't lose a player in the expansion draft?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

6. Jets:  I’m starting to find Kyle Connor’s defensive play or should I say lack of defensive play very tiresome and it’s even worse when he and Mark Scheifele are on the ice together.  It is a real “Catch 22” for Paul Maurice, they are very good together offensively but a gong show in the defensive end.  This is further magnified when Paul Maurice tries to match the Scheifele line vs Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, it rarely ends well for the Jets.     

7. Jets:  Adam Lowry signed a very “team friendly” five-year contract to remain in Winnipeg.  Lowry will receive $2,500,000, $3,250,000, $4,500,000, $3,25,000, and $2,500,000 over the next five seasons.  The contract has an average annual value of $3,250,000 and contains a modified (6 team) no-trade clause.  There is no doubt that Lowry could have been paid much more money if he went to market, even in this flat cap era.  Sometimes I like to make fun of the Jets “kumbaya” attitude but there is obviously a lot to be said for being happy in your workplace.        

8. Jets:  I thought Logan Stanley had his worst game of the year Saturday vs Edmonton.  It was bound to happen and I’m just waiting for the haters to pounce.

9. Jets:  Saturday night vs Edmonton was the first game I can actually say I was a little disappointed in the play of Pierre-Luc Dubois although he wasn’t alone.  The whole Jets team looked slow and tired and the well rested Oilers really made them look bad at times.  I’m not sure if anybody noticed but Paul Maurice sat PLD for the last half of the third period.  Message sent, now we’ll wait and see how he responds.

10. Jets:  With the acquisition of Jordie Benn at the trade deadline I would like to see a little more competition for play on the 3rd pairing.  I would like to see Ville Heinola, Logan Stanley, and Jordie Benn rotate in and out and you can actually add Derek Forbot to the list.  Forbort’s play is slipping and he could use an occasional night off.

Embed from Getty Images

     

11. NHL:  There were rumours that Adam Gaudette was the Canucks player that broke protocol and started the spread of Covid throughout the team.  Based on his early exit on trade deadline day (traded to Chicago) I would say that might be a safe observation.  I would say his being traded was probably for his own protection because I’m sure there was a lineup of players that wanted to kick the crap out of him.  I’m looking forward to the first Vancouver/Chicago game next season. 

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • 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. Jets: Poll Question:  Last weeks poll question about Chevy and his trade deadline showed that 90% of Jets fans were fine with not trading away 1st round picks and prospects for a rental player.    

Are you ok with the Winnipeg Jets trade deadline day?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

14. NHL:  Ya, the NHL doesn’t have a goal crease problem!  This was from Thursday night this past week.   

    

15. Jets:  Schedule

Update:  The May 7 game vs Ottawa has been re-scheduled to Monday, April 5.  This is due to the two postponed Vancouver games this week.

16. Jets:  Remember the days when “Big Buff” played and Connor McDavid was a non-factor against the Jets? 

17. Jets:  Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

These are the Winnipeg Jets rankings within the seven team Canadian Division.  Since all games played during the regular season are divisional the rest of the league’s numbers don’t really matter.

  • PP: 2nd at 26.10% up from 25.80% last week.
  • PK: 2nd at 80.30 down from 81.00% last week. 
  • FO: 5th at 49.50 up from 49.10% last week.

18. Jets:  I was on the fence when Chevy signed Derek Forbort but he has been a better UFA signing than I originally expected.  I didn’t have very high expectations for him but he has played surprisingly well for the most part.  I think his play has regressed some lately but when I compare him to what we had on our blueline last season he is still an improvement.  Based on his salary ($1,000,000) and his usage, I still think he was a good signing.     

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  21-12-3 … 2.50 GAA … .919 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  6-3-0 … 2.57 GAA … .916 SV%

20. Jets:  I don’t hate the Nate Thompson signing  as much as I did the day the Jets signed him.  I was livid when Chevy first signed him but he has proved me wrong.  Thompson and Trevor Lewis along Mathieu Perreault/Jansen Harkins have been a solid 4th line.    

*

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:

[email protected]

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: Mar. 1

March 1, 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 had a quiet week with only two games, both versus the Montreal Canadiens and they managed to come away with four points.  They were full value in their win on Thursday night but stole the second game in overtime on Saturday after being outplayed for most of the night. The Jets now have a modest 4-game winning streak and an overall record of 13-6-1.

2. Jets:  March is going to be a beast of a month for the Winnipeg Jets with 17 games and only 5 at home.  If the boys can manage a minimum of 17-20 points they should be in decent shape heading into the home stretch with 12 home games in their final 20. 

3. Jets:  For the second overtime game in a row the Jets started the three on three  with 3 forwards and scored within the first minute (36 seconds).  I wonder if Paul Maurice will make this a regular occurrence? 

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose finished their second week of play with a four-game road trip in Laval and they went 2-2-0 but the disappointing part was they won the first two games and couldn’t scratch out another point in the final two games.  Their record currently sits at 4-4-0 overall.  The Moose continue their road trip with two games in Toronto and two more games in Belleville before heading home for 17 in a row at home.  That’s right, I said 17!   

