Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/jets-werent-bad-but-for-the-biggest-game-in- franchise-history-they-needed-to-be-great-482074813.html

Jets weren't bad, but for the biggest game in franchise history, they needed to be great

By: Paul Wiecek

The fans remaining stood stunned at the Jets 4-0 loss against the after the 3rd period Monday night.

We’ve got the loudest fans, we tell ourselves.

We’ve got the most passionate fans, we tell ourselves.

We’ve got the most patient and deserving fans, we tell ourselves.

And maybe we do.

But someone forgot to tell the Nashville Predators.

And in the biggest game in franchise history on Monday night, the Jets simply didn’t.

A 4-0 Predators victory in Game 6 at Bell MTS Place — the Jets second straight loss at home this series — let Nashville off the ropes and sent the series to a seventh and deciding game in Nashville Thursday night.

It says something about where these two franchises are in their development curves that Nashville brought their very best game to their very biggest game, while the Jets didn’t.

Down 3-2 in this series and facing elimination Monday night, the Predators — from netminder Pekka Rinne out — were superb in Game 6, looking every bit like what they are: a seasoned and experienced team that had been in plenty of games just like this one during a run to the final last season.

And the Jets? They also looked every bit like what they are: a young and inexperienced team that had never played in a game with this kind of magnitude.

Three times in this series, the Jets have had a chance to put their foot on Nashville’s throat — in Game 2, in Game 4 and in Game 6 — and all three times they couldn’t do it.

Make no mistake, the stakes were huge for the Jets Monday night: a win by Winnipeg would have eliminated the best team in the NHL during the regular season; secured Winnipeg home- ice advantage through the rest of the ; and, in all likelihood, prompted bookmakers in Vegas on Tuesday morning to make Winnipeg — yes, Winnipeg! — the new favourite to win this year’s Stanley Cup.

With all that on the line Monday night, the Jets wilted.

Now, the Jets weren’t bad, by any means, on a night they didn’t get the breaks and the Predators did — a fluky first for Nashville set the tone for the night.

But the Jets weren’t great, either, and on this night — and in this moment — they needed to be.

To me, they looked like a team that still lacks the killer instinct, although specifically rejected that assertion after the game, mumbling something about how nobody would say Pittsburgh lacks killer instinct simply because they were eliminated by Washington Monday night.

Well, no — nobody is saying that about the Penguins because the Penguins won the last two Stanley Cups in a row and have already demonstrated a killer instinct that would make Ted Bundy a little uncomfortable.

If they handed out Stanley Cups to fans, the parade down Portage Avenue would be today. But they don’t, and so now we wait. Maurice left unexplained how anything Pittsburgh has done — or hasn’t done — is relevant to the Jets, who to this have proven nothing more than that they are a very good regular- season team with loads of potential.

What is relevant, however, is that three times in this series, the Jets have had a chance to put their foot on Nashville’s throat — in Game 2, in Game 4 and in Game 6 — and all three times they couldn’t do it.

And because they couldn’t, it’s the Predators who now have a chokehold on this series, headed back to Tennessee for a Game 7 that sports history tells us the home team wins more than 75 per cent of the time.

Those aren’t great odds for the Jets, but then this hasn’t been a typical series.

The Jets, who had the best home record in the NHL this season and had won 12 in a row at home coming into this series, lost two out of three at home to Nashville — and would’ve lost all three were it not for a historic comeback in Game 3 that saw the Jets storm back from a 3-0 first period deficit.

Meanwhile, Nashville, who had the third-best home record in the NHL during the regular season, hasn't been any better, also losing two of three at home during this series.

It may be that the Jets have the Preds right where they want them in Game 7 — which is to say in Nashville’s building rather than their own.

Or maybe — and it’s probably not a bad idea for this city to at least prepare itself for the possibility — this is just the ghost of Oilers past playing out in this city all over again: another great division rival standing in the way of another promising Jets team fulfilling its potential.

If that turns out to be the case and the Jets' season ends prematurely Thursday night, well, you can blame it in part on Gary Bettman and a dopey playoff format that forced the second best team in the NHL this regular season — the Jets — to play the best team in the NHL this season — the Predators — in the second round of the playoffs.

In no other major professional league in North America would that be allowed to happen. But then in no other major professional league in North America would a player like Brad Marchand be allowed to make the league look like a joke.

But that’s an excuse. The fans in this city did for the Jets these last few weeks what every parent hopes to do for their children — create an environment that gives them the very best chance to succeed.

If they handed out Stanley Cups to fans, the parade down Portage Avenue would be today.

But they don’t, and so now we wait.

For weeks, there has been a singular refrain in this town: Go Jets Go.

Well, they’ve gone all right — to Nashville. The question now is whether they’ll keep going after Thursday. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/will-game-7-earn-jets-a-trip-to-third- round-heaven-482111883.html

Will Game 7 earn Jets a trip to third-round heaven?

By: Mike McIntyre

You'll forgive fans around these parts if they don't quite know what to do with themselves when facing a Game 7.

After all, these kind of winner-take-all battles on the ice are a rare commodity in Winnipeg.

A quick look at the history books shows that Thursday night's showdown in Nashville will be just the fifth such event in Jets history. There were two in the days, and two more with the original version of the NHL Jets.

The last time fans experienced the drama was way back in 1992. And you have to travel back to 1977 for the first —and only — time Winnipeg came out on top. Yes, they have a 1-3 record in Game 7 history and will be in tough to improve on that as they take on the NHL's No. 1 regular- season team in Nashville.

Here's a quick — and somewhat painful — reminder of how each of those previous series played out:

• 1976-77: Beat the Mariners.

In this first-round series, the home team won every game. And that certainly benefited the Jets as they took the elimination game by an impressive 7-3 score at Winnipeg Arena.

• 1976-77: Lost to the .

The Jets were looking to win a second straight Avco Cup championship and were coming off a dominant 12-3 win in Game 6 on home ice to force the one-game battle for glory. But the Jets were promptly steamrolled on the road 8-2.

• 1989-90: Lost to the .

This first-round series is best remembered as the one where the NHL Jets blew a 3-1 series lead against the mighty Oilers, who went on to capture yet another Stanley Cup that spring. Edmonton had squeaked out 4-3 victories in Game 5 at home and Game 6 in Winnipeg, then pulled away with a 4-1 win on home ice in Game 7. A crushing defeat for the Jets, who could never escape the Smythe Division and were eliminated for a sixth time by the Oilers.

• 1991-92: Lost to the .

It was deja vu all over again for long-suffering Jets fans. Once again, Winnipeg raced out to a 3- 1 series lead only to fail to put the Canucks away on three different occasions. And it wasn't really close. Winnipeg was smoked 8-2 in Vancouver in Game 5, humiliated 8-3 on home ice in Game 6 and then pummelled 5-0 in Game 7 on the West Coast.

•••

In terms of some more modern numbers, here's a look at a few Game 7 facts for Winnipeg and Nashville.

• This will be the first Game 7 in franchise history for the / , who had never won a playoff game prior to this year.

• This is the third Game 7 in Predators history, but the first played in Nashville. They beat Anaheim by a 2-1 score in the first-round of the 2016 playoffs, then lost 5-0 in San Jose in the second round that year.

• Nashville head coach is 5-2 during his career in seventh games; Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice is 2-0.

• This is the 171st Game 7 in NHL playoff history. Home teams are 100-70, while the team that scores first has gone 126-44. There have been 41 games that went to overtime, where home teams have a 21-20 record.

• Nashville has 47 games spread over 20 players worth of Game 7 experience on their roster; Winnipeg has just 13 games involving eight players. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/flashy-forsberg-leading-preds-in- spectacular-play-482118573.html

Flashy Forsberg leading Preds in spectacular play

By: Jason Bell

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — 's remarkable work in the 2018 should come as no great revelation to hockey followers.

Yet, the 23-year-old winger with the Nashville Predators continues to astonish even those who share an office with him every day.

"He’s a great player, a top-class player. He makes plays that you don’t think are possible and you see (Monday) he was a big factor in the game," linemate Viktor Arvidsson said Tuesday. "He’s an awesome player for our team."

Which seemingly impossible play was that in Game 6, a 4-0 shutout of the Winnipeg Jets by the visiting Preds?

The one where he raced to the bench to grab a new stick, stayed onside and then barged toward the Winnipeg net — with blue-liner Ben Chiarot ready to lay a bear hug on him — and casually flipped the puck past goalie Connor Hellebuyck to spark Nashville to a 2-0 lead?

Or the one where he took a slick pass in front from Arvidsson, stickhandled between his legs and buried it?

Yeah, that one... that old Forsberg trick.

"He can score any way, really. He scores important goals and then, of course, obviously goals like that (Monday). They’re important, too, but they’re also pretty special," said Preds captain Roman Josi. "He’s a special player and definitely a superstar in this league.’’

The Ryan Johansen line is doing some major damage in the best-of-seven series with the Jets, but Forsberg has been at the controls of the wrecking ball.

The product of Ostervala, has three goals and nine points against Winnipeg, including the magnificent pair he potted in Game 6 at Bell MTS Place and the setup on Arvidsson's empty-netter to knot the series 3-3.

Game 7 returns to the Country Music Capital of the World on Thursday, with puck drop at Bridgestone Arena scheduled for about 7:10 p.m.

If Winnipeg can't figure out a way to rope this guy in, break out the bittersweet songs about bad luck and heartbreak, Jets fans.

"There's a lot of good hockey players in the NHL, but that's the upper echelon right there," said Nashville forward Colton Sissons. "We see him try some pretty quirky things all the time. Just to do it on that stage shows the confidence that he has and the skill set, just a tremendous player."

Sissons notes there isn't an ounce of bravado in the former first-round pick (11th overall) of the in the 2012 NHL Draft, the subject of one of the most ill-advised and lopsided trades in history.

The Capitals have plenty going for them now but the 2013 deal brokered by then-Caps general manager George McPhee to send Forsberg to the Predators for forwards and Michael Latta was a big win for Nashville GM David Poile.

Erat played 62 regular-season games for Washington, scoring two goals. He was also held pointless in four playoff games in '13. Latta, meanwhile, was a relatively forgettable bottom-six guy, in 117 games with the Capitals over three seasons (2013-16) and has spent two full seasons in the .

Most observers believe his best days are still ahead for Forsberg, a burgeoning superstar.

"He's just a humble guy. He knows in his own mind how much skill he has and how he can execute those plays in pretty high-pressure moments," said Sissons. "That's something that's just a gift that he has. I'm not really sure how to explain it."

Forsberg flicked a switch even before the post-season began, scoring six times and adding 10 helpers in Nashville's last 10 regular-season games to finish as the team's 2017-18 points leader (26G, 38A) despite missing 15 games with a couple of injuries.

Indeed, Forsberg is thriving in pressure situations this season.

"To be honest with you, it's the most fun you can do," he said, following Monday's huge victory in hostile territory. "You can never have more fun than playing these elimination games and Stanley Cup playoffs, and just try to enjoy it as much as possible."

Forsberg registered a few flashy goals in the Preds' opening-round series with the Colorado Avalanche, including one where he deked through his legs and undressed Avalanche defenceman Samuel Girard before ripping a low by goalie Jonathan Bernier in a 5-2 playoff-opening victory.

"Natural is definitely not the word for it, but it just takes a lot of practise, takes a lot of you doing (it)," Forsberg said. "Once in a while you get time and space for it in a game, you try to pull it off."

Sissons, whose goals are usually more of the greasy variety, offered a rather candid take on why contortionist-like stickhandling is not in his repertoire.

"I don't know. I might break my ankle or something bad might happen," he said. "I'd probably just jam it in the near post, but I'll leave the through the legs stuff to Fil and some of those guys." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/disappointed-but-determined-jets-ready- to-face-the-music-in-nashville-482107763.html

Disappointed but determined Jets ready to face the music in Nashville

By: Mike McIntyre

It would be a stretch to suggest they'd all turned their frowns upside-down. But it's safe to say the Winnipeg Jets put on a brave face Tuesday as they returned to work following a disappointing Game 6 defeat to the Nashville Predators.

