Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/hot-hellebuyck-in-net-for-blackhawks- game-468902243.html?k=oMIg0b

Hot Hellebuyck in net for Blackhawks game

By: Jason Bell

CHICAGO — The will go with their newly minted all-star tonight when they take on the Chicago Blackhawks in a key Central Division matchup.

Connor Hellebuyck returns to the crease at United Center. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

He’s 4-3-0 with a shutout in seven starts against the Blackhawks, although he was between the pipes in a 5-1 loss to Chicago in mid-December.

The 24-year-old netminder, selected Wednesday to participate in the NHL All-Star Game weekend Jan. 27-28 in Tampa Bay, Fla., has gone nine games without a defeat in regulation (7- 0-2), boasting a 1.86 goals-against average and .940 save percentage during that stretch.

Overall, Hellebuyck’s 23 victories rank him behind only (27) of the Lightning and Braden Holtby (24) of the Washington Capitals, and he has three shutouts to go with a solid 2.36 GAA and .923 SV%.

Backup goalie Steve Mason earned his fourth victory of the season Tuesday in Buffalo — stopping 30 shots in a 7-4 win — and could get the call from head coach Paul Maurice to start Saturday night in St. Paul, Minn., against the Wild, the second half of back-to-back contests.

But Maurice said he wouldn’t be adverse to running Hellebuyck on consecutive nights, particularly with Winnipeg’s league-mandated five-day break set to begin Sunday.

Jets captain Blake Wheeler (14G, 38A) also received the nod to take part in the all-star weekend. He’s tied for second in the league in points (52), with Steve Stamkos of the Lightning, the Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon and the Philadelphia Flyers’ Claude Giroux. Tampa Bay right-winger Nikita Kucherov has an eight-point cushion on the group.

Speaking after practice Thursday morning at Johnny’s IceHouse on the west side of Chicago, Maurice called the news on Hellebuyck and Wheeler a "nice salute" to the work both players have done this season.

"Over the last few years, sometimes it’s been positional about a guy who went. But those two fellows here deserve to go and deserve to represent our team by some really fine and very consistent play," he said. "Right from the get go, they both have driven our team, Blake up front as our captain and filling in at centre and Connor just a great body of work at this time of year."

● ● ●

The Jets manhandled the Sabres for much of the first 45 minutes Tuesday at KeyBank Center before coming unravelled and allowing even-strength tallies to Jason Pominville and , with his second of the game.

Watching a 6-2 lead deteriorate to just a two-goal bulge with more than five minutes left on the clock was disconcerting, blue-liner Josh Morrissey said.

"We let our foot off the gas in the third and they’re the kind of team — maybe their record doesn’t show — but with some of the talented players on their roster, they can burn you. There is no quit on that team," he said.

"For us, we definitely need to clean up some things, and it’s been nice with a couple of days between games to think about that."

Maurice said he didn’t notice a complacency setting in, but some key assignments were definitely missed, particularly when Eichel was left unattended for an easy tap-in goal.

"The technical part of it, the positioning that we could be a little bit better. On two of the goals, there were things that we could do better," he said.

Maurice was in the building for the ’Hawks- game on Wednesday. A rarity, he noted.

"I would say the number of NHL games, regular season, that I’ve seen live would be about 10. And it is a completely different vantage point from where we were sitting way up top. Good that we got to watch them," he said of Winnipeg’s next two opponents.

"Chicago’s a real interesting team. They had over six minutes of offensive-zone time in the first period... They really have a dynamic group. They’ve lost some guys, but they haven’t lost their speed. I think they’re faster now, they’re making even more plays, if that’s possible.

"So, that speed part, for today’s practice and based on our game at home against them, that’s the No. 1 thing for us (tonight)."

● ● ●

Injured forwards Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev wore yellow jerseys and took some drills with extra forward Brendan Lemieux, however, neither will accompany the team into battle against Chicago.

