Winnipeg Free Press https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/jets/planes-strains-and-automobiles- 476422133.html

Planes, strains and automobiles Frenzied, frustrating 6 1/2-hour travel adventure a little much for Hutch after Jets dial 911

By: Mike McIntyre

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Hutchinson knew something was up when he checked his phone and saw he'd just missed a call from Moose head coach Pascal Vincent.

"There was a text message to call him right away," Hutchinson recalled Friday, recapping perhaps the wildest day of his pro hockey career.

The urgent plea from Vincent came at about 11:20 a.m. Thursday, as Hutchinson was making his way to the downtown rink in Milwaukee, Wis., where the Moose were set to practice at 12:30 p.m. Only there was about to be a major change of plans.

"You kinda do the math in your head and figure out that the Jets just finished morning skate so something was probably up," Hutchinson said.

It certainly was. Goalie Steve Mason had abruptly left the morning skate in Newark, N.J., suffering from what the team has called a lower-body injury.

There was no way Mason was going to be able to dress as Connor Hellebuyck's backup 6 1/2 hours later when the Jets faced off against the Devils. So the bat signal was sent out to Hutchinson, who was already racing against the clock considering the Jets were an hour ahead of him on the East Coast.

"So I had to get a car service from Milwaukee to Chicago (located about 150 kilometres away). That was a rush. The driver there did a great job getting me to Chicago in time, because I had a 2:30 p.m. (CT) flight," said Hutchinson. "I had to rush through security and barely made it on the plane. That was a little bit hectic."

The day would get even more chaotic for Hellebuyck and the Jets, as his flight departure was delayed.

"What they thought was going to be a 10-minute delay ended up being closer to an hour. You're just kind of sitting there, and by that time you've just come to grips with it that it's out of your control and try to relax and just sit there," he said.

After finally taking off at about 3:30 p.m. — 150 minutes before the puck was set to drop in New Jersey — Hutchinson said he caught a "nice nap" during the approximately two-hour flight, only to hit yet another obstacle.

"To make matters worse, as soon as we landed (in Newark) there was a plane at our gate. So were delayed about another 30 minutes," he said. Then there was an even further wait for his goalie equipment to get through to the baggage claim area.

"When I was sitting on the plane I thought I might not get there until the third period," he said. "It felt like an eternity."

Meanwhile, the Jets had to scramble to get another body ready in time for the pre-game warmup and the opening faceoff. Enter Zane Kalemba, a 32-year-old New Jersey native who had been out of pro hockey for two years. The highest level he played was in the East Coast Hockey League following an amateur career that included a season with the Flin Flon Bombers and four years back on his home turf at Princeton University.

Kalemba is listed as one of the emergency in the area; all NHL teams must have a list to deal with such situations.

"Hang in there, brother," was Jets coach 's response when asked if he gave Kalemba a pre-game pep talk.

Turns out Kalemba had a familiar face in the room; he played with Blake Wheeler on the Green Bay Gamblers when they were juniors in the United States Hockey League in 2004-05. And Hutchinson also knew him as well — it turns out they were briefly teammates eight years ago on the Reading Royals of the ECHL. Hutchinson was in his first year of pro, while Kalemba had just finished up his collegiate career and joined the team late in the season.

"It was kind of cool seeing him in the hall. It was nice to see him, but I didn't get much time to catch up with him as I was kind of in a rush. The hockey world is small, and the goalie world is even smaller," said Hutchinson.

The Jets had a car waiting at the Newark airport to rush Hutchinson to the Prudential Center. He arrived during the first intermission and was dressed and ready for the start of the second period.

"I think I made pretty good time, all things considered," said Hutchinson.

Oh, the glamorous life of a backup goalie. Hutchinson will remain with the Jets for the foreseeable future, as the extent of Mason's injury is still unclear.

"We don't think it's significant right now. It doesn't feel right to him. So we're going to get as many tests as we need to to get it cleared up. My information now is this isn't overly significant, it's a few days," Maurice said Friday.

The undisclosed injury was something that apparently began to bother Mason two nights earlier as he shut out the Rangers 3-0 at Madison Square Garden in his first game back in an NHL crease since suffering his second concussion of the season two months earlier.

"He finished the game. He started to feel a little off. And it's not a concussion. It's lower-body," Maurice said.

Hutchinson is expected to get a start with the Jets, either Monday in Washington or Tuesday in Nashville, according to the coach. By then, he'll have had a chance to catch his breath. https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/winnipegger-finding-his-place-with-flyers- 476437423.html

Winnipegger finding his place with Flyers

By: Mike McIntyre

PHILADELPHIA — He may not be scoring goals like Brock Boeser. And he’s certainly not piling up the assists like Mathew Barzal. But Nolan Patrick has been coming on strong of late, as he works his way through his first NHL season.