"Everybody came to the rink in a bad mood. And then you leave in a better mood," coach Paul Maurice said following an off-ice workout and video session at Bell MTS Place. "We didn't have a 'rah-rah jack 'em up' speech. The video wasn't the fine things we did. But you try to build that emotional base."

Monday's 4-0 loss denied the Jets a chance to move into the Western Conference final and sets up a winner-take-all Game 7 in enemy territory Thursday. Vegas awaits the winner, with the next series set to begin Saturday night either in Nashville or Winnipeg, who will be viewed as the favourites to move on to the Stanley Cup final.

"All good. The sun came up this morning," said veteran centre Paul Stastny. The Jets will return to the practice ice Wednesday before flying to Nashville later in the day to prepare for the ultimate elimination game.

"Good mood. We've got a chance to play Game 7 to clinch the series. This is what we play hockey for," said forward . "We were able to do that all year, put a loss behind us and move forward. And it's no different for this game coming up. Whatever happened before doesn't mean anything."

While coming up far short in such a big game no doubt stings, players and coaches said Tuesday they haven't lost sight of the big picture. Taking down the NHL's No. 1 team during the regular season was never going to be easy.

They failed in their first attempt. Now they get one more in a building where they've already won twice in this series.

"I think when we get to that Game 7 we know it’s all on the line and nothing in the past is going to bother us. We can’t let it. This is going to be the most fun game we’re gonna play and I think a lot of us are going to enjoy ourselves," said goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

"We’ve gotten here for a reason. We’ve played our game and we’ve been successful in our game. We can’t change that now. We’ve got to keep doing the same things. You know what, it’s all on the line and we’ve got to bring it."

Visiting teams have won four of the six games in the series, and nobody has been able to string together two consecutive wins. There have been tight-checking games and wide-open games. Blowouts on both sides.

Whatever momentum seems to build up during a game is gone by the time the puck drops on the next one.

"That’s playoffs. I think someone said earlier this year (that) on our team there’s no momentum. Would you rather lose in overtime or lose 10-0? A loss is a loss. You start fresh the next day and vice-versa if you win. That’s the beauty of playoff hockey, and that’s what makes it so tough, physically and mentally," said Stastny.

"When you’re playing the best team in the Western Conference, the two best teams, I think most people probably would have wanted this, I think most people would have predicted it would have gone six or seven games and that it’s going to go back and forth. And that’s the way it is."

Nashville did a terrific job of wiping away the memories of a 6-2 loss on home ice in Game 5, and now Winnipeg will try to do the same after their Game 6 performance.

"I think we’ve been prepared well and done a good job of fixing the things we have to fix in a loss and throwing it away and starting fresh," said Stastny. "I think we’ve done a good job of not getting too high or too low after games and always focusing on the next one."

Maurice has coached a pair of Game 7s in his career and come out on top both teams — once in regulation and once in overtime.

"There’s absolutely a different feel to it, right? Because it’s the final game for one team. So, there’s lot of emotion, lots of excitement. But there’s definitely a calmness to it. There’s a finality coming. It brings out the best I think," he said Tuesday.

"I don’t know, three days before Christmas, two days before Christmas, it’s not there, it’s not Christmas Eve, but you know it’s coming. And maybe it happens when you get older, things that are really fun in the year you look more and more forward to. So this would be one of those things for me. A Game 7. It’s a whole lot of excitement, a whole lot of fun. Tremendous amount of focus. You’re not thinking about tomorrow, you’re not thinking about, 'Am I benching that guy?’ You’re like, 'Let’s see what we got.'"

Stastny also has some big-game experience, going 2-1 in three career seventh games. He's put up two goals and three assists under that bright spotlight.

"I think guys will enjoy it. Any time you’re tied in a series and you feel like it’s a must-win, you just go out there and play your game. There’s going to be butterflies, there’s going to be nerves before the game. If you don’t have that in you, I think you’re losing a love for the game," he said.

"I think we know what we gotta do. I think you can simplify more by going on the road. We know what we gotta do. We gotta stick together no matter how the game plays out early in the game or later in the game. I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that and have done a good job responding after losses."

As for the rest of the Jets, there's not a lot of Game 7 experience. Perreault has gone 0-2, 0-1 and Tyler Myers 0-1. A few others not expected to play Thursday have limited histories, with Matt Hendricks going 1-2, Shawn Matthias 0-1 and Dmitry Kulikov 0-1. For the others, this will be their first time.

"We’ve got to bring our game and we’ve got to bring confidence, and we’ve got to stick to it, we can’t strive away from it, we know it’s going to be a fight. That’s our goal," said Hellebuyck. "It’s all on the line and you’ve got to make sure you’re doing everything you can. Everything you’ve got, you’ve got to put it all in one game."

Perreault said this is the best team he's ever been a part of, which gives him reason for optimism heading into such a clutch showdown.

"Now it's do-or-die. It's everything it takes. Everything it takes to keep it out of your own net. It's going to be a battle. We've got to be prepared for that," he said. "Take it as one period at a time. Don't look at we've got to win this game. We've got to win this next shift, this next period. It's going to take everybody's greatest effort. It's going to take everything. You've just got to bring it."

ROUND 3 SCHEDULE The NHL has released the schedule for the Eastern and Western Conference finals -- even though all the participants have yet to be decided.

Winnipeg and Nashville will play a winner-take-all Game 7 Thursday night to see who advances to the final four to take on the .

Washington and Tampa Bay are already through in the east.

If Winnipeg can claim victory, the third-round would start Saturday night at Bell MTS Place.

Here's the full schedule, with all times central:

GAME 1: Saturday May 12, 6 p.m. in Winnipeg

GAME 2: Monday May 14, 7 p.m. in Winnipeg

GAME 3: Wednesday May 16, 8 p.m. in Vegas

GAME 4: Friday May 18, 7 p.m. in Vegas

GAME 5: Sunday May 20, 2 p.m. in Winnipeg (if necessary)

GAME 6: Tuesday May 22, 8 p.m. in Vegas (if necessary)

GAME 7: Thursday May 24, 7 p.m. in Winnipeg (if necessary)

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/wyman-seven-things-the-jets-need-to- do-to-win-game-7-against-predators

WYMAN: Seven things the Jets need to do to win Game 7 against Predators

By Ted Wyman

So, it comes down to this.

The best two teams in the NHL’s regular season will play one game to determine which one moves on to the Western Conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

It probably should be this way, because the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators are so evenly matched.

They’ve traded punches for the last couple of weeks, with no team able to win two games in a row.

The Jets won Game 1 in Nashville, the Preds bounced back with a double-overtime win in Game 2. The Jets staged a big comeback to take Game 3 in Winnipeg, the Preds countered with a stifling defensive effort in Game 4. The Jets went back to Nashville and won by four goals Saturday, the Preds returned the favour Monday night in Winnipeg.

If you told anyone two weeks ago both teams would have two road wins already in this best-of- seven, they likely wouldn’t have believed you, but it has been the kind of series where we should expect the unexpected.

“You look back at the six, I would say Game 2 would have been the game that I would have thought all six of them would have looked like,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “The first one didn’t. And then down three (in Game 3), come back and put up seven, 2-1, bounce in there 6-2, comeback here 4-0. For you to write a story on the series, you have to write six different stories right now.”

With that said, here are seven things the Jets need to do in order to win Game 7.

SCORE THE FIRST GOAL This has become the most pivotal factor in the series as the team scoring first has won five of the six games. Additionally, history tells us the team that scores first in Game 7 wins 75% of the time. It seems particularly true in this case, with the Predators looking to get a lead and defend it and the Jets looking to get out front to open things up so they can use their speed and skill. The Jets scored first in Game 1 and Game 5 and that led to their first two wins at Bridgestone Arena. The third one will be the hardest yet to come by, but a good start will go a long way.

WEATHER THE STORM In every game, the Predators have carried the play early in the game and twice they badly outplayed the Jets in the first period, only to come away either tied or trailing thanks to the efforts of Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck. If Hellebuyck can hold the fort early and if the Jets — who have not scored in the first period in the last four games — can capitalize on one of their early chances, it could drastically change the course of the game. Hellebuyck will need to be the better goaltender than Pekka Rinne all night long for the Jets to have a chance of advancing.

CALLING ON THE KIDS The Jets need a big goal from , Nikolaj Ehlers or Kyle Connor, their three leading goal-scorers during the regular season. Connor had a great Game 5, scoring twice in a 6-2 win and Laine has nine playoff points, but the Jets need them to produce now more than ever. Along with Ehlers they can be the three biggest offensive difference makers on the team and now would be great time for a breakout. Laine has only three playoff goals, two that didn’t mean much, and Ehlers has not scored in the post-season. Their time to shine is now.

GET THE SHOTS THROUGH The Predators blocked 23 of the Jets shot attempts on Monday night, with Roman Josi leading the way with four. At the other end, the Jets blocked only eight shots. Winnipeg’s blue-liners need to find ways to change angles or shoot more quickly to prevent the Preds from getting in the lanes. Getting pucks through from the point is imperative to success in the playoffs and this will be a significant challenge against a fearless Predators team.

SCORE ON THE POWER PLAY The Jets frittered away four power-play chances on Monday night, generating only a couple of scoring chances and just four shots on goal. The Predators didn’t even get a power play until late in the third period, and by then they were already up 4-0. The Jets absolutely have to find a way to penetrate the blue-line with puck possession so they can get set up and at least get chances to score with the man-advantage.

BUST THE TRAP If the Jets don’t get the first goal, they have to find a way to break through Nashville’s neutral zone defensive strategy. That means more crisp passes, more speed coming out of their own zone and far fewer turnovers. In Game 5, once the Jets broke through, they scored almost at will as the Predators were unable to flip the switch from defensive clampdown to offensive attack.

BIG BUFF IN BEAST MODE Dustin Byfuglien has been a dominant player in this series but was quieted — possibly due to the presence of Nashville’s Scott Hartnell — in Games 4 and 6. Byfuglien needs to be hitting like he was in the Minnesota series while activating in the offensive zone and maintaining his defensive responsibilities. When Big Buff is truly on, he can be the only difference maker the Jets need. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/heat-is-on-the-bench-too

Heat is on the bench, too

By Paul Friesen

The pressure on players to perform in win-or-go-home playoff games is enormous.

But there’s no less spotlight on the head coaches.

The lineup decisions going into Thursday’s game in Nashville, matchups, in-game adjustments – all take on added significance in a Game 7, just like every pass and shot attempt by the players.

“It’s all on me, man,” Jets boss Paul Maurice said, with more than a hint of sarcasm. “It’s probably the best part of the job. You don’t always enjoy it. But that, I guess, pressure… for me it’s always been juice to get out. It’s that feeling you get all day.

“The more your team is focused on an event, the more I think you feel like you’ve done your job.”

Maurice pushed a button that got a spark out of his team in Game 3, when he swapped wingers Kyle Connor and Nik Ehlers early in a come-from-behind victory.

More recently, he’s moved the still-struggling Ehlers down to a line with Bryan Little and Joel Armia, bumping Mathieu Perreault up to the Paul Stastny-Patrik Laine line.

Coming off a shutout in Game 6, more moves could be on the way for Thursday.

“It could happen,” Perreault said. “We’ll see how it goes. He’s done it a couple of games and it worked. Maybe we’ll start the game, see how it goes. If it doesn’t go our way maybe it’d be a good idea to do that and see if he can spark the team.”

Nashville’s Peter Laviolette has twice inserted rugged veteran Scott Hartnell into his lineup this series, and won both games.

As for Game 7’s, Maurice is 2-0 in his career, Laviolette, 5-2.

“So the regular season is 82 (games), there’s a big picture to it,” Maurice said. “The playoff series get tighter, but there’s still a next game and a lot of ways that feeling. But Game 7 is a different animal. And everything is focused on that.

“They’re the most fun.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-anticipate-game-7-like-its-christmas

FRIESEN: Jets anticipate Game 7 like it's Christmas

By Paul Friesen

It’s Christmas in Nashville – in the second week of May.

That’s the comparison Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice was making, Tuesday, talking about Game 7 of this second-round playoff series with the Predators, set for Thursday.

“There’s absolutely a different feel to it, because it’s the final game for one team,” Maurice said, Tuesday. “I can feel it starting now. It is the best part of the job. It’s not Christmas Eve, but you know it’s coming. It’s a whole lot of excitement, a whole lot of fun. Tremendous amount of focus.