"I don’t have them going," Maurice said.

"It was more for their legs, but they weren’t shooting or passing the way they normally would at 100 per cent. So, we’ll say no for sure (for tonight) and then we’ll revisit it for (Saturday). But, again, unless they feel they’re at 95 (per cent to face the Wild), we’ll hold them out."

Tanev (lower body), will miss his sixth straight contest. He’s been out since being injured Dec. 29 at home against the . Lowry (upper body) will miss his third game after getting banged up at home against Buffalo on Jan. 5.

Jets centre (upper body) is still weeks from returning to the lineup.

Defenceman Ben Chiarot will join Lemieux in the press box as the team’s healthy scratches.

● ● ●

Maurice forgot one crucial element to running an NHL practice Thursday: slip off the skate guards before stepping onto the ice.

"I went out there and down I went. Players were good, they smiled about it," Maurice said. "I looked up at all the media guys and saw tears rolling down their faces. All I saw was teeth and tears up there. I’m glad I amused you.

"I’m fine, thanks. Thanks for asking."

The last time, if ever, he let his guard down, as it were?

"It was in Carolina," he said.

"These guys were way more respectful of it, they pretended like they didn’t see it." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/pesky-perreault-a-coachs-dream-468903013.html

Pesky Perreault a coach's dream Versatile veteran provides great example for younger Jets

By: Jason Bell

CHICAGO — Mathieu Perreault prides himself on being a plug-and-play NHLer.

When he’s at his healthiest, that is.

Fortunately for the Winnipeg Jets, the hard-working winger has been able-bodied for the better part of two months now and he’s been a major contributor as the team enjoys a lofty perch not just in the Central Division (first with a 26-11-7 record) but league wide (third overall).

The 30-year-old from Drummondville, Que., has played in 27 consecutive games since returning from a lower-body injury sustained at home Oct. 14 against the Carolina Hurricanes. During that stretch, he’s scored 11 goals and added 11 assists, initially playing on the club’s fourth line but currently on the second forward unit with centre Bryan Little and winger Nikolaj Ehlers.

It’s hard to blame the 5-10, 188-pound nine-year veteran for reaching down to rap his knuckles against the hard wooden bench inside the dressing room following Thursday’s practice — anything to keep the streak of health and well-being going for a guy who’s been sidelined for 60 games over the past four seasons in Winnipeg.

"That’s a big key, staying healthy. The way I play, injuries are going to happen because I try to play such a hard game. Knock on wood, when I’m healthy I can produce and help the team win," said Perreault.

"When I’m feeling good my game doesn’t change, no matter who I’m playing with. I work hard, I try to be physical, I try to make plays when they’re there. Right now, our line is clicking. Just winning is a big key, it’s been fun. Whether it’s top-six and we’re winning or fourth line and we’re winning, I’m happy."

Returning from injury Nov. 16, Perreault — who signed a four-year, US$16.5-million contract extension in the summer of 2016 — had an immediate impact in a fourth-line role with centre Matt Hendricks and winger Joel Armia, scoring in three straight games and picking up six points in four games.

He spotted in on the top-six and received power-play time, but the injury to No. 1 centre Mark Scheifele just after Christmas forced a more permanent promotion.

"That’s what makes a great team, guys moving around and doing well," he said. "In Anaheim and Washington, I had the same kind of role where if someone got hurt or wasn’t going good, I would move up. It’s a role I’m very comfortable with."

In 458 NHL games, Perreault has 103 goals and 162 assists split between the Capitals, Ducks and Jets.

Before coming to Winnipeg, Perreault had a number of winning campaigns with those squads, and he’s enjoying the feeling of contributing to a dominant club once again.

"It honestly kind of reminds me of the years in Washington where every time we stepped on the ice, we kind of had that feeling, that confidence, that we were just better than the other team," said Perreault. "That hasn’t been here since I’ve been here and it’s a good feeling to have. It comes with confidence."