The 19-year-old native, selected second-overall in this past summer’s draft, didn’t exactly explode onto the scene as many other first-year players have done.

He had just five goals and eight assists in his first 48 games — including an ugly 25-game stretch from late November to late January where he racked up just one and two helpers.

But in his past 11 games, Patrick has scored five times and added four assists, looking much more like the dangerous two-way player who had been ranked so high by scouts. And he’s helped Philadelphia make a strong push toward a playoff spot.

The former junior star with the Brandon Wheat Kings has seen his ice time increase in recent weeks and he’s now centring the second for the Flyers, most recently between Jakub Voracek and Oskar Lindblom.

He was held off the scoresheet during a mid-November game in Winnipeg, but appears to be a much different player these days. He’ll no doubt have some extra incentive when taking on the Jets this afternoon.

Patrik Laine is lighting the lamp at an almost historic rate these days.

The sophomore sniper has scored 14 times in his past 10 games — making him just the second player since 2001-02 to put up that many goals over a 10-game span. The only other player to accomplish that feat was Anaheim Corey Perry in 2010-11, which was the year he won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player.

Laine is also on a 10-game streak, the longest of his career, with 14 goals and six assists in that span.

He has scored in nine of those 10 games, and had two assists in the one game he was blanked.

He is just one goal back of sniper in the race for the Rocket Richard award as top goal scorer in the league. Laine’s next goal, which will be his 40th of the season, will also move him past and into a tie with and Brian Bellows for third all-time in goals scored by a teenager at 76.

The top two — Jimmy Carson with 92 and with 85 — would appear to be out of reach with only 15 regular-season games left as a 19-year-old. But with the tear Laine’s been on lately, never say never.

"That puck is off Patty’s stick where he wants it now, every time," Jets head coach Paul Maurice said Friday. "He’s feeling it, he’s feeling good. I still go back to the start of this. You watched him skate today. It’s a different guy skating on the ice. He’s figured it out, the legs are driving a lot of what he’s doing. He’s playing a little faster, it sets his timing up because his timing’s bang on."

Toby Enstrom believes his longtime defence partner has never been better.

Dustin Byfuglien has been a major part of the ’ recent success, especially after top-pairing Jacob Trouba went down with an ankle injury in late January.

"I’ve been playing with him for a very long time. Just both sides of the rink, he’s been playing really well for us. The whole year, really. It’s really fun to watch," Enstrom said Friday.

Byfuglien appears to have cut back on the high-risk plays he was known for, and the results seem to be speaking for themselves. His goals may be down, with just five on the season, but he has put up 17 points in his past 15 games (three goals, 14 assists) along with a plus-14 rating in that span.

Mark Scheifele will miss a second consecutive game today, but coach Paul Maurice said his No. 1 is getting better by the day.

"Making improvement. We’re being real, real careful with this. We just don’t want anything to linger on this, where he’s in and out of the lineup for a week or two. We’ll wait until he’s right," Maurice said Friday.

Scheifele was hurt in Tuesday’s game in New York, but Maurice is hopeful to get him back in the lineup in the next few days.

Centre Adam Lowry also stepped up the intensity of his practice Friday as he recovers from another upper-body injury that has kept him out 15 games. Maurice has previously targeted next week as a possible return date for him.

Maurice was asked Friday if the Jets’ current position in the Central Division standings — comfortably in second place, six points behind the and eight up on the — can play a factor in not rushing anyone back.

"There’s some truth to that," Maurice said.

"You do have the luxury. But there’s two pieces to this. The reason you have the luxury is that you’ve got some pretty good depth, so when you’ve had guys out of the lineup you can put other pieces in and have success. And then that depth is what you’re relying on, so it’s good to get those guys to play, and to play better minutes.

"So, there isn’t the urgency to get them back, where if we don’t have Mark in the lineup we can’t win. So, we’ll be patient with them." https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/chiarot-enjoying-breakthrough-season-on-jets-blue- line-476412193.html

Chiarot quietly lighting up ice Defenceman enjoying breakthrough season on Jets' blue-line

By: Mike McIntyre

PHILADELPHIA — You may not have noticed, what with Patrik Laine seemingly scoring every time he touches the puck these days and Connor Hellebuyck continuing to put on a nightly clinic in net.

But Ben Chiarot is quietly having a rock-solid season on the blue-line, to the point it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest he’s currently playing the best hockey of his career. Pegged as the so- called seventh defenceman at the start of the season, Chiarot’s number has been called plenty lately as the Winnipeg Jets deal with several injuries.

Chiarot, 26, has dressed for 42 games this season, including the past 18. He’s on a career-high five-game point streak (one goal, four assists) and is just one point off his career-best of 12, set this past season in 59 games. It’s not about the offence for Chiarot, but how steady and reliable he’s been. There have been few, if any, glaring errors or breakdowns as he often makes the safe, smart play. And that has his head coach raving about his play.