“The guys that have had a few more Christmases will sleep a little bit better. The guys that are closer to five years old will be up a little later.”

Maurice himself has two of these “Christmases” under his belt, both when he helped the reach the 2009 Eastern Conference final.

He remembers them like a kid remembers getting that first electric train set.

It helps that he won them both.

“On the road,” he said. “One we tied it with the ‘tender out, won it in regulation about 30 seconds later. And won one in overtime.’’

Those two experiences make him a greybeard in this department in the Jets room.

The entire Jets roster has just eight players who’ve felt the pressure-cooker of a Game 7, and four of them aren’t likely to play on Thursday (see box).

The other four have combined to play just seven Game 7’s, Paul Stastny leading the way, with three.

“There’s going to be butterflies, there’s going to be nerves before the game,” Stastny said. “If you don’t have that in you, you’re losing a love for the game.”

Stastny has five points in his three Game 7’s, and won two of them.

But that first one felt like he’d unwrapped a gift box that turned out to be empty.

“It was about four years ago, my last year in Colorado, against Minnesota,” he said. “It was kind of a back-and-forth game. We lost in overtime. It sucked losing, but it was fun to be a part of. They don’t happen often. You’ve just got to embrace it.”

Most of the Jets players are in the same shoes Stastny was in, four years ago: dealing with the stress of their first Game 7.

Mathieu Perreault, who’s skated in two and lost them both, has some advice for kids like Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor, Nik Ehlers, Josh Morrissey and Jacob Trouba.

“It feels different now, for sure,” Perreault said. “The first 20 minutes is so important now. I feel like when I was younger maybe I looked at the bigger picture. Take it as one period at a time. Don’t look at, ‘We’ve got to win this game.’ We’ve got to win this next shift, this next period.

“It’s going to take everybody’s greatest effort. It’s going to take everything. You’ve just got to bring it.”

The winner hosts Vegas in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, Saturday.

The loser, well, you know the drill.

Maurice is hoping the inexperience of youth is overcome by its exuberance.

“The only way to get experience is to live it,” he said. “So we have not a lot, at all. But we’re going to have a whole lot more by the end of that game.”

The closest thing Winnipeg goalie Connor Hellebuyck can lean on for experience is a couple of Hockey East title games in college.

“I have yet to be scored on in one, so I like (those) odds,” Hellebuyck joked. “This has nothing to do with that. This is whole new level and you’ve just got to get into the game as much as you can… you’re going to be feeling adrenalin, you’re going to be excited to play and you’ve got to embrace it.”

The Preds have 21 players on the roster who’ve gone through this. Most, including goalie Pekka Rinne, will be in the lineup, Thursday.

“I’m glad our guys have some experience,” Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said. “I’m glad they’ve got some scars on them. Scars make you a little bit tougher. But at the end of the day, it still comes down to those 60 minutes.”

It’s the stuff of dreams for kids, the chance to be a hero in a winner-take-all game, acted out on outdoor rinks, streets and driveways across Canada and the rest of the hockey world.

“Ever since I started playing hockey, I was five years old, you put yourself in that position where you play a Game 7 in the playoffs,” Perreault said. “This is what we play for. So this should be the most fun we’ve had all year.”

It should be. It could be.

But for only one team, it will be.

Merry Christmas, everybody. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-preds-antsy-to-get-going

Jets, Preds antsy to get going

By Paul Friesen

The waiting is the hardest part.

Nobody seemed too thrilled to have two days off between Games 6 and 7 in the Jets-Predators series.

“For players who’ve been doing this their whole lives, the minute you step on the ice you’re in your comfort zone,” Winnipeg’s Paul Stastny said. “The hardest part about these things is the in- between, or the day of – you’re thinking about it too much. You sometimes just want to go out there and play.

“You ask a lot of guys, that’s why afternoon games are the best. Once the puck drops we’ll be ready to go on the mental side of it.”

While the Preds hold the edge in experience in Game 7’s, they’ve never played one at home, strangely enough.

“Yeah, no kidding,” Colton Sissons said. “It’s going to be a really fun night and a special night for all the fans and everybody watching in Nashville. We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a long two days, here.”

Players seemed glad Game 7 is at least a more normal 7 p.m. start, and not 8:30 p.m., like three games of this series.

The Jets will practice in Winnipeg, Wednesday, before flying to Nashville.

The Preds went home early Tuesday. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/resilient-predators-still-marvelling-at- forsbergs-monday-masterpiece-against-jets

Resilient Predators still marvelling at Forsberg’s Monday masterpiece against Jets

By Ted Wyman

The Nashville Predators believed in themselves and went out and backed up that faith.

The Presidents’ Trophy winners got standout performances from just about everyone in beating the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 on Monday night at Bell MTS Place to force a seventh and deciding game in their Western Conference playoff series.

Now the Preds are just a win away from getting back to the Western Conference final for the second straight year and can punch their ticket Thursday night in Game 7 at Bridgestone Arena.

From goaltender Pekka Rinne to defencemen P.K. Subban and Roman Josi to speedster Viktor Arvidsson and gritty winger Scott Hartnell, the Preds were nearly perfect against the Jets in Game 5.

“I think it’s the character on our team,” Josi told reporters in Nashville Tuesday afternoon. “It’s a great group of guys, and I mean the belief is really strong. We said it after Game 5 that didn’t go our way that we always believe in this room and yeah, we showed a great response.”

Nobody was more impactful than Filip Forsberg, who scored two highlight-reel goals and to help the Preds even up the series.

His first goal was all about determination. Starting off without a stick, he grabbed one from the bench, stayed onside as a flip pass came his way, fought off Jets defenceman Ben Chiarot, gained an angle to take the puck to the net and beat Connor Hellebuyck, despite having the defenceman slashing and holding him.

His second was just pure skill as he took a shot between his own legs and beat Hellebuyck in the third period.

“He’s such a skilled player,” Josi said. “No matter how big the stage is he always steps up for us. Scoring goals like that in the postseason, it’s pretty special.

“Last year he was unbelievable for us in the playoffs. This year he’s just following that up … he’s scored some incredible goals. He can score in any way, really. I mean he scores important goals and then, of course, obviously goals like that yesterday. They’re important, too, but they’re also pretty special. He’s a special player and definitely a superstar in this league.”

The Jets have plenty of offensive talent as well and many people point to that as an advantage for them in tight games in this series. But as much as , Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine can quickly turn games by generating goals, the Preds showed they can do the same.

Forsberg’s line with Victor Arvidsson and centre Ryan Johansen has been stepping up and the Jets will have to control that trio if they want to have any hope of advancing to the conference final against Vegas.

“I thought that line was really good,” Preds coach Peter Laviolette said. “I thought everybody was really good, but that line was the difference-maker on the scoreboard. (Forsberg) has an incredible skill level. The first goal was pretty special, just the fact that he didn’t have a stick. He had to come to the bench, he had to wait for the puck, he had to stay onsides, had to block off a defender and had to get himself moving all in one motion while protecting the puck. Then taking it to the net even and still had a guy draped on him, yet had the wherewithal to make a shot that he needed to make at the time. The second goal that he got was just Filip — pretty special.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-have-all-the-confidence-in-the- world-in-hellebuyck-who-rarely-loses-two-straight

Jets have all the confidence in the world in Hellebuyck, who rarely loses two straight

By Ted Wyman

They’re on the right side of a trend of punching and counter-punching that has been ongoing all series, they’ve proven they can win in Nashville and they’re still just a win away from reaching the Western Conference final.

You might say the Winnipeg Jets — though they have never played a winner-take-all deciding game before as a a franchise — have plenty of reasons to feel confident going into Game 7 of their series with the Predators.

There’s one reason that trumps them all — goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

“We have all the faith in the world there,” centre Paul Stastny said Tuesday, a day after the Jets lost 4-0 to the Predators in Game 6 at Bell MTS Place.

“He’s just calm. He doesn’t get too high, too low. Sometimes if there’s a bad goal that goes in, you know he’s going to bounce back and make a couple stops after that.”

Hellebuyck has been solid in the series so far, though he was outplayed by Pekka Rinne of the Predators in Game 6.

With a goals against average of 2.67 and a save percentage of .921 through six games, Hellebuyck has proven he can get the job done. Even better has been his performance in games after a loss in the playoffs. He’s 3-0 with a goals against average of 2.00 and a save percentage of .940.

Considering no team has won two games in a row in this series and the trend says it’s the Jets turn on Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena, those are encouraging numbers.

“You have a game where you’re pulled in the first round … that doesn’t faze him, he’s onto the next day,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “An important part of being a good pro is just turning that page — good and bad — and getting onto the next day.”

To that end, Hellebuyck was asked Tuesday how he prepares for a Game 7, a situation he has never been in before at the NHL level.

“Same way as every other game,” he said.

Hellebuyck said his biggest games prior to this one were probably a pair of Hockey East Championships when he was at the University of Massachussets-Lowell.

And how did he do in those games?

“I have yet to be scored on in one, so I like those odds,” he said.

“This has nothing to do with that. This is whole new level and you’ve just got to get into the game as much as you can. I say that because you’re going to be feeling adrenalin, you’re going to be excited to play and you’ve got to embrace it.”

LATE STARTS A FACTOR? It has clearly been nagging at Maurice since last Thursday. There was something very different about Games 4-6 of the Jets-Predators series — the games were slower, more poorly played and had less action — and he was trying to put his finger on it.

“That 8:30 (start) was the one that’s changed that’s clearly different,” Maurice said.

Games 4, 5 and 6 were all 8:30 starts, two in Winnipeg and one in Nashville.

The Preds won 2-1 in Game 4, the Jets 6-2 in Game 5 and the Preds again 4-0 in Game 6. The road team won every time.

“Does it make any sense?” Maurice asked. “I might be 100 per cent wrong. You’d think it would favour the home team. They go home, stay in a routine. You would think that. Staying around in a hotel room for an extra hour and a half is never something that you want to do.”

PICK UP NIK Stastny has a message for teammate Nikolaj Ehlers, who has been fighting the puck throughout the playoffs and has yet to score a goal in 11 games.

“Yeah, sometimes less is more,” Stastny said. “I think he’s struggling maybe scoring-wise, but there’s times where he’s playing well and it’s just not going in for him.”

The beauty of the situation is that Ehlers, like every other player, still has a chance to make an impact in this series by coming up with a great play or a big goal in Game 7.

“It’s all about one game, it’s all about the next game,” Stastny said. “What happened previous, 10, 11 playoff games doesn’t matter. Whether it’s him, whether it’s a top guy, whether it’s a bottom guy, it’s a team game here and we all want to do anything we can to help the team win.”

Maurice said a player like Ehlers, who is used to scoring — he had 29 goals in the regular season — faces a whole different set of pressures than some others.

“You stop thinking about anything but scoring,” Maurice said. “So the rest of your game has a tendency to slide a little bit. He’s got to get back to relaxing in terms of his expectations of every time he touches the puck something’s going to happen — in playoffs that rarely happens — and then focusing that extra energy in other areas of the game. His first would be just his feet, get to that blinding speed that he has, and if that’s on the forecheck, make it on the forecheck. If it’s without the puck, fine, run your routes faster and faster and faster. And the game will actually slow down for you and all those good things will come out.’’

POWER OUTAGE The Jets went 0-for-4 on the power play Monday night and it cost them big time in what turned out to be a 4-0 loss. The Jets managed only four shots on goal and two high-danger scoring chances that were turned aside by Pekka Rinne.

The biggest challenge was just getting possession of the puck in the offensive zone.

“They put a lot of pressure on us and we weren’t really able to get anything going,” Jets winger Mathieu Perreault said. “We’ll look at that, for sure, and try and be better. But this power play has been great all year, so I’m not worried at all.”

Stastny had a great chance to score of a Blake Wheeler feed on a first-period man-advantage but couldn’t get it to go from in tight on Rinne.

“I’ve just gotta score and all of a sudden we won’t talk about that,” Stastny said. “But I feel like they played with more desperation than we did and they showed it.”