Jets head coach Paul Maurice said he has no trouble slotting in Perreault in a variety of situations.

"That’s his strength — his determination, his forecheck and has a great stick. He gets in and creates loose pucks and then he makes those plays that other players like... when you play with Matty, you’re going to get (the puck) on your tape and you’re going to get some scoring chances."

Maurice said the way Perreault behaves should be the gold standard for all players breaking into the NHL.

"On the fourth line he never complained, played hard on the minutes that he got and was productive. From a coach’s point of view, he’s a great example man for me. Anybody who’s not happy with their ice time, I’ve got a veteran guy who does it willingly. He’s provided a great example for our young players." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/maurice-moves-to-the-good-side-of-average-as-jets- soar-in-first-half-468851623.html

Maurice moves to the good side of average as Jets soar in first half

By: Scott Campbell

If the Winnipeg Jets continue to roll along at their current pace they’ll shatter their franchise record 99-point regular season performance from the 2014-15 season.

The head coach that year was current bench boss Paul Maurice, yet Winnipeg fans have remained divided on whether he’s a good, bad or average coach.

The Jets two poor seasons since that post-season rush have helped fuel the discussion.

For me, the top coaches get their rating by guiding a team to many winning seasons, establishing optimal control of a team. They need their clubs to spend more time in the offensive zone than their opponents do and can’t be depending on incredible goaltending or puck luck.

Winning a couple of Stanley Cups can get them in, but producing teams that win consistently, over the long term, and doing it the right way can still put a coach in my top category — even without winning a Cup.

But today isn’t about the "good" and "bad" coaches — I’m looking at Maurice and his average (in my opinion) spot in the conversation. Where he goes from here will have significant impact on the Jets' future.

He’s lost more games than anyone in NHL history. With a record of slightly above .500 he’s won a lot too, but his overall numbers are mediocre.

He’s made five trips to the playoffs in 19 attempts. That’s why he’s not in the "good" group of coaches.

I chose the Jets to be a playoff team even while acknowledging Maurice’s limitations, because I consider more than 20 other coaches to be in his group, as well. Most nights, the competition between coaches is even.

However, I also felt it was imperative that the Jets' coach improve his game, which I was critical of last season. He never had a good handle on that club, unless you count seven meaningless wins at the end of the season.

So how much of this year’s success should be attributed to coaching? After stumbling out of the gate and going 0-2, the team has responded in an impressive way. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was the key early, as he stole games when the Jets weren’t playing well, masking their inefficiencies.

I can’t give the coach credit for that, after Hellebuyck went outside the organization to improve his game last summer.

Maurice’s initial answer of collapsing all five skaters to the net resulted in the Jets spending too much time in their defensive zone. My hope was that Hellebuyck could hold the fort while the system grew, as well as the players within it.

That growth has been excellent as the Jets became a team that started spending huge amounts of time in the opposition zone, pounding pucks at the net and becoming a legitimately good hockey club.

Players are sticking to their systems and a couple of bad bounces don’t see them stray from their roles anymore. That’s got a lot to do with maturity, but they are buying in to what Maurice is saying.

Special teams have made a huge improvement over last year’s poor performances and, since I believe these can be significantly helped by coaching, this is another feather in the coach’s cap.

The power play now has two effective units, moving from 18th overall last year to second in the league going into Thursday’s games.

The penalty killing is currently 16th after finishing 26th last year.

The Jets sit in the top five in penalties for and against, a bit of a wash there.

Add up the improving numbers and Maurice has done a good job over half a season.

The coach’s player deployment seems be the main theme of those who believe Maurice has inherited a great bunch of players, but they should be even better than they are.

When Marko Dano comes out of the press box and scores a couple of goals the noise grows louder. While it’s not proof the Jets would have more points, it furthers speculation for some people.

Maurice has recently given me hope that he’s on his way to ridding himself of his old habit of favouring certain players over others, despite their effectiveness.