5. Jets:  In a game where the Jets were outshot 41-21, Nathan Beaulieu logged a game high 24:o1 on Saturday night.  Nuff said.  The Jets won 2-1 in OT, so I guess Nate lives to fight another day.  I’m not a Beaulieu hater.  I think he is useful as a depth defenceman, maybe a number 7 or 8 but not a top pairing guy that plays the most minutes in any game.  That is insanity.  What is Paul Maurice thinking or is this on Charlie Huddy?

6. Jets:  Mathieu Perreault has been quietly been playing some pretty good hockey of late and I’m not sure anybody has noticed.  MP just quietly goes about his business and plays wherever needed and doesn’t complain.  He is true pro. 

7. Jets:  Pierre-Luc Dubois now has five games under his belt so I think it is time for Paul Maurice to fully optimize his lineup and get PLD back to playing center.  Scheif, Dubois, Stastny, and Lowry make a formidable center ice combination.  Time for Nate Thompson and Trevor Lewis to join the popcorn brigade and get Kristian Vesalainen and Jansen Harkins back into the lineup as well.  Thompson and Lewis are okay as depth forwards and will still be needed with back to back games upcoming and injuries but shouldn’t be playing over the kids in my opinion.  

8. Jets:  Is #27 the Winnipeg Jets best player outside of Connor Hellebuyck?   

9. Jets:  Kyle Connor is absolutely scintillating in the offensive zone but absolutely cringe-worthy in the defensive zone.  I don’t know how many times he gives away the puck or can’t get it out but he is definitely the worst of the Jets forwards.         

10. Jets:  Kyle Connor and Nikolaj “don’t call me Nik” Ehlers have sure found some nice chemistry together and Paul Stastny compliments them quite nicely as well.  I’m not sure I would mess with this line when the re-shuffle starts.  

See the source image

11. Jets:  I’ve watched 5 out of the 8 Manitoba Moose games his season and I’m not sure what the Jets are waiting for because Ville Heinola is NHL ready and Dylan Samberg isn’t far behind.  I’ve always been impressed with Heinola but I really like Samberg.    

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • 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. Jets: Poll Question:

Who is the Winnipeg Jets best forward?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

14. Jets:  I thought Sami Niku played very well in his two games against the Habs last week.  His puck moving ability and his breakouts were very good and I hope he gets into more games in the future.    

15. Jets:  Schedule

16. Jets:  There are rumours the Winnipeg Jets are in the market for a right-shot defenceman and Brandon Montour’s name keeps popping up.  There was a time where Montour was considered a sure-fire top-four defenceman.  I would take a long, hard look at acquiring him if I were Chevy.   

FYI:  Brandon Montour makes $3,850,000 this season and next season he becomes a UFA.  

17. Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

These are the Winnipeg Jets rankings within the seven team Canadian Division.  Since all games played during the regular season are divisional the rest of the league’s numbers don’t really matter.

  • PP: 3rd at 23.40% up from 22.80% last week.
  • PK: 2nd at 80.00 down from 80.40% last week. 
  • FO: 5th at 49 .50 up from 48.70% last week … Jets faceoffs are still weak in special team situations.

18. Jets:  Why isn’t Dylan DeMelo playing with Josh Morrissey?

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  10-5-1 … 2.56 GAA … .918 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  3-1-0 … 2.24 GAA … .935 SV%

20. Jets:  Paul Maurice is constantly bombarded on Twitter for a myriad of reasons and sometimes deservedly so and I occasionally wonder myself if the Jets win because of him or in spite of him?  (see #5)  Discuss amongst yourselves.     

*

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:

[email protected]

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 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Random Thoughts On The Winnipeg Jets: Feb. 22

February 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 had a real good week going 3-1-0 on their four-game road trip, splitting their two-game set with Edmonton and sweeping their two games versus Vancouver.  Their record is 11-6-1 overall for the season.

2. Jets:  Pierre-Luc Dubois finally got back into the lineup Sunday night and was a major impact with 2 goals and a helper including the OT winner.  Sunday night PLD officially became a Winnipeg Jets fan fave.  I’m happy for the Jets fans that didn’t know much about him.  This performance might help take the sting out of trading Patrik Laine.      

3. Jets:  I think most Jets fans would agree Neal Pionk really struggled in the bubble this past summer but he actually had a pretty good first season with the Winnipeg Jets and to this point his second season looks to be even better.  I’m still puzzled why Paul Maurice doesn’t have him quarterbacking the first unit powerplay though.  I think he is the better option over Josh Morrissey.  (see the poll question at #13)

4. Moose:  The Manitoba Moose finished their first week of play with a 2-2-0 record after splitting their four-game homestand with the Toronto Marlies.  It was good seeing prospects Cole Perfetti, Dylan Samberg, and Ville Heinola finally playing.  I had not seen Samberg play in over a year and I forgot what an underrated puck mover he is.    