Global Winnipeg https://globalnews.ca/news/4195102/superstitions-routines-rituals-how-winnipeg-jets-fans-and- players-get-game-day-ready/

Superstitions, routines, rituals: How Winnipeg Jets fans and players get game day ready

By Brittany Greenslade Senior Reporter/Anchor Global News

When it comes to sports, it’s not only statistics that many people look at. For fans and players, superstitions and routines are just as important.

For some it means eating the same game day meal. For others, making sure you wear the same jersey or shirt.

“Every night during a Jets game, I wear my Winnipeg Jets pajama bottoms with my jersey and my hat,” fan Jason Bruyere said. “Everybody’s got traditions.”

Sports fans identify with their favourite teams and players. They tend to become emotionally invested in not only their success but their failures.

“My husband had a playoff the other day and I made him shave it off,” Laura Robson said.

Then the Winnipeg Jets lost Game 6 Monday night.

“Maybe it’s my fault,” Robson said.

With the Jets now heading to a Game 7 series final back in Nashville, those superstitions can become all that much more important.

For Aileen Thevenot, it means making sure her lucky finger puppet is ready to go.

“Every time I wear it they win,” Thevenot said. “Except for last night, unfortunately. So I don’t know if I’m going to wear it next time.”

But for many fans, the overwhelming joy of a win outweighs the sting of a loss and the sense that the routine didn’t work.

“It’s like these successes are over powering and if there is anything we’ve done – wear the right shirt, jump over that line – then that strengthens that connection,” University of Toronto psychology professor Steve Joordans said. “The things that don’t work we ignore and forget.”

While there is no scientific evidence to support superstitious behaviour, for some experts it doesn’t matter when it comes to sports.

“Sports aren’t about rational thought,” Joordans said. “We all want to do our part. We want to see this as our team. We want to support our team.”

Players aren’t immune to it either.

For Winnipeg Jets Centre Mark Scheifele, it means being the last player off the ice after warm up. It’s a superstition he also shares with Forward Tyler Seguin.

When the two play each other, the duo enter into a game of rock, paper, scissors to see who will be victorious.

“The more central role a player might have, the more superstitious they might become,” Joordans said.

For many having a distinct game day routine is just as important especially going into the final game of the series Thursday, and returning to the 7 p.m. puck drop.

“We’ve defined our three days. They already know what we’re doing tomorrow,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “You try to take away as many unknowns as possible. We’ll fly at the same time. I know what I’m eating tomorrow night. So you try to do as many things in your routine as you can.”

But if you put aside superstitions and routines and just focus on statistics, Jets fans may want to look no further than Maurice’s record.

The Jets head coach has been through two Game 7’s in his career. Both were in 2009 when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Maurice coached both teams to wins. Also noteworthy, both were away games.

Canadian Press http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets-nashville-predators-game-7-1.4654232

Lucky No. 7? Not so much for Canada's NHL teams Winnipeg hopes to buck trend of Canadian franchises flaming out in Game 7

By Donna Spencer · The Canadian Press

If the Winnipeg Jets are going to be the first Canadian NHL team in a quarter of a century to win a Stanley Cup, they'll have to buck a recent trend of this country's clubs losing the seventh game of a playoff series.

The lone Canadian team remaining in the 2018 playoffs, the Jets have to beat the Nashville Predators in Thursday's Game 7 for the right to face the expansion Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference final.

Of Canada's seven NHL teams, six have lost their most recent Game 7, and some have done it in dagger-to-the-heart, eye-rolling style.

The fun fact that a Canadian club hasn't won a Stanley Cup since the in 1993 isn't so fun anymore.

A Canadian team hasn't played in a Cup final since 2011 when the Vancouver Canucks lost in — wait for it — a seventh game to the Bruins.

Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton have all lost Game 7 of a Cup final since the Habs hoisted the trophy 25 years ago.

Here's a look at Canada's NHL teams and their recent seventh-game history:

Montreal Canadiens The Habs are the last Canadian team to win a Game 7, downing the Bruins 3-1 in the final contest of their second-round series in 2014.

Eliminating the regular season's top team might have been a springboard to a title if Montreal didn't lose goaltender Carey Price to a knee injury in the opener of the conference final against the .

Price didn't play again after the first game of the series, which the Rangers won 4-2.

Ottawa Senators In the dagger-to-the-heart category, Chris Kunitz of the scored in double overtime in Game 7 of the 2017 Eastern Conference final to oust the Sens.

It was the closest the modern-day Senators had come to winning a title since losing the 2007 Cup final in five games to the .

Toronto Maple Leafs Fresher Game 7 pain is courtesy of the Leafs last month when Toronto was up 4-3 on Boston heading into the third period, only to lose 7-4 and depart the post-season in the first round.

Adding insult to injury, Bruins face-licker Brad Marchand scored into an empty net.

In the first round five years ago, Toronto led 4-1 midway through the third period of Game 7 against the Bruins — is there a trend here? — only to give up three goals and lose 5-4 in OT.

Winnipeg Jets You've got to go all the way back to Jets 1.0 in 1992 when they were defeated 5-0 in a seventh game of a Smythe Division semifinal by the Canucks.

Winnipeg led that series 3-1, but was then outscored 21-5 over the final three games by Vancouver.

The current Jets franchise, which moved from Atlanta in 1999, will play a Game 7 for the first time Thursday.

Calgary Flames A healthy scratch in Game 6, a 38-year-old was a one-man wrecking crew for the in a first-round finale versus the Flames in 2008.

The Sharks scored four goals in the span of nine minutes in the second period. Roenick's equalizer and go-ahead goal in that burst contributed to a 5-3 win and the end of Calgary's season.

The Flames lost the 2004 Stanley Cup final in seven games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Edmonton Oilers Edmonton returned to the playoffs in 2017 after an 11-year absence. The Oilers were ousted 2- 1 in the seventh game of a second-round series against Anaheim.

It was the Ducks shedding a Game 7 jinx on Nick Ritchie's game winner at the Honda Center. Anaheim had been eliminated four straight years losing a Game 7 at home.

In another near miss for a Canadian team, the Oilers lost Game 7 of the 2006 Cup final to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Vancouver Canucks Vancouver was beaten 4-0 by the Bruins in Game 7 of the 2011 Cup final. Each team won their first three games at home, but the Canucks couldn't close it out at Rogers Arena.

Rioting in downtown Vancouver after the game resulted in multiple arrests and property damage.

The Canucks also lost the 1994 Cup final in seven games to the Rangers. https://www.chrisd.ca/2018/05/08/winnipeg-jets-nashville-predators-series/

Jets Head to Nashville for Game 7 of Roller-Coaster Series with Predators

By Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG – There was a brief moment of locker-room levity after the Jets had just blown a chance to clinch a spot in the Western Conference final for the first time in franchise — and the city’s — history.

Winnipeg captain Blake Wheeler was asked by a reporter in the wake of Monday’s 4-0 home loss in Game 6 what he would have done if told at the start of the season his team would be headed to Nashville to battle in a winner-take-all showdown for a place in the third round of the playoffs?

“I would have given you a big kiss,” Wheeler responded, before quickly adding, “Not a lick. Let’s be clear.”

Despite the disappointment of failing to close out the Predators, the Jets will travel to Music City for Thursday’s decisive Game 7 knowing they’ve already won twice at Bridgestone Arena in a roller-coaster series where momentum has meant as much as home ice — next to nothing.

Neither team has won consecutive games, with the visitors owning a 4-2 record in deafening opposition venues where the Jets and Predators went a combined 60-16-6 in the regular season before going 5-1 in their first-round victories.

“You knew us and Nashville were probably going to run at each other,” said centre Paul Stastny, one of just a handful of Jets to play in multiple Game 7s. “You knew it was going to be a battle and now everyone got what they wanted.”

Winnipeg had it all to play for on Monday after grabbing a 6-2 win in Nashville in Game 5 for a 3-2 series lead.

The Manitoba capital had never seen its NHL teams — the first incarnation of the Jets or this new version that came to town in 2011 — win a second-round playoff game before this spring, let alone make a conference final.

But with their city and province ready to explode in celebration, the Jets wilted.

“It’s frustrating. It’s painful,” head coach Paul Maurice said. “You were right there. It’s an elimination game. There have been an awful lot of seven-game series that have happened in the history of the , and somebody was up 3-2 in every single one of them.

“They were good on the road, we were good in (Game 5). It’s gonna be a hell of a game.”

Battle-tested Nashville shut down Winnipeg’s attack Monday the same it did in a 2-1 victory at Bell MTS Place in Game 4 to even the series 2-2. Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was good when he had to be, while Filip Forsberg and Victor Arvidsson put up impressive performances in the biggest game of the season.

The Presidents’ Trophy winners and last year’s Stanley Cup finalists were never going to go quietly, but the Jets, who were second in the overall standings behind the Predators, didn’t give themselves a chance after failing to connect on three straight power plays late in the first period.

Nashville was relentless, while Winnipeg’s usually speedy roster seemed tight and indecisive, much like it did on home ice in Game 4.

“It’s been back and forth,” Stastny said of the series as a whole. “Sometimes you take your foot off the gas a little bit, you think it’s going to be a little easier, it’s never going to be like that.

“It’s just another learning experience from us and we’ll grow from it.”

As for why the visiting team has had so much success, and the home team so little, there are lots of theories, but no definitive answers.

“We’re playing a little bit harder on the road,” Jets forward Patrik Laine said. “I don’t know why that is because we should play the same game. It doesn’t matter if we’re home or on the road.

“We have had a couple of really good road games and we’re going to need one more.”

Nashville defenceman P.K. Subban, who guaranteed the series would return to Tennessee after that Game 5 loss, said the Predators will have to treat Thursday as if they’re in enemy territory.

“We can’t let our emotions get too high off our crowd,” said Subban, a veteran of four Game 7s. “If we play solid defence, I like our chances.”

In an exceptionally even series that has been filled with punches and immediate responses, it’s next to impossible trying to predict what will happen in the clincher, other than that one team will be heading home.

“You don’t want regrets,” Stastny said. “You don’t want to be scared of the situation or be scared of the pressure. You’ve gotta take it in, go with it, and have fun with it.

“Everyone’s gotta leave it on the line.”

The Tennessean https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2018/05/08/peter-laviolette-what- matters-predators-winnipeg-jets-game-7/592834002/

Predators' Peter Laviolette knows what matters, what doesn't for Game 7

By Mike Organ, USA TODAY NETWORK

Peter Laviolette naturally won't say publicly everything he's said to the Predators as they prepare for Game 7 of their second-round Stanley Cup playoffs series against the Winnipeg Jets.

But he's fine with talking about what he hasn't said.

Laviolette never mentioned, prior to Game 6, which the Predators won 4-0 in Winnipeg on Monday, that it was a potential elimination game for Nashville.

And he hasn't talked about having an advantage in Game 7 with the series shifting back to Nashville at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. Thursday.

He is solely focused on taking advantage of having two days off between games and preparing the Predators to hit the ice with their best game. Nothing, and he means nothing, else matters.

“We didn’t talk about (Monday being an elimination game)," Laviolette said. "I’ll be honest with you, like it never came up. We only talked about the game itself."

Nashville evened the series 3-3 with the shutout, its first in the playoffs since beating Colorado 5-0 in Game 6 of the first round.

And as far as getting back to the familiar confines of Bridgestone Arena, Laviolette won't harp much on that either.

“We’re certainly glad to be back in our building with our fans; they’ve been incredible all year long," he said. "But we really need to focus on the game. Make sure that we’re ready to play the game and do the right things on the ice. At the end of the day this series has been about as evenly matched as it can be through every statistical category that there is. It’s just going to come down to the play on the ice.”

Laviolette admitted to being happy that the Predators have two days off between games and will get to practice Wednesday.

He does not, however, see it as an advantage because the Jets will follow the same routine.

“We’ve got a day to get together (Wednesday) and practice, but so do they," Laviolette said. "But that’s good for our group just to reset."

The rest should be especially beneficial for goalie Pekka Rinne, who is coming off one of his best games in the playoffs. He made 34 saves on the way to recording his first shutout at Bell MTS Place this season.