His insertion of Jack Roslovic into the lineup against the San Jose Sharks and was due to injury and the young star performed admirably. However, Maurice also chose him as a key piece when Winnipeg was protecting a late lead against San Jose. To show that type of trust in the speedy, talented and smart rookie was a step forward in the coach’s thinking.

This followed Dustin Byfuglien sitting out the last few minutes while Winnipeg protected a 4-3 lead against Buffalo. The coach trusting other players more was important, as at times in the past it’s seemed the big defenceman was immune from Maurice’s critical thinking.

While I’m a big Byfuglien fan, he wasn’t doing what he’s done well for most of the year — playing with restraint. This was a good reminder.

Decisions like that one are the type that can help average coaches turn into good ones if they become habitual. These need to become consistent over a long period of time, and it’ll be up to Maurice to keep improving.

He has a powerful group of players at his disposal, with good depth and goaltending. This young team is built to be successful for a number of years.

The time has come to see whether old dogs can continue to learn new tricks.

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/perreaults-productive-no-matter-where- he-goes-versatile-forward-makes-those-around-him-better

Perreault’s productive no matter where he goes: Versatile forward makes those around him better

By Ken Wiebe

CHICAGO – Hard as it might be to imagine, Mathieu Perreault didn’t always play this way.

The versatile Winnipeg Jets forward came out of junior as a talented forward who could get by on talent and without being relentless on the puck.

“I was more offensive and I didn’t have to work as hard to have that success, but it’s something I’ve perfected over the years,” Perreault said on Thursday afternoon after the Jets skated at Johnny’s Icehouse. “The physicality is what changed a lot. In junior, I wasn’t hitting anybody. I was hard on the puck, but not throwing any body checks. In this league, to be successful, I have to play gritty and play physical. It’s something I brought to my game, for sure.”

Over time, Perreault maintained the high skill level, but his added ability to create chaos on the forecheck has made him the type of guy everyone wants to play alongside.

“The unique thing is that he’s got the skill set, but he can play everywhere in the lineup,” said Jets veteran forward Matt Hendricks, who saw Perreault break into the NHL as a teammate and occasional linemate with the Washington Capitals. “As a fourth-line guy, he can be effective there. First power play, he can be effective there. It’s a credit to (Perreault) for how hard he’s worked. He had to start at the bottom and work his way up.”

The Jets, who are 26-11-7 and leading the Central Division, are back in action on Friday at United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks.

It’s been an interesting season for Perreault.

Starting the campaign on the top line with captain Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele, Perreault had a goal and two assists in two games but after consecutive blowout losses, Jets head coach Paul Maurice shook things up, flip-flopping wingers and moving Nikolaj Ehlers onto the top line and bumping Perreault down.

Three games into that experiment, Perreault got injured and was sidelined for 12 games.

Upon returning to the lineup, Perreault found himself on the fourth line with Hendricks and Joel Armia, though he augmented his ice time on the power play.

It was both a sign of the Jets forward depth emerging and a reminder of what Perreault was willing to sacrifice to help the team have success.

Although Perreault has scored 18 goals in a season twice during his career, he’s best known for his vision and ability to distribute the puck.

“That part of the game, the vision, has been something I was maybe born with,” said Perreault, who is coming off consecutive two-point games and is up to 12 goals and 25 points in 32 games this season. “I always tried to have my head up. That’s something you can work on.”

Perreault has been known to make the guys around him better.

“I want to be that guy,” said Perreault. “No matter who I play with, my game is never going to change. I work hard, I talk a lot on the ice, I forecheck hard. I try to go in there and get the dirty pucks and go to the crease. The little things that my linemates appreciate. When I do it, I expect them to do it as well. I do it, you do it and then we’ll have success.”

Perreault’s work ethic is infectious and you can use him in almost any situation and he won’t look out of place.