5. Jets:  Like I mentioned last week, Nathan Beaulieu has officially become the fanbase’s new whipping boy but Nate Thompson is right behind him and he hasn’t really done anything wrong outside of the fact he is in the lineup over some fans favourites.  FYI, it’s not his fault.  

6. Jets:  I don’t think he has done this before but on Sunday night Paul Maurice did something I have wondered about for a few years.  Why don’t coaches start three forwards in overtime a lot more often?  He started Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mark Scheifele, and Blake Wheeler in OT vs Vancouver and Dubois popped the game winner 27 seconds later.  I don’t think this will be a regular thing but I liked it.      

7. Jets:  I am getting a little tired of hearing how bad the Winnipeg Jets analytics are because their underwhelming Corsi and Fenwick numbers can be very misleading.  The Jets aren’t a high volume shots and attempts team because they pass up shooting situations looking for a better play unlike other teams that are considered “possession teams” that fire the puck on net from all angles every chance they get.   A lot of these shots look good in the shot metrics but how many are actually good scoring chances?  For me shot volume is not possession, possessing the puck is possession.  Players like Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, KyleConnor, Nick Ehlers, Paul Stastny seldom ever think shot first.  They will carry the puck, cycle the puck, look for teammates, curl when crossing the blueline while players on other teams shoot on net (Evander Kane) as soon as they cross the blueline.  Watch the Jets on their zone entries and keep this in mind when they show the shot metrics in-between periods.  The metrics don’t always tell the true story and especially with this Jets team.  Take this from an old WHA Jets fan that watched that team score 5-6 goals a night they didn’t shoot a lot.  Their possession was actually possession, not shot volume, although on a lot of nights they had that too.     

8. Jets:  It’s time for Logan Stanley to get back into the lineup.  Tucker Poolman and Nathan Beaulieu aren’t good enough to be playing regularly over Stanley. 

9. Jets:  After looking a little sluggish early in the season, Blake Wheeler seems to have found his giddy-up once again.  It is quite obvious now that Wheeler was playing through something but the past couple of games he looks more like himself.  The criticism he is/was receiving was very unfair and especially when we don’t know the whole story.        

10. NHL: A huge congratulations to Winnipegger, Travis Zajac on his 1000th NHL game on Sunday afternoon, all with the New Jersey Devils.  Travis is one of my favourite Winnipeg hockey players going all the way back to his AAA Bantam days with the Winnipeg Hawks.  He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2004 in the first round, 20th overall and has put up pretty solid numbers over his NHL career with 197 goal and 337 assists totaling 534 points in the regular season and in 57 playoff games he has 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points. 

Embed from Getty Images

11. NHL:  PLEASE fix your officials.  In the Jets game last week versus Ottawa the two referees sucked on their whistles the whole game ignoring obvious infractions and in the Jets next game against Edmonton they were whistle happy and calling phantom penalties.  There is no consistency from game to game which really frustrates players and fans alike.  

12. NHL:  Key dates.

  • 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. Jets: Poll Question:

Who would you prefer running the Winnipeg Jets #1 powerplay?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

14. NHL:  I’m sure by now everyone has an opinion about the eight hour weather delay at the NHL’s outdoor game in Lake Tahoe.  On Saturday, after finishing the first period the game had to be delayed because the clear skies and sunshine turned the ice into slush.  The panel and the announcers on the NBC broadcast asked more than once “how could the NHL have planned for this?”.  REALLY?  It never occurred to Gary Bettman and the NHL that the sun might magically come out in the middle of the day?  Didn’t this actually happen in Winnipeg during the Heritage Classic?  Sometimes “Count Chocula” just makes it too easy to to crap on him.

On a positive note, it sure was a magnificent setting.  Who needs fans?

Image

15. Jets:  Schedule

16. Jets:  I wish Jets fans would just pull for the players in the lineup instead of bitching about the players not in the lineup.  (see #5)   

17. Special Teams: Rule of thumb. Have the two red numbers (PK and PP) total at least 100% when added (as your minimum).  I also base the movement (up or down) on the % and not the NHL ranking.

These are the Winnipeg Jets rankings within the seven team Canadian Division.  Since all games played during the regular season are divisional the rest of the league’s numbers don’t really matter.

  • PP: 3rd at 22.80% up from 20.00% last week.
  • PK: 2nd at 80.40 down from 81.00% last week. 
  • FO: 5th at 48 .70 down from 49.20% last week.

18. Jets:  Jets fans are wondering who broke Josh Morrissey?  He has been good, bad, and indifferent all season.  He is definitely off. 

19. Goaltending:

  • Conner Hellebuyck:  8-5-1 … 2.64 GAA … .916 SV% 
  • Laurent Brossoit:  3-1-0 … 2.24 GAA … .935 SV%

20. NHL:  Why doesn’t the NHL include playoff games when talking about a player’s total games played?  (see #10)

*

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:

[email protected]

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: , , , , , , ,

Blog Stats

  • 183,462 hits