"Peks has been great; we have to take responsibility for how we played in front of him a couple of games ago," Laviolette said. "He was awesome (Monday). Our guys did a good job in front of him, and that combination seems to work well. The day off I think it’s good for him. I think it’s good for our team. But again, Winnipeg’s getting that same day off. ” https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/nhl/predators/2018/05/08/predators-vs-jets-filip- forsberg-goals-nashville-pk-subban-pekka-rinne-winnipeg-nhl-playoffs-game-7/589499002/

Predators' Filip Forsberg building reputation as 'big-game player' with insane goals

By Adam Vingan, USA TODAY NETWORK

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The question stumped more than a few Predators players.

Which of Filip Forsberg's goals this postseason is the most spectacular?

“There’s a lot to go through," Predators center Ryan Johansen said.

“It’s hard to pick one," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said. "I feel like these two series, there’s already at least three or four really unbelievable goals. It’s hard to pick. I’m just a fan when I watch him play.”

Watch: Filip Forsberg's filthy goal against Jets helps Predators force Game 7

We’re running out of superlatives to describe Forsberg’s offensive wizardry. To be fair, it's difficult to come up with the right words when you're rendered speechless.

These playoffs have served as a launching pad to stardom for Forsberg. His personal highlight reel should catapult him there.

“It’s the most fun you can do," said Forsberg, who has a team-leading seven goals and 15 points in 12 playoff games. "You can never have more fun than playing these elimination games in (the) Stanley Cup playoffs. Just trying to enjoy it as much as possible.”

It's almost like Forsberg, whose 41 career playoff points are the most in franchise history, is trying to one-up himself with each brilliant maneuver. How else do you explain his ridiculous performance Monday against the Winnipeg Jets, which helped the Predators force the first Game 7 at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday?

His first goal was impressive enough, fetching a new stick from the bench and staying onside before stampeding his way to the net with Jets defenseman Ben Chiarot draped on his back. But then he went and pulled the puck from backhand to forehand through his legs like it was nothing.

“ 'Natural' is definitely not the word for it," Forsberg said of his second goal. "It just takes a lot of practice."

Sure.

“Let’s be honest," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "None of us in this room can make that play."

Most impressively, Forsberg made those plays with the Predators' season on the line. He and forward Viktor Arvidsson on Monday became the second pair of Predators teammates each to score multiple goals with the team facing elimination.

“I don’t think there’s any question that Fil’s a big-game player," Laviolette said. "The two goals that he scored I think kind of exemplify that.”

In the Predators' latest biggest game Thursday, what will Forsberg do for an encore?

“He’s been one of our best players all year," Predators defenseman P.K. Subban said. "He executed certain moves out there that only a handful of guys can do in this league. It’s a playoff game, and he’s doing things like that.

"He’s stepped up huge for us in the playoffs so far, and we’re going to need that to continue."

Globe and Mail https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-jets-look-ahead-to-do-or-die-series- finale-against-relentless/

Jets look ahead to ‘do or die’ series finale against relentless Predators

BY MARTY KLINKENBERG

They were among the best in the league, so it is no surprise that this Stanley Cup playoff series between the Jets and the Predators is going the distance.

They have met 11 times since November, and Nashville has won six. Three of five in the regular season were decided by one goal, the others by two.

Through six games in the second round, neither team has been able to win more than one in a row. They are each winning on the road in front of hostile crowds.

“It has been up and down and back and forth,” said Paul Stastny, the Jets centre, in the dressing room after Nashville’s 4-0 victory Monday. “A lot of people wanted a Game 7. It is probably right for it to end this way.”

The Jets failed to clinch the series at home in Game 6 and now must do it at Bridgestone Arena. It would be easy to presume the Predators will have a sizable advantage, but they have lost two of three there so far.

“It doesn’t make any sense,” Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice said on Tuesday. The Jets took the day off and planned to travel to Nashville on Wednesday. “For you to write a story on the series, you would have to write six different stories.”

They split the first two in Tennessee, with the Predators escaping in overtime in Game 2. The Jets won Game 3 at home, but then lost at Bell MTS Place with an opportunity to go up 3-1. They won in Nashville on Saturday to get within a victory of reaching the third round for the first time, but then fumbled that chance.

Now, Game 7 awaits. The winner advances to play the Vegas Golden Knights in the conference final. The loser laments.

“It is do or die,” the Jets’ Mathieu Perreault said. “We have a chance to win in seven. When [you] start playing hockey at five years old, you have that expectation.”

The Jets were tight and star-crossed on Monday night. They gave up a goal a little more than a minute into the game and never got untracked. They had three power plays in the first period and failed to convert. They had a fourth while down 2-0 with the same result.

Nashville won handily behind Pekka Rinne’s 34 saves. The Predators netminder was yanked in Saturday’s 6-2 defeat. In the games immediately before and after, the Jets had one goal and none.

“If you score on the first power play, you feel good,” Stastny said. The Jets acquired him in a deal with St. Louis at the trade deadline. “That just the way it goes sometimes.

“That is the way the playoffs are. There is no momentum no matter what. You start fresh the next day.”

The Predators have experience to bank on after reaching the Stanley Cup final last season. The pressure and fatigue that comes with the postseason is new to many of Winnipeg’s players.

“There are going to be butterflies, but the minute you step on the ice you are in your comfort zone again,” Stastny said. “We have been doing this our whole life.

“Sometimes you think it is bigger than it is, and you try to do too much.

“You just have to enjoy it and have no regrets.”

Neither Predators coach Peter Laviolette nor Maurice is surprised the series has gone seven games, even if the route to get there has been unconventional.

“It is the best part of my job,” Maurice said. “They are always the most memorable games and the most exciting.

“There is absolutely a different feel. It is one last game. There is a finality coming. There is a whole lot of fun and a whole lot of excitement. I can feel it starting now.”

The Jets missed an opportunity to eliminate the Predators once. There is not enough time for them to think about it or be disappointed.

They still have one more chance to get to the third round. From there, they would be only four wins shy of playing in the Stanley Cup final for the first time.

“If you told me beforehand that we were going to go to Nashville to play a Game 7, I would take that any day,” Jets captain Blake Wheeler said.

NHL.com https://www.nhl.com/news/predators-forsberg-making-spectacular-goals-look-easy/c- 298529778?tid=297171692

Forsberg making spectacular goals look easy in playoffs for Predators Forward's flashy plays help Nashville reach Game 7 of second round against Jets by Mike Zeisberger @Zeisberger / NHL.com Staff Writer

WINNIPEG -- Sometimes Filip Forsberg seems larger than life in the eyes of goalie Pekka Rinne, his Nashville Predators teammate.

Much larger.

When the forward puts the finishing touches on one of those masterpiece goals that are becoming his trademark, Rinne often can't see what is going on at the other end of the ice from almost 200 feet away. So he'll look up at the huge video screen that dangles over center ice for the replays, which often depict Forsberg's huge image producing for Nashville yet again.

RInne saw Forsberg score two flashy goals in the 4-0 victory at the Winnipeg Jets on Monday that tied the Western Conference Second Round 3-3. The Predators can advance to the conference final with a win in Game 7 at Nashville on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS).

With Nashville leading 1-0 in the second period of Game 6, Forsberg, his stick having just broken, skated past the bench to get a new one from equipment manager Pete Rogers. He then collected the puck at the Jets blue line and raced past Winnipeg defenseman Ben Chiarot down the right wing to score on Connor Hellebucyk at 8:16 before being pushed into the net.

Highlight goal No. 1.

His next goal was even more spectacular. Taking a centering feed from linemate Viktor Arvidsson, he put the puck through his legs before flipping it past Hellybucyk for a 3-0 lead at 5:55 of the third.

Highlight goal No. 2.

Are there more in store in Game 7? Rinne certainly hopes so.

"[Those Game 2 goals] happened pretty quick and you just go like, 'What's happening?'" Rinne said. "It takes a little bit to realize, but it's pretty awesome to see the guys do that stuff and be successful with it. I think it just goes to show creative and how skilled these guys are."

When it comes to artistic merit, Predators coach Peter Laviolette puts Forsberg at the top of the list. As he told reporters of the second goal, "None of us in this room can make that play."

Forsberg has been making plays like that throughout the playoffs, scoring on two impressive rushes against the Colorado Avalanche in the first round.

"I don't know which has been the best," Rinne said. "It's hard to pick one. I feel like in these two series there already have been at least three or four really unbelievable goals and it's hard to pick.

"I'm just a fan when I watch him play."

Forsberg, 23, has a Nashville-high 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 12 playoff games this season and nine points (three goals, six assists) in this series. He hopes to keep his hot streak going in Game 7.

"You can never have more fun than playing these elimination games and [in the] Stanley Cup playoffs," said Forsberg, who led the Predators in the regular season with 64 points (26 goals, 38 assists). "I just try to enjoy it as much as possible."

If Winnipeg is to spoil Nashville's fun, it will likely have to find a way to slow the Predators' top line of Forsberg, Arvidsson (six points; three goals, three assists) and Ryan Johansen (eight points; three goals, five assists), who have combined for 23 points in the series.

As for his between-the-legs dangles, even Forsberg can't predict if there will be more in store come Thursday. He has no points in two previous Game 7s (in 2016 against the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks in the first and second round, respectively), so he'll take goals of any kind.

"Natural is definitely not the word for it, but it just takes a lot of practice, takes a lot of your doing," he said of his fancy moves. "You just try to maybe do it in practice and stuff like that. And once in a while when you get time and space for it in a game, you try to pull it off."

What better time to do it again than in Game 7? https://www.nhl.com/news/predators-look-to-repeat-game-6-performance-vs-jets/c- 298528738?tid=297171692

Predators like chances in Game 7 against Jets Nashville looks to repeat Game 6 performance, advance to conference final by Robby Stanley / NHL.com Correspondent

NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators played with poise and confidence despite facing elimination in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round series against the Winnipeg Jets, and they look to have the same approach for Game 7 at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS).

The Predators defeated the Jets 4-0 in Game 6 at Winnipeg on Monday to tie the best-of-7 series 3-3.

"I think it's the character on our team," Nashville captain Roman Josi said Tuesday. "It's a great group of guys. The belief is really strong. … We said it after Game 5 that didn't go our way (a 6- 2 loss Saturday). We always believe in this room, and yeah, showed a great response."

The Presidents' Trophy-winning Predators finished with 117 points this season and strived to earn home-ice advantage throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The venue has not been much of a factor against the Jets, with each team winning twice on the road, but Nashville is confident it can close out the series at home.

"I think we just believe in ourselves and our group and just understand that we can rebound from off nights," Predators forward Colton Sissons said. "We want to be better the next game. We don't like having those bad evenings, so we've done a pretty good job of proving that all year."

Neither the Jets nor Predators have won two consecutive games in the series, and neither has lost two straight during the playoffs. They have combined for 676 shot attempts at even strength through six games, with each having 338, and have 177 shots on goal at even strength.

"It's two really good teams playing each other," Josi said. "I think every game is really tight. Obviously sometimes the score doesn't show it, but every game is really tight. I mean, they're a great team over there. It's been a real tough battle. Just both teams playing well makes it so hard, and that's why it kind of went back and forth."

Nashville may play Game 7 without forward Mike Fisher, who left Game 6 2:58 into the first period.

"I don't have any update," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "We're just getting back here right now, so we'll sift through everything where our guys are at. If we need to come out with something we will."

The Predators have 44 games worth of Game 7 experience, and Laviolette has coached seven Game 7s, with a 5-2 record.

"It's a whole new game," Josi said. "We're happy about the win [in Game 6], but that game is over with. I know we have to be even better on Thursday because [the Jets are] going to play great. It's going to be a really tough game, and I think we've got to even step up our game. But we're excited for it." https://www.nhl.com/news/jets-scheifele-in-spotlight-for-game-7/c-298532928?tid=297171692

Scheifele in spotlight for Jets entering Game 7 against Predators Center, who has been under radar, can help Winnipeg reach Western Final with win by Tim Campbell @TimNHL / NHL.com Staff Writer

WINNIPEG -- Mark Scheifele has been preparing for Thursday his entire hockey career.

The 25-year-old center, perhaps one of the most under-the-radar players in the NHL, will be on center stage when his Winnipeg Jets visit the Nashville Predators in Game 7 of the Western Conference Second Round at Bridgestone Arena (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, CBC, SN, TVAS).