“He just plays that hard,” said Maurice. “You can’t tell any difference in his game whether he’s playing on the so-called fourth line or he’s playing with Bryan Little. His strength, his determination, his forecheck and then he has a great stick. He gets in and creates loose pucks and then he makes those plays. Guys like to have a guy like that. When you’re playing with (Perreault), you’re going to get (the puck) on your tape and you’re going to get some scoring chances just on his effort alone.”

And having a guy on the fourth line making north of $4 million who isn’t making noise about being underutilized also goes a long way for a team trying to establish a winning culture.

“What’s been so good for our team is that when he was on the fourth line, he never complained,” said Maurice. “He played hard in the minutes he got and was productive. Any success that we had, that line was a part of it. From a coach’s point of view, he’s provided a great example for our younger players.”

Maurice thrilled Paul Maurice couldn’t think of two more deserving candidates.

Although the head coach of the Winnipeg Jets understands that under different circumstances, there could have been another player receive an NHL All-star nod, captain Blake Wheeler and goalie Connor Hellebuyck were worthy selections.

“A real nice salute to the work that they’ve done,” said Maurice. “Over the last few years, sometimes it’s been positional about a guy who went (to the All-star game). Those two fellas here deserve to go and deserve to represent our team by some really fine and consistent play.

“They’ve driven our team. (Wheeler) up front, as captain and also filling in at centre. For (Hellebuyck), just a great body of work.”

Wheeler, who has 14 goals and 52 points in 44 games, made a point of pointing out the impact Maurice has had on his personal improvement.

“I’ve been blessed to have a coach like Paul Maurice to push me,” said Wheeler. “I learned a lot from him and I think my game has gotten better every year having a guy like him behind the bench.”

Hellebuyck is 23-4-6 with a 2.36 goals-against average and .923 save % in 35 games (33 starts).

After Steve Mason made 30 saves in the 7-4 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, Hellebuyck will start on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Since returning from the Christmas break, Hellebuyck is 5-0-1 with a 1.98 goals-against average and .937 save %.

Maurice said forwards Adam Lowry (upper body) and Brandon Tanev (lower body) won’t suit up in Friday’s game and while they haven’t officially been ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Wild – it’s more likely their respective returns from injury won’t occur until the Jets return from the bye week. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-snaps-leaving-their-mark-laine-hits- 100-goaltending-decision-looms

Five Keys: Jets vs Blackhawks

By Ken Wiebe

Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks

7:30 pm CT, United Center, TV: TSN3. Radio: TSN 1290

THE BIG MATCHUP

Blake Wheeler vs Duncan Keith The Jets captain is riding a seven-game point streak (five goals, 11 points) and anchoring the top line, which means he’ll be out on the ice against the Blackhawks horse on defence. Keith is still looking for his first goal, but he’s got 20 assists, averages nearly 25 minutes per game and will be trying to limit Wheeler’s offensive production.

KEYS TO THE GAME

That’s what you call a response Jets head coach Paul Maurice was adamant Kyle Connor wasn’t benched when he sat out for the final 10 minutes of Sunday’s game against the San Jose Sharks. Call it whatever you want, but the response was exactly what Maurice was looking for as Connor chipped in two goals and three points in Tuesday’s 7-4 victory over the Buffalo Sabres to move him to 15 goals this season.

Slump? What slump? Jets wingers Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine both snapped lengthy goal-scoring droughts in Tuesday’s win. Ehlers went eight games between goals, which tied his longest stretch of the season. Laine had gone seven games between goals, which also represented a season-high. During the “slump” Laine had six assists and Ehlers had five helpers, so it’s not like their production had dried up. Laine and Ehlers are tied for the team goal lead at 19.

Byfuglien heating up It took him 30 games to score his first goal of the season, but Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien has found the net in two of his past three games (both goals came on long point shots against the Sabres). After seeing his ice time limited in consecutive games, Byfuglien was back up to 21:32 on Tuesday and he’s always excited to face his former teammates after helping the Blackhawks capture the Stanley Cup in 2010.