"It started with a real physicality to his game. I think defencemen cross a threshold at some point in their career, where they truly believe they belong," Paul Maurice said Friday following an optional practice for his squad at Wells Fargo Center. Winnipeg will play their fourth game of a six-game road trip this afternoon when they take on the Philadelphia Flyers.

"They find their game and know what they can bring every night. That physicality gets him to the right energy level, the right pace. And then, he’s off the ice a little bit more, his feet are moving a little bit quicker, the timing of the game falls into place. But it started with a real, strong heavy game that he brought after coming out, and he’s been a real good defenceman for us. Not a guy that would be easy to take out of the lineup."

Jacob Trouba has missed 17 games with an ankle injury, but could return to the lineup Thursday, when the Jets host the at Bell MTS Place. He’s been taking contact the past couple of days in practice and is flying around the ice. Once everyone is healthy, that would likely have Chiarot back in the press box as a scratch.

Defenceman Dmitry Kulikov left Thursday’s game in New Jersey with an upper-body injury and won’t play today. Maurice said he’s day-to-day "at this point." That means Joe Morrow, acquired a couple weeks ago at the trade deadline from the , will be back in the lineup and paired with Chiarot.

Toby Enstrom, who returned to action Thursday night after missing four games with a lower- body injury, said having strong depth on the back end has helped the Jets weather the storm of injuries and keep their heads well above water this season.

"I think that’s a big key on this team," he said Friday. "When someone goes out, it means other guys have to take a little bit more of the ice time and all of those guys have been doing that great."

Chiarot admitted Friday he feels like his game is in the best place it’s been and said consistently getting in the lineup, rather than bouncing in and out, has been a big factor.

"Things are going well for me," he said. "It’s always fun to help set up goals or score goals. Offence is always fun. And when the team’s playing well and we’re getting lots of zone time in the other team’s end, those things are going to happen."

On Tuesday in New York, Chiarot made a great rush into the Rangers’ zone and dropped a nice pass for Laine, who wired a bullet past Henrik Lundqvist. On Thursday night, Chiarot fed for the second goal of the game, and wired a off the post later in the game.

"I’ve always said that when I’m at the top of my game, I’m using my skating, I’m getting up in the play and moving my feet and getting physical. I found I’m in a good rhythm doing that, playing on my toes, and good things are happening for me," Chiarot said. "I’ve felt like I’ve played well every time I was in earlier in the year, it’s just a numbers game. There’s not much I can do when I’m being taken out, just play well when I’m in and when I get my chances, take advantage of them. I’ve gotten the chance to play regularly here in the second half, and I always knew if I got into a good rhythm I could be a good contributor for the team. And I think we’ve seen that."

Chiarot seems to have developed good chemistry with Morrow in the four games they’ve played together and said he’s anxious for another opportunity in today’s game.

"He skates well and moves the puck really well. Coming to a new team, especially this late in the season, is not easy. But he’s been seamless coming in and playing," Chiarot said.

Winnipeg Sun http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/hutchinson-recalls-interesting-travel- dayenstrom-enjoying-the-ridepatrick-gets-in-a-groove

Hutchinson recalls interesting travel day…Enstrom enjoying the ride…Patrick gets in a groove

By Ken Wiebe

PHILADELPHIA – Travel delays can be a simple fact of life for call-ups like Michael Hutchinson.

When Winnipeg Jets goalie Steve Mason left the morning skate early on Thursday after suffering a lower-body issue, Hutchinson was summoned from the of the .

A recall is always welcome, but this one put the wheels in motion for an interesting day of planes and automobiles – the only thing missing was the train.

The Moose were out on a road trip and had a practice scheduled for 12:30 p.m. CT in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Hutchinson heard around 11:15 a.m. CT that he was re-joining the Jets.

Hutchinson, who was returned to the Moose on Monday afternoon when Mason was activated after working his way back from his second concussion of the season, took a car service to O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

“If there were no delays, I would have been able to get there,” said Hutchinson. “I don’t know if I would have made it for the warm-up, but I would have been there to start the game.”

But after getting checked in and through security, Hutchinson saw his 3:15 p.m. CT had been delayed.

When the Jets found out Hutchinson’s flight wouldn’t arrive in time for the start of the game, they were forced to sign Zane Kalemba to a pro tryout offer.

Kalemba, who is one of two emergency goalies the have for the season, took the warm-up and stood on the bench for the national anthems, but spent the first period in the locker room.

Hutchinson arrived at the rink during the first intermission and was in full uniform before the second period started.

“When I was sitting on the plane, I was thinking I might get there for the third period,” said Hutchinson. “So, to get there right at the start of the first intermission, I made pretty good time, all things considered.”

The Jets had a car service waiting for Hutchinson at Newark Liberty Airport, but he needed to be patient as he waited for his equipment to arrive.