It will be a chance for Scheifele to not only help get the Jets to the conference final, one step closer to the Stanley Cup, but also an opportunity to reach his goal of being considered one of the League's best players.

"No one strives to be second best," Scheifele said. "Everyone wants to be the best and that's exactly what I want; I want to push to be the best I can be and be one of the best in the world. You have to continue to work on things and continue to try to get an edge on anyone and that's what I try to do every day."

He leads Winnipeg with 14 points (nine goals, five assists) in 11 postseason games, helping it to the first playoff series win in Atlanta Thrashers/Jets history.

The nine goals are tied with Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second most in the playoffs, one behind Crosby's teammate Jake Guentzel.

That he is even with Crosby, whose Penguins were eliminated from the playoffs Monday, is no small feat. During the North American Player Media Tour in September, Scheifele told NHL.com his goal was not only to be in the class of the three-time Stanley Cup winner, but to be better than him and 2017 Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.

He also said he wants to be mentioned among the League's elite players.

"Obviously Sidney Crosby is a future Hall of Famer, unbelievable player," said Scheifele, who scored 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) in 60 games this season and had an NHL career-high 82 points (32 goals, 50 assists) in 79 games last season. "But you want to strive for those guys."

Since replacing the injured Bryan Little as the Jets' No. 1 center against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 18, 2016, Scheifele has 176 points (72 goals, 104 assists) in 165 regular- season games, an average of 1.07 points per game. That average ranks seventh among NHL regulars behind McDavid (1.23), Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (1.21), Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (1.16), Crosby (1.15), Lightning center Steven Stamkos (1.10) and forward Brad Marchand (1.09).

Since that day, he has the NHL's best shooting percentage (19.7) among players who have scored at least 72 goals (his total).

But Scheifele's time with the Jets has not come without adversity and questions about his future in the NHL. Selected by Winnipeg at No. 7 in the 2011 NHL Draft, Scheifele made the Jets out of training camp his first two seasons but was sent to Barrie of the Hockey League after seven games (one goal) in 2011-12 and four games (no points) in 2012-13. He did not get called up to Winnipeg either season but has played at least 60 games for the Jets every season since 2013-14.

Dale Hawerchuk, a legendary Winnipeg forward during the first incarnation of the Jets, was Scheifele's first coach in Barrie. He said returning to junior hockey, especially the second time, was the best move for Scheifele's career.

"More than anything, it was time for him to take charge when he came back then," Hawerchuk said. "He needed to dominate and take charge of the team. And he did. He had a phenomenal year, a game-changer every night."

Scheifele had 79 points (39 goals, 40 assists) in 45 games and 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 21 playoff games in 2012-13, helping Barrie reach Game 7 of the OHL final, where it lost to London. He said the support of Hawerchuk and his family helped get him over being demoted.

"Oh yeah, there are definitely times where you get frustrated and you're not in a good place," Scheifele said. "You get angry with everything. You get in a bad spot but I think, and I've said this before in other interviews, when you have a good support group around you like my family and my friends, people around me especially in Barrie, having mentors like that and people that are caring about you, it's easy to get through those tough days or tough weeks. And you always come back on top."

Before becoming Jets coach, Paul Maurice was an analyst for TSN. He remembers the talk surrounding Scheifele when he was sent back to Barrie the second time.

"The question on the panel that night was, 'Is Mark Scheifele a bust?'" said Maurice, who was Winnipeg coach Jan. 12, 2014. "Because he didn't come into the League at 18 and score 30 (goals), he got forgotten about a little bit. And then he came to the [Jets] in the first two or three years and we were truly rebuilding and young, so he wasn't noticed, but [nobody was] talking about [the] Hart Trophy.

"But he's just continued on the same pace to get better and he's emerging now as a player that people have to notice."

Hawerchuk said Scheifele has been overlooked partly because of Scheifele himself.

"I think he's a lot like me in the sense that he doesn't go looking for that," said Hawerchuk, who scored 379 of his 518 NHL goals in nine seasons with the original Jets, who became the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes for the 1996-97 season. "He wants to be the best player he can be and be one of the boys. That's why we signed up to play the game."

Shane Hnidy, a former NHL defenseman and current Vegas Golden Knights TV analyst, spent six seasons calling Jets games on TSN and watched Scheifele's game improve each year.

"I think the one thing that really stands out with Mark is his dedication to becoming that elite player," Hnidy said. "His (lack of) strength on the ice was the initial thing everybody saw. You could see the talent but to make that jump, you have to have the commitment to become an NHL player and even more of one to become an elite player and I think he's a guy who's done that."

Hnidy said Scheifele realized that he would have to improve his defense to become a top NHL center.

"If you want to be [an Anze] Kopitar, (Patrice) Bergeron or a Crosby, those guys play both ends of the ice," Hnidy said. "That's his game that's developed more than the offensive game."

Scheifele is getting closer to being thought of as one of the best players in the game, Hnidy said.

"Now it's about doing this consistently," he said. "That's probably the next step for Mark. He's still a young player. Two or three more years though of playing at this level will certainly put him more in the talk.

"Somebody asked me about him the other day, if I thought he was like Bergeron. His offensive game might go beyond that. His defensive game might not get there. But I don't like comparing 1-to-1.

"I think he's a Mark Scheifele. He wants other people to wonder if they can be a Mark Scheifele."

A big performance in Game 7 against the Predators could go a long way toward doing just that. https://www.nhl.com/news/jets-ready-to-go-for-franchises-first-game-7/c- 298530840?tid=297171692

Jets fired up to face Predators in franchise's first Game 7 Not worried about lack of experience with trip to Western Final on line by Scott Billeck / NHL.com Correspondent

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Jets won't be packing a lot of experience when they travel for Game 7 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday.

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck is in the large contingent of Jets players who have never played in a Stanley Cup Playoff Game 7. The second-year goalie and Vezina Trophy finalist is playing in his first NHL postseason, where every game has offered a new set of learning opportunities.

Game 7 (8 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS) will be his biggest yet, but Hellebuyck said he's got a good idea of what will be needed for the Jets to advance to the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

"It'll look like a lot of guys are tired, a lot of fatigue out there, which means we're battling, every single shift and every single second," Hellebuyck said Tuesday. "Everybody's giving every single thing they've got."

This is the first Game 7 in franchise history for Winnipeg. Four players on the 20-man roster who played Monday in a 4-0 Game 6 loss have played in a Game 7 in their NHL career.

Forward Paul Stastny is 2-1 in Game 7s (two wins with the St. Louis Blues, one loss with the Colorado Avalanche) with five points (two goals, three assists). Forward Mathieu Perreault is 0- 2 (Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals). Defenseman Tyler Myers (with the ) and forward Blake Wheeler (with the Boston Bruins) are 0-1.

"I think every game is a learning experience," Stastny said. "For players who've been doing this their whole lives, I think the minute you step on the ice, you're in your comfort zone and play your game.

"I think once the puck drops we'll be ready to go on the mental side of it. I think the biggest thing is to just enjoy it."

Perreault said his thought process has narrowed since his first Game 7, a 5-0 loss to the New York Rangers in 2012.

"The first 20 minutes is so important now," Perreault said. "I feel like when I was younger maybe I looked at the bigger picture. I looked at the game coming up. But for us, our first period hasn't been all that good this series. So we've just got to take on that first 20, and make sure we own that and quiet their building and go from there."

Jets coach Paul Maurice is 2-0 in Game 7s, a 3-2 overtime win against the Bruins and a 4-3 win against the during the 2009 playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes.

"There's absolutely a different feel to it, right? Because it's the final game for one team," Maurice said. "So there's a lot of emotion, lots of excitement. But there's definitely a calmness to it. There's a finality coming. It brings out the best, I think.''

Maurice said the Jets have already planned the days leading up to Thursday.

"The pregame speech, in a lot of ways, has already been given," Maurice said. "We've sectioned off our three days. You try to take as many unknowns away from them as possible. We'll fly at the same time. I know what I'm eating tomorrow night. You do as many things in your routine as you possibly can. The guys that have had a few more Christmases will sleep a little bit better. The guys that are closer to 5 years old will be up a little later."

The Jets and Predators have alternated wins in the series and neither team has lost back-to- back games in the playoffs.

Nashville will have history on its side in Game 7: Home teams are 100-70 (.588) record in Game 7 in NHL history. But scoring first could help the Jets turn that edge in their favor. Teams that score first in Game 7 win 74.1 percent of the time (126-44)

Of the active 29 teams to play a Game 7, 14 won their first such appearance, including 10 road victories.

Sportsnet.ca https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/speedy-nikolaj-ehlers-one-game-make-impact-jets/

Speedy Nikolaj Ehlers has one game to make an impact for Jets

By Luke Fox

WINNIPEG — Hearing Nikolaj Ehlers describe one of his winding end-to-end, 200-foot turbo bursts is nearly as joyous as witnessing one live.

“I love getting the puck and gathering some speed and just skate it up. Using my speed is my biggest asset. It’s a good feeling. You have that puck and you’re skating fast … it’s pretty open,” Ehlers says. “You hear the crowd and it gives you some extra energy, extra motivation.”

When the fastest Dane on blades gets wheeling and weaving through the neutral zone, an audible gasp inhales the True North.

“A rush like that, it’s exciting hearing the crowd going, ‘Ooooh!’” Ehlers goes on. “And then it always ends up with, ‘Ahhhh.’” The sad trombone of hockey gods swatting him away.

“Hopefully,” Ehlers says, “one day it can end up with everybody standing up and celebrating.”

Thursday night in Nashville would be a fine time for the 22-year-old to trade what-ifs for results.

For 20 consecutive shots, 12 straight games, 35 continuous days and counting, Ehlers has been unable to score a goal — something he had no issue doing in the regular season, when he ripped a career-best 29 goals to go with 31 assists. And something, at least in part, he’ll be paid $42 million to do for the Winnipeg Jets for the next seven seasons.

“They’re hard games. Not one of those games has been easy,” says Ehlers, who has maintained a sunny exterior in the face of a stack of unflattering score sheets.

“I’m playing some really good hockey, but the puck doesn’t want to go in. I feel really good about everything but scoring. I’m getting the chances, [Patrik] Laine’s getting the chances, we’re winning games.

“I’m trying to get the puck and open up some holes. I’m trying to use my speed as much as I can. That’s what my game is about. I have to keep doing that.”

Nashville’s elite defence, which chucks shopping carts into Ehlers’ neutral-zone tracks, and Pekka Rinne’s talents have done a nifty job of shutting him down, and the Predators did the same to 31-goal rookie Kyle Connor until he finally broke out in Game 5. The Preds’ Kyle Turris has the same number of playoff goals as Lady Antebellum.

It happens to the best of ’em at the worst times.

So, Paul Maurice tried bumping Ehlers up to Mark Scheifele’s top line for 100 minutes. Then, in Game 6’s loss, he told Ehlers he’d be demoting him to the bottom six in favour of the scrappier, more impactful and more seasoned Mathieu Perreault.

Maurice says young offensive studs like Ehlers, who averaged two points per playoff night as a junior with the Halifax Mooseheads, feel an onus to produce.

“And when it’s not there, you’re carrying a whole different set of pressures and you stop thinking anything but scoring. So, the rest of your game has a tendency to slide,” Maurice says.

“He’s got to get back to relaxing in terms of his expectations of every time he touches the puck something’s going to happen. In playoffs, that rarely happens. And then focusing that extra energy in other areas of the game.

“His first would be just his feet — get to that blinding speed that he has. And if that’s on the forecheck, make it on the forecheck. If it’s without the puck, fine, run your routes faster and faster and faster. And the game will actually slow down for you and all those good things will come out.”

The feet on Ehlers remind Maurice of Sami Kapanen, father of the Maple Leafs’ Kasperi, whom Maurice coached in Carolina. Because of his snap quickness off pivots and arresting first four strides, defenders are forced to defend guys like that early, or risk getting burned.

“You’re not catching them if you get behind,” Maurice says. “Nicky’s maybe more selective with it at times. But I don’t think he’s the fastest guy on our team (see sidebar).”