Desperate times The Blackhawks currently find themselves in unfamiliar territory. After losing 2-1 to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday, they fell back below the playoff line. But the Blackhawks, even without goalie Corey Crawford, remain dangerous and have gone 4-2-1 during their past seven games to remain in the hunt in the Western Conference wild card chase. The Blackhawks blasted the Jets 5-1 in the lone meeting so far this season back on Dec. 14 at Bell MTS Place.

Kane more than able The Blackhawks have plenty of offensive weapons throughout the lineup and you can be sure the Jets will be trying to contain winger Patrick Kane, who leads his team with 18 goals and 45 points in 43 games this season. Kane has racked up 13 goals and 29 points in 24 career games against the Jets.

The Hockey News http://www.thehockeynews.com/news/article/wheeler-might-not-win-the-hart-trophy-but-he- continues-to-show-why-he-s-the-jets-mvp

WHEELER MIGHT NOT WIN THE HART TROPHY, BUT HE CONTINUES TO SHOW WHY HE'S THE JETS' MVP

By: Jared Clinton Jan 11, 2018

Blake Wheeler has stepped up when the Jets needed him most, and as Winnipeg skates towards the post-season, he is deserving of some Hart Trophy consideration.

The upper-body injury suffered by Mark Scheifele in the first game following the holiday break was by no means supposed to be a deathblow to the Jets’ incredibly promising campaign, but few would have been shocked to see Winnipeg struggle to find its footing in the few games that followed. Regardless of the considerable depth the Jets possess, the prevailing thought for some was that, no matter the team, the loss of a top-line pivot requires an adjustment period throughout the lineup.

Yet, in the six games that have followed Scheifele’s injury — seven if you include the half game he missed after his shoulder-first collision with the boards — there is but a single blemish on the Jets’ record, and even the one loss came in , allowing Winnipeg to take their defeat with at least one point added to their Central Division-leading total. There are no doubt a few reasons for the Jets’ success in Scheifele’s absence. The aforementioned depth is one. The goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck is another. The returns of Dustin Byfuglien and Toby Enstrom from injuries of their own have also been a boon to an already steady blueline. But the prime reason for Winnipeg’s continued success despite the loss of their top-line center and still- evolving star is the play of Blake Wheeler, who should be garnering much more attention and consideration as the league’s most valuable player this season.

Now, that’s not to say Wheeler isn’t getting any attention, nor is it to suggest Wheeler as a Hart Trophy candidate is some sort of seismic leap. Based on statistics alone, Wheeler is almost certainly in the running given he’s tied for second in the league in both assists and points, with totals of 38 and 52 in the respective categories. But digging below the surface into Wheeler’s numbers paints a picture of a player who has really taken the wheel and driven the Jets’ offense at times.

Consider that Wheeler’s rate of production has been among the very best in the league. Of the 410 players who have skated at least 500 minutes this season, Wheeler’s 3.49 points per 60 minutes is the 13th-best mark in the league, only slightly behind that of John Tavares and Brock Boeser, but better than the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Patrick Kane and Connor McDavid. It’s not as if Wheeler has had his point total puffed up by secondary assists, either. In fact, only Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon have more primary points than Wheeler, while MacKinnon is the only top-10 scorer who has had a greater percentage of points come from primary sources — goals or first assists.

Of course, in the interest of transparency, it’s worth noting that Wheeler’s numbers aren’t quite up there with the Kucherovs, Stamkoses and MacKinnons when it comes to 5-on-5 numbers, though the Jets captain still has been effective at five-a-side. Wheeler has 27 points, good for 2.19 points per 60 minutes, when teams are playing at 5-on-5, the latter of which good enough to rank 46th of the 290 skaters to play at least 500 minutes. But, in the same breath, it’s difficult to overlook Wheeler’s effectiveness on special teams. He has 22 points with the man advantage and one shorthanded assist — the only players with more combined points are Steven Stamkos and Phil Kessel. And that he’s been a fixture on both units, though much more sparingly used in penalty killing situations, has made him one of the most heavily relied upon forwards in the entire league. Only 13 forwards have a greater average ice time than Wheeler, who is averaging 20:19 per game.