“I don’t know how long it took, but it felt like an eternity,” said Hutchinson. “It was kind of weird. The luggage comes out in one area and the bags were in the oversize (section), which were on the other side of the baggage claim, so I had to run over there.”

Kalemba, who played for Green Bay of the USHL with Jets captain Blake Wheeler 14 years ago, also has a connection to Hutchinson.

“I met Zane eight years ago actually,” said Hutchinson. “In Reading, during my first year of pro hockey (in the ECHL). (Kalemba) finished his senior year in Princeton (of the NCAA) and came and played a few games with us. We were goalie partners for a bit. It was kind of cool to see him in the hall. Seeing different text (messages) and seeing he was the emergency backup, good for him. It was nice to see him. I didn’t get too much time to catch up with him because I was kind of in a rush, but I got to say hi.

“The hockey world is small and the goalie world is even smaller. You always know someone, somehow.”

Entrom soaks it all in This is unfamiliar territory for veteran Jets defenceman Toby Enstrom.

Through his 11 seasons with the Jets/ organization, Enstrom has a grand total of four playoff games on his resume and the team didn’t punch its ticket to the post-season until the second-to-last game of the 2015 season.

Enstrom is proud of the growth this team has shown and he’s excited about the fact the Jets are battling for top spot in the Central Division.

“You know what, we don’t spend a lot of time looking at the standings. It’s nice to be up there and it means we’re doing something right,” said Enstrom. “But every game is different and they’re all tough games. We can’t look too far ahead.”

Enstrom has endured a lot of enduring seasons, so being part of a team that’s already accumulated 91 points with 15 games left to go, has been enjoyable.

“It’s been great. It’s all about winning hockey games and we’ve been winning lately, so it’s always fun when you win games,” said Enstrom. “When you look at the team we have too, it’s a great bunch of guys and it makes me happy to be around all of them.”

When it comes to his own play, Enstrom is encouraged by his recent results.

“Early on, it was a little up and down, but lately it’s been feeling good,” said Enstrom, who has one goal and six points in 40 games this season. “We’re excited for the stretch going on here.”

Patrick finds confidence Flyers centre and Winnipegger Nolan Patrick has earned a promotion to the second line and he’s picked up five goals and nine points during his past 11 games – moving him to 10 goals and 22 points in 59 games this season.

Patrick has also worked hard at his defensive-zone play, which has led to an increase in ice time and responsibility.

“It took a while for me to adjust, get comfortable and confident in my game,” said Patrick, a Winnipegger and former Brandon Wheat Kings captain that was chosen second overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. “I don’t think you really notice (the NHL game) slowing down, the game gets faster throughout the season and you just get more comfortable making plays and confident in my abilities.”

Patrick, who helped lead the Wheat Kings to a title in 2016, is enjoying his first experience with the NHL stretch drive.

“Every game is tough and at this time of the year, it’s tough to win,” said Patrick. “Going through that 10-game losing streak (from Nov. 11 through Dec. 2), everyone stuck together through that and showed the character of our group and we’re just trying to keep pushing here toward the playoffs.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/jets-being-careful-with-scheifele-six- game-road-trip-continues-with-matinee-tilt-versus-flyers

Jets being “careful” with Scheifele Six-game road trip continues with matinee tilt versus Flyers

By Ken Wiebe

PHILADELPHIA — The Winnipeg Jets will be facing a hungry and surly Philadelphia Flyers squad as this six-game road trip continues on Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center.

While the Jets have won four consecutive games to build a little bit of separation in the chase for second place in the Central Division, the Flyers have lost five consecutive games (0-4-1) but are still holding down third spot in the Metropolitan Division and remain within striking distance of the for top spot.

“We looked at this road trip as one that would get stronger as we went,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice.

Connor Hellebuyck starts in goal for the Jets, while Michael Hutchinson will once again serve as the backup as Steve Mason sits out a second consecutive game with a lower-body injury.

“We did think (the injury) is significant right now. It doesn’t feel right to him,” said Maurice. “So, we’re going to get as many tests as we need to, to get it cleared up. It’s not a concussion.”

The Jets will make one lineup change, inserting defenceman Joe Morrow for Dmitry Kulikov, who missed the third period of Thursday’s 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils with an upper- body injury.

Jets centre Mark Scheifele will miss a second game with an upper-body injury, though he’s showing “improvement” — which means he could return before the road trip wraps up Tuesday against the Nashville Predators.

“We’ll be real, real careful with this one,” said Maurice. “We don’t want anything to linger on this, where he’s in and out of the lineup for a week or two. We’ll wait until he’s right. We’ll be patient with him.”

With the Jets set to face the Washington Capitals and Predators on consecutive days to wrap up the six-game swing, Maurice said Hutchinson will start in goal in one