Paul Maurice on why Ehlers is not the fastest Jet in the fleet

“Four years ago, we tested and we had Evander here, Kane who was real fast. And Mark Scheifele was faster than all of them. He just doesn’t look it. Mark’s a really efficient skater. He may well be the fastest guy. Blake [Wheeler]’s not going to agree with you. Kyle Connor is clearly going to have an issue with that. But based on testing results, Scheif, I think, still has the record here.”

During those eye-popping (but recently fruitless) rushes, Ehlers says he tries to read where all the defenders are positioned. If four or five guys are waiting for him at the blue line, he’ll chip and chase.

“My game is to use my speed as much as I can,” he says. “It’s about picking your time and place to do it.”

Paul Stastny, Ehlers’ sage centreman when Maurice isn’t compelled to pull strings, is in constant communication with the sophomore. The setup man has spent a lifetime watching shooters run hot and cold, so he’s well versed in shooting-percentage regression. He underlines team success, playing the right way, and the clean slate.

No one will remember Ehlers’ post-season sabbatical if he delivers in Game 7. There’s a wet sheet of ice and 60 minutes of race track waiting for him.

“What happened previous 10, 11 playoff games doesn’t matter. Whether it’s him, whether it’s a top guy, whether it’s a bottom guy, it’s a team game here,” Stastny says.

“It’s all about one game. It’s all about the next game.” https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/predators-cant-let-jets-score-significant-first-goal-game- 7/ (VIDEO LINK)

PREDATORS CAN'T LET JETS SCORE SIGNIFICANT 1ST GOAL IN GAME 7

NHL insider John Shannon joins Ken Reid to preview Game 7 between the Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators. https://www.sportsnet.ca/shows/tim-and-sid-show/tim-sid-jets-cant-finish-off-predators-home- ice/ (VIDEO LINK)

TIM & SID: JETS CAN’T FINISH OFF PREDATORS ON HOME ICE

Brian Burke sits down with Tim and Sid to discuss how tough it can be to make a coaching chance and the Jets not being able to finish of the Predators at home. https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/expect-much-jets-big-guns-game-7/ (VIDEO LINK)

EXPECT MUCH MORE FROM JETS’ BIG GUNS IN GAME 7

HC at Noon discussion on what went wrong in Winnipeg in Game 6, pointing to the club's stars not showing up, but you can sure expect much more from Wheeler, Scheifele and Laine in Game 7.

TSN.ca https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/the-curious-case-of-pekka-rinne~1389473 (VIDEO LINK)

The curious case of Pekka Rinne

Pekka Rinne has been a completely different player in his wins and losses against Winnipeg. What is the reason for this? Which goalie should we expect in Game 7? Jamie McLennan has more. https://www.tsn.ca/stastny-proving-to-be-the-ultimate-deadline-rental-1.1078373

Stastny proving to be the ultimate deadline rental By Frank Seravalli

By Frank Seravalli TSN Senior Hockey Reporter

WINNIPEG — Thomas Steen sat with his son, Alex, and Paul Stastny for hours on the St. Louis Blues’ annual father’s road trip in February.

It was three weeks or so before the NHL’s trade deadline, and one of the ultimate Winnipeg Jets sensed a team was fishing to find out whether Stastny would waive his no-trade clause. He just didn’t know which team.

“I didn’t want to ask. I figured I’d leave that between him and Alex,” Steen said Sunday over the phone. “I was surprised it was Winnipeg.”

Stastny agreed to be dealt the day before the trade deadline, a move that in and of itself would have been a win for Winnipeg not long ago. But a sartorial decision remained.

What number would Stastny wear?

His father Peter’s familiar No. 26, the number he’d worn his entire career, was taken by Jets captain Blake Wheeler.

Stastny figured it would be a fitting tribute to his close friend from St. Louis to wear his father’s No. 25. Steen’s number is retired by the original Jets franchise, now the , but remains in circulation in Winnipeg.

“I’m very honoured,” Steen said. “I’ve spent a lot of time with Paul and I played a lot of games against his father. I thought he would be the ultimate fit in Winnipeg.”

Stastny has turned out to be not just the best trade deadline acquisition of 2018, but maybe even the top pure rental pick up since Marian Gaborik led the Stanley Cup playoffs in goals with the on their 2014 run.

Stastny, 32, has netted two game-winning goals in these playoffs and served as Winnipeg’s rallying cry for two significant moments in this second-round series – scoring the goal that sparked the stirring Game 3 comeback and the goal that started a Game 5 outburst. He has 11 points in 10 playoff games and 24 in 29 total games with Winnipeg.

It will be mayhem in Manitoba on Monday night when the Jets attempt to slay the defending Stanley Cup finalist Predators in Game 6.

“This will be Winnipeg at its peak. It’s as good as I’ve ever seen it, and I saw it when the team left in 1996,” said Steen, who has been at every playoff game at Bell MTS Place. “It’s almost overwhelming.”

Wheeler told Jets coach Paul Maurice to be ready for a significant contribution from Stastny the day the deal was consummated – for the Jets’ 2018 first-round pick, prospect Erik Foley and a fourth-round pick in 2020.

Wheeler told Maurice: “This guy’s a better player than you think.”

“Blake was right, in all pieces of the game,” Maurice said. “He’s as close to Ron Francis as a player I’ve coached. Another guy that can tell you exactly what’s going on on the ice series to series. The adjustments that are being made, the slight changes that are made, processing the game.”

Stastny has a mind like Mark Scheifele , the Jets’ self-proclaimed hockey nerd. When he arrived, Stastny was mindful not to disrupt Winnipeg’s chemistry.

“You’re nervous at first. Excited,” Stastny said Sunday. “The last I wanted to do was step on toes. Lucky for me, the team has such strong chemistry that no one person can disrupt anything.”

The Jets are 22-6-1 since acquiring Stastny. His experience may pay dividends now, as he and Dustin Byfuglien are the only two players on the roster who have been where the Jets are now trying to go in the Western Conference final.

This is what he envisioned when he agreed to leave St. Louis.

“You have these hopes,” Stastny said. “That’s the one thing I saw right when I got here – winning is contagious. Everyone realize how rare it is and how bad everyone wants it.”

Winnipeg wants it. Steen sees it in the wild Whiteout costumes fans wear to games and the street party outside. Maurice hears it.

“I don’t know if they can yell louder,” Maurice said. “I don’t know what the cap is on that, we all have a threshold. But there can be more, right?”

Steen, a former city councillor who has made Winnipeg his home, is glad that Stastny is doing it in his number. He made his first national team appearance for Sweden against Stastny’s father nearly 40 years ago, played against him dozens of times in the NHL, and then scouted with him on the road for years after their player careers were over.

This No. 25’s team is one win away from the Jets advancing further than the original No. 25’s team ever did.

“This is already the best Winnipeg Jets team ever,” Steen said. “Better than '85 or '89. It’s not easy and good teams know how hard it is to get over the hump. They’re already over the hump; they don’t even realize it yet. They’re handling it just fine.” https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/will-experience-play-a-factor-in-game-7~1389110 (VIDEO LINK)

Will experience play a factor in Game 7?

Sara Orlesky, Pierre LeBrun and Frank Seravalli discuss how much experience could play a factor in Game 7 between the Jets and Predators and which team's top line has the edge. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/desperation-level-high-as-jets-now-forced-to-win-game-7-on-the- road~1389443 (VIDEO LINK)

Desperation level high as Jets now forced to win Game 7 on the road

Through the first six games of the series, the Predators and Jets have been very similar in many statistical categories, and the margin for error has proven to be incredibly small. With Game 6 now behind them, the Jets know the desperation level will have to be increased for Game 7 in Nashville. Sara Orlesky has more.

The Athletic https://theathletic.com/346901/2018/05/08/in-a-one-game-showdown-between-the-jets-and- predators-individual-moments-outweigh-all-else/

In a one game showdown between the Jets and Predators, individual moments outweigh all else

By Murat Ates

There is a good reason that stats like shot attempts are so often stamped with “sample size” warnings. In the short term, shot attempts don’t mean squat.

Typically, it takes at least 20 games for shot attempts to predict wins. In one night, however, with all of the chaos, screens, deflections, and unique moments of greatness that hockey brings, anything can happen.

The Winnipeg Jets and Nashville Predators second-round series is split almost impossibly down the middle. Five-on-five shot attempts are tied 338-338, shots are tied 177-177, goals are 12-11 Predators, and high danger scoring chances are 66-65 Jets.

Still, none of that is likely to matter when it comes to deciding Game 7.

It certainly didn’t in Game 6.

Despite a 15-12 lead in 5-on-5 shot attempts and three power plays in Monday night’s first period against the Predators, Winnipeg simply could not beat Pekka Rinne. Their best opportunity – a stuff play on the doorstep courtesy of Paul Stastny on the power play – was rejected handily while, at the other end of the ice, a spectacular deflection by Viktor Arvidsson became the game winning goal.

“The one (Blake Wheeler) fed to me, I just missed,” Stastny said moments after Nashville’s 4-0 win forced a deciding Game 7 on Thursday in Nashville. “And if that goes in, it’s a different story… It’s one of those nights.”

It was one of those nights when, even though the Jets played reasonably well, the game was not theirs to win.

Goals are the most important events in hockey and, at the same time, relatively rare. Sometimes, shifts just happen. You could throw 100 point shots at a falling Arvidsson and he would get a stick on what, 10 of them? How many of those would then bounce exactly the way they needed to so as to beat Connor Hellebuyck?

“You see the way he gets banged around out there and he just keeps going,” Predators coach Peter Laviolette said about Arvidsson’s play after the game. “He goes to the hard areas and makes the tough plays, but that’s not new. That’s not just because it’s a big game. I said the other day it’s the makeup of who he is. He plays the game hard and he plays it fearless. That’s what makes him special.”

“He’s always in front of the net,” said P.K. Subban of Arvidsson’s goal. “He’s always trying to get his stick on pucks, he’s always in front of the goaltender, he’s always sacrificing his body, he does a lot of things for us and he always works really hard.

When six games worth of 5-on-5 play splits itself exactly evenly, rare – and perhaps unrepeatable – moments like Arvidsson’s deflection will determine which team goes on to play the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s why they play the games.

It’s also why, in a seven-game series, even the biggest underdog has a chance. In an electrifying series in which the NHL’s top two teams are making everyone else in the league look slow by comparison, individual moments are going to outshine shot attempts. In Game 5, for example, Winnipeg made a crucial 5-on-5 adjustment and began to create zone time by sending two forwards to Nashville’s blueline and using them to deflect chips into the Predators’ zone.

But the goal that tilted the game in the Jets favour? That came when Patrik Laine banked a shot off Stastny and in. Only after that did the game open up such that Winnipeg could carry play.

For that matter, consider the first four games of this series.

In Game 1, Winnipeg’s game-winning goal came against the flow of play when Nik Ehlers flew coast-to-coast, dodged everything Nashville could throw at him in the neutral zone, and Stastny buried Laine’s ensuing rebound.

In Game 2, Winnipeg had a goal called back when Matt Hendricks took an interference . Then, in double overtime, Kevin Fiala’s game-winning goal came after a turnover from the safest place on the ice which was followed by a long series of breakdowns.

In Game 3, Winnipeg’s three-goal comeback was ignited off Stastny’s boot and a frenetic sequence of 4-on-4 action.

In Game 4, Ryan Hartman’s 1-0 goal came off a play that took all of seven seconds. With 2:47 left in a first period that Winnipeg had largely controlled, Mike Fisher takes a faceoff from Hendricks in Winnipeg’s zone. Yannick Weber shoots from the point, a mad scramble ensues in front of Hellebuyck, and Hartman beats Tyler Myers to the rebound. Nashville’s perfectly executed 1-3-1 was contingent on having the lead and, thanks to scrambled moment against Winnipeg’s fourth line and third pairing, the Predators took that lead late in the first.

Hockey is a chaotic game. In an infinite timeline, the team that carried possession and the scoring chances it creates would win 100 per cent of the time.

In a one-game sample, however, anything can happen. As we saw Monday night in Game 6, Filip Forsberg can box out Ben Chiarot in a flash and then go in alone on Hellebuyck to cement a Predators win against the flow of play.