Wheeler’s value, however, goes beyond pure points. And though it might be a more abstract definition of value than goals and assists, which are the most tangible measures of a player’s performance, what Wheeler has been asked to do and achieved in Scheifele’s absence shouldn’t be discounted. In most instances, on most teams, an injury to a top-line center would have resulted in a shift throughout the lineup. To wit, the second-line center becomes the first- line center, the third-line center moves up to second-line duty and so on. It’s a recipe for line- juggling. But in Winnipeg, when Scheifele went on the injured reserve, coach Paul Maurice’s ask of Wheeler was that he move into the middle of the ice and become the team’s top-line center. To be sure, such a move — shifting a top-line winger to top-line center duty — would be a rarity for a healthy two-thirds of the league.

Wheeler has responded, though, with nothing short of brilliance. In his first game as the Jets’ first-line center, Wheeler notched two points against the New York Islanders. He followed that up with a goal against the Edmonton Oilers, two goals against the Colorado Avalanche, including the late game-tying goal, and has since continued his scoring streak, which is now at seven games, with five points in his past three contests. And while true that the possession numbers haven’t been there — something that has been as issue for the Jets’ top unit all season — the results, plain and simple, have, and often while Wheeler’s line has been playing against the opposition’s best line. His ability to provide that kind of stability on a team that has greater aspirations this season than in any campaign since their arrival in Winnipeg speaks to how valuable he has been beyond his offensive production.

Does Wheeler surpass Kucherov, the mid-season favorite, in Hart voting by the end of the season, though? Will the Jets captain beat out Stamkos, MacKinnon, Tavares, Ovechkin or even goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy? The reality is that without pairing his performance with the Art Ross Trophy, chances are Wheeler won’t. But by the time the end of the season rolls around and Winnipeg punches their ticket to the post-season, don’t be surprised if you hear chants of MVP directed at Wheeler echoing throughout Bell MTS Place. And those chants will have been well earned.

NHL.com https://www.nhl.com/video/nhl-now-chatting-with-wheeler/t-277774708/c-56592803 (VIDEO LINK)

NHL Now: Chatting with Wheeler

NHL Now chats over the phone with Blake Wheeler about his All-Star selection, the Jets' season so far and more

TSN.ca https://www.tsn.ca/video/is-it-time-for-the-jets-to-get-off-their-cheque-book~1302105 (VIDEO LINK)

Is it time for the Jets to get off their cheque book?

That's Hockey discusses the Jets' plans for the trade deadline, and whether it's time for the team to make a splash, add salary and make a run at a Stanley Cup.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/morrissey-wheeler-leading-jets-on-and-off-the-ice- 1.965269

Morrissey: Wheeler leading Jets on and off the ice

Winnipeg Jets d-man Josh Morrissey joined the Big Show as the team was off in Chicago to discuss the upcoming back to back against the Blackhawks and Wild, the team's play after the Christmas Break without Mark Scheifele and what it was like being next to Blake Wheeler as he learned of his first all-star bid and what the captain means to the team. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/dreger-all-star-nod-a-reflection-of-hellebuyck-s- maturation-1.964665

Dreger: All-Star nod a reflection of Hellebuyck's maturation

TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger joins Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They discuss Blake Wheeler and Connor Hellebuyck being named to the All-Star team, the Sabres miserable season, what moves the Oilers may make before the trade deadline, the Golden Knights plans for the trade deadline and Cale Makar turning down the opportunity to play for Team Canada at the Olympics. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/wiebe-roslovic-getting-better-each-shift-1.965730

Wiebe: Roslovic getting better each shift

Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun joins Andrew Paterson and Rick Ralph on the Afternoon Ride. They discuss the injuries to Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev, Jack Roslovic's impact with the Jets so far, which goalies will start the upcoming games and the playoff race in the Central Division. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/chiodo-hellebuyck-s-game-continues-to-evolve- 1.965466

Chiodo: Hellebuyck's game continues to evolve

Former NHL goalie and TSN 1050 hockey analyst Andy Chiodo joined host Kevin Olszewski to discuss the progression of Winnipeg Jets All-Star goalie Connor Hellebuyck and gives a breakdown on other net minders around the NHL. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/jets-up-the-tempo-focus-on-pace-ahead-of-fridays-tilt-with- hawks/c-294872942 (INTERVIEWS INCLUDED)

Jets up the tempo, focus on pace ahead of Friday's tilt with Hawks Lowry, Tanev practice in non-contact jerseys but will not play Friday at Chicago by Jamie Thomas @JamieThomasTV / WinnipegJets.com

CHICAGO, Illinois - The Winnipeg Jets were back at practice on Thursday afternoon in Chicago at the Blackhawks' practice facility, Johnny's IceHouse.

It was an up-tempo effort for 30 minutes that included injured forwards Adam Lowry and Brandon Tanev, who both wore the yellow non-contact jerseys along with Brendan Lemieux, who is not injured but joined the former two as they recover from their lower-body ailments.

"Lemieux [was wearing yellow] just so we had a line," said Head Coach Maurice after practice. "The other two, I don't have them going tomorrow. It was more for their legs than anything. They weren't shooting and passing like they normally would when they're at 100 per cent. So we will say 'no' for sure tomorrow, (and) we'll revisit it for (Minnesota on Saturday)."

Maurice was pleased with the way his players practiced after a day off in Chicago on Wednesday, which is a good sign with the back-to-back games with Central Division opponents coming up this weekend.

"We've only had a handful of games this year where we didn't like the pace of our game; Chicago at home (a 5-1 loss on Dec. 14) was definitely one of them, and part of it is because they make you look like that. They're a real quick hockey team."

Here are the line rushes from practice with no changes to the group of forwards who will play Friday against the Blackhawks.

Connor - Wheeler - Laine Perreault- Little - Ehlers Matthias - Copp - Armia Dano - Hendricks - Roslovic

Lemieux - Lowry - Tanev

Morrissey - Trouba Kulikov - Myers Enstrom - Byfuglien Chiarot

Hellebuyck Mason

Chicago lost 2-1 to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night at the United Center, a game Maurice watched in person and it was perfect timing since those are Winnipeg's next two opponents.

"It's a completely different vantage point from where we were sitting way up top," Maurice said. "Good to get a chance to watch them. Chicago is a real interesting team; they had over six minutes of offensive zone time in the first period and if you had six-and-a-half minutes over the course of a game, you would be sitting No. 1 in the league. They really have a dynamic group."

Jacob Trouba, who is currently on a three-game point streak, certainly respects the defending division champs but feels confident, especially if the Jets continue to play the way they have been for the majority of the season.

"We know they spend a lot of time in the other team's zone," said Trouba, who has a goal and four assists during his streak. "We're not going to panic when they're down there.

"Try to get the puck up to our forwards as quick as we can and play a little bit in their end."

ALL STAR REACTION Thursday was the first time the media got a chance to talk to Maurice since Blake Wheeler and Connor Hellebuyck were announced as Central Division All-Stars.

"A real nice salute to the work they've done," beamed the Jets coach. "Sometimes it's been positional about a guy (who was selected as an All-Star) who went. But those two guys here deserve to go and deserve to represent our team with really fine and really consistent play right from the get go."

Connor Hellebuyck will return to the net against the Blackhawks after getting Tuesday night off when Steve Mason ended up with his first win since Nov. 22 in the 7-4 win at Buffalo.

- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com