One of the joys of playoff hockey is any team can win on any given night. Hockey, for all of the power and skill that it’s made of, is a chaotic sport. So often, it is one bounce or one battle that determines who wins and how history gets made.

On Thursday night at Bridgestone Arena, one of the two best teams in the NHL will write a new chapter of its story. A Nashville team that came close to winning it all a year ago could punch its ticket back to the Western Conference finals in front of its catfish crazy crowd. A Winnipeg group that missed the playoffs altogether but took massive leaps forward throughout the season could go further in the Stanley Cup playoffs than any team its city has ever iced.

Whoever wins, the outcome hangs more at the mercy of individual moments than shot attempts or game flow. Series-deciding Game 7s are the smallest – and most important – sample size in all of sport.

“If you weren’t thinking this wasn’t going seven games,” Laviolette mused after Game 6, “We only missed each other by a couple points in the regular-season standings. As one and two, you knew it was going to be that type of series. I think everyone knew that. That’s what it plays out to. It was a best of seven, now it’s one game. Winner moves on.” https://theathletic.com/346362/2018/05/08/lebrun-plain-and-short-nashvilles-penalty-killing- extended-its-season/

LeBrun: ‘This is a time to make a name for yourself.’ Game 7 stage is set for thrilling Jets-Predators series

By Pierre LeBrun

WINNIPEG — There is no truth to the rumour that the Stanley Cup will be in the building Thursday night.

No, the winner of Game 7 at Bridgestone Arena does not get crowned champions of the NHL season.

Although you could make the argument they deserve to be.

A series pitting the NHL’s top two regular-season teams has lived up to billing, a titanic, heavyweight fortnight which has not only failed to produce two straight wins by any single team but even within those six games a tug of war of identities and systems prevailing for minutes at a time, but never an entire night.

The free-flowing Jets and the counter-attacking, at times defensively minded Predators play one more game for a berth in the Western Conference final.

“The team that can play as close to their game as possible — their identity game — wins,” stated Jets head coach Paul Maurice on Tuesday.

That’s certainly how it’s played out in this series. The Jets’ high-octane style took over in Game 3 and Game 5, the Predators’ structured and disciplined style won Game 4 and Game 6.

There’s just so little separating these two brilliantly built squads. Four-line depth with healthy parts to spare in the press box, blueline studs galore on each side, and two Vezina Trophy finalists taking turns making timely saves; these two teams could play a dozen more times over the next month and we’re guessing they’d win six apiece.

“It’s looking into a mirror,’’ Predators defenceman Ryan Ellis said to me the other day about the two teams.

It is a series of titans that reminds me of the 2014 Western Conference final between the and Los Angeles Kings, a powerhouse matchup that went seven games and overtime to boot to finally decide it.

“It certainly has that feel,” Justin Williams told The Athletic over the phone Tuesday.

He’s been watching some of the series with his son. The native of Cobourg, Ont., also played in those two Pittsburgh-Washington mega matchups of 2016 and ’17 but feels the Chicago-L.A. 2014 series is a more apt comparison citing the physicality of the Preds-Jets series and the swings in momentum.

Not to mention that feeling perhaps that the winner of this series could be seen as the Cup favourite.

“We played the Rangers in the Cup final in 2014, not slighting them or anything like that, but we really felt in playing Chicago: ‘If we win this, there’s a pretty good chance we’ll be big favourites here coming into this next series,'” said Williams, who went on to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy that year when the Kings won the Cup.

“And I’m sure these two teams are looking at it like that as well. You get past this series and you know, ‘We got past these guys, we can do anything.'”

Neither the Jets or Predators have ever felt in this series like they’re ever in total control for any long stretch. The Hawks-Kings series in 2014 was similar that way. The key in that kind of series?

“I think you have to realize and come to respect that you’re probably not going to push the other team out of it,’’ said Williams, a three-time Cup winner. “Usually in a playoff series what you try to do is eventually make the team that you’re playing believe that it’s just too hard. That they won’t be able to beat your team. You want to let it be known it’s too hard for them. But you don’t get that feeling in this series.’’

It comes down to one game, a moment Williams has cherished. He’s called Mr. Game 7 for a reason, as in an NHL-record 14 points in eight career Game 7’s including a record-tying seven goals (tied with Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson).

And yes, of course, Williams scored in that 2014 Game 7 at Chicago, and also assisted on the overtime winner by Alec Martinez.

So, Game 7 whisperer, what’s the secret? I’ve got some Jets and Predators players who are all ears.

“You’ve got to err on the side of enthusiasm and not apprehension,” began Dr. Williams. “You can’t be afraid to be the guy, right? You can’t go into this game thinking, ‘Man, I don’t want to screw this up, I don’t want to be the one to turn that puck over to let the other team score.’ And I’m sure that goes through some people’s minds. You have to make your plays out there, you can’t be apprehensive out there. Or else you’ll lose.”

Trust your instincts, added Williams. Don’t play Game 7 with the mindset of just trying to avoid mistakes.

“That’s actually the biggest mistake you can make. You have to go out there and enjoy the moment,” said Williams.

Game 7 and the entire hockey world is watching as the completion of the second round hinges on this result. Perfect.

“It’s a national stage,’’ said Williams. “Everybody is watching this. You can make a name for yourself.”

Williams cited Max Talbot’s two goals which won the Penguins Game 7 and a Stanley Cup in 2009 as an example.

“Nobody remembers what happened in those first six games of that series, right? But everyone will remember Max Talbot doing that in Game 7,” Williams said. “You can be remembered. This is a time to make a name for yourself and help your team.”

It’s right there for the taking.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/beyak-jets-weren-t-at-their-best-in-game-6-1.1079919

Beyak: Jets weren’t at their best in Game 6

Winnipeg Jets play-by-play voice Dennis Beyak joined Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They discussed the Jets loss to Nashville in Game 6, why road teams have been successful in the series, and looked ahead to Game 7 in Nashville on Thursday. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/button-jets-have-to-get-defence-more-involved- 1.1079889

Button: Jets have to get defence more involved

TSN Hockey analyst Craig Button joined Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They discuss Nashville’s play in Game 6, and what the Jets need to do to win in Game 7. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/stanley-predators-found-the-it-factor-in-game-six-win- 1.1079595

Stanley: Predators found the IT factor in game six win

NHL.com Predators correspondent Robby Stanley joined host Kevin Olszewski to recap game six between Winnipeg and Nashville and look ahead to Game 7 on Thursday. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-embracing-the-pressure-excitement-of-game-7/c-298527162

Jets embracing the pressure, excitement of Game 7 "This is what we play for" - Mathieu Perreault by Ryan Dittrick @ryandittrick / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - Time and again over the past eight months, the Winnipeg Jets have answered back in the face of adversity.

Fifty-two wins, numerous franchise records, sharp-shooting 20-somethings, Vezina-caliber goaltending and, most recently, their first-ever playoff series victory to serve as the appetizer for a city reborn.

On and on, all year, they've turned heads, earned respect, and when they woke up Tuesday following a 4-0 loss in Game 6 of their Second Round series with the Nashville Predators, they were still one of only five teams left with a chance of winning the ultimate prize.

"The sun came up this morning," said Paul Stastny, who came within inches of a power-play goal that could have changed the complexion of Monday's defeat early in the first period. "We're playing in Game 7 in two days and everyone's excited. We know what we've got to do."

Indeed, it's come down to this: One game for the right to do what no other team has in this city, and that's play in the NHL's Western Conference Final.

Nothing has changed from 24 hours ago.

One more win is what it will take.

"This is what we play for," said Mathieu Perreault. "A lot of excitement, nerves. Ever since I started playing hockey when I was five years old, you put yourself in that position where you play a Game 7 in the playoffs, so this should be the most fun we've had all year.

"It's do or die; it's everything it takes. It's going to be a battle."

All year the Jets have spoken at length about embracing their day and not letting any outside distractions, or "the bigger picture" impact their preparation for what's in front of them. Never has that mindset been more important than right here, right now, fresh off a disappointing Game loss 6, and just 48 hours away from the next biggest game of their lives.

This one, though? This one has a bit more jam the rest to this point.

"Part of being in this line of work, it's probably the best part of the job," said Head Coach Paul Maurice, who's 2-0 lifetime in Game 7s - both on the road. "You don't always enjoy it, but that pressure, that juice you get out of it, it's that feeling that there all day, and for Game 7 I'm starting to feel it right now. I'm looking forward to it. The more your team is focused on an event, the more you feel like you've done your job. The regular season is 82 (games), there's a big picture to it, but there's still a next game. A Game 7 is a different animal and everyone is focused on that.

"They're the most fun."

The Jets have taken three separate series leads in this wildly entertaining best-of-seven dogfight, but neither team has been able to string together more than one win in a row. And despite owning two of the top home records throughout the regular season, the advantage of the friendly confines has meant diddly in this series, with each team winning just one of three games in their own barn so far.

Certainly, for a Jets team waltzing into the hostile Bridgestone Arena this Thursday, this all bodes well. But make no mistake: With a series like this - with barely a crack separating these two teams - anything can happen in a winner-take-all Game 7 scenario.

"That's the playoffs. There's no momentum, no matter what," Stastny said. "Would you rather lose in overtime or would you rather lose 10-0? It doesn't matter. A loss is a loss and you start fresh the next day, and vice-versa if you win. That's the beauty of playoff hockey and that's what makes it so tough both physically and mentally. When you win everything thinks it comes easy and when you lose, everyone thinks it's the end of the world and you can't win a game.

"Most people wanted this, and most people would probably have predicted that it would go six or seven games and would be back and forth."

So here we are.

And after what we've seen over the past few weeks, months, and frankly over the course of their 11 combined meetings this year, it's only fitting that this highly anticipated heavyweight standoff would play out this way.

"The team that can play as close to their game as possible - their identity game - wins," Maurice said.

"There's absolutely a different feel to (a Game 7) because it's the final game for one team. There's lots of emotion, lots of excitement, but there's definitely a calmness to it because there's a finality coming. It brings out the best in both teams."

- Ryan Dittrick, WinnipegJets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-embracing-the-pressure-excitement-of-game-7/c-298527162

Jets, Preds a rollercoaster ride that fittingly goes the distance "For you to write a story on the series, you would have to write six different stories" - Paul Maurice by Jamie Thomas @JamieThomasTV / WinnipegJets.com

WINNIPEG - During this rollercoaster ride of a series between the Winnipeg Jets and the Nashville Predators, the only thing that makes sense is that it's going to take seven games to decide a winner.

Who would have predicted that the Jets - the league's best home team - would score only one goal combined during Games 4 and 6 at Bell MTS Place? Or that the two teams that were separated by just three points in the regular-season standings would each win by four in the last two?

If you're puzzled about how this matchup has gotten to this point, you're not alone.

"I would say Game 2 (a 5-4 Predators win in double overtime) would be the game I would've thought all six would look like," said Head Coach Paul Maurice following Tuesday's team meeting in downtown Winnipeg. "The first one didn't, and then to be down three [in Game 3] and come back and put up seven…Then a 2-1 [loss in Game 4], win 6-2 in Nashville, and come back here and lose 4-0. For you to write a story on the series, you would have to write six different stories."

One story that you could write is that Nashville and Winnipeg won 60 home games combined this season, but have lost two games each in this series in front of their respective rabid fan bases. But the question is: Why?

"Maybe the 8:30pm games change your routine," answered Mathieu Perreault. "For me, anyway, I felt my routine and my game was better in Nashville than the one I played at home."

Added Maurice: "You would think it would favour the home team. They go home, stay in a routine. You would think that sitting around a hotel for an extra hour and a half is never something that you want to do."

The exciting part for the Jets, outside of taking part in a Game 7, has to be that they have played well at Bridgestone Arena in all three games thus far. Since confidence is so important to any player, that knowledge should play a role in what they do when the puck drops on Thursday night.

"We've got to bring our game; we have to bring confidence," Connor Hellebuyck said. "We have to stick to it. We know it's going to be a fight."

Thursday's start time is back to the usual 7:00pm puck drop, but there is an extra day of waiting with Justin Timberlake taking centre stage in the Music City on Wednesday.

"It's nice to get a little recovery time," said Paul Stastny, "but once Thursday hits, the morning rolls around, you'll want to skate. You want the puck to drop and just get it going."

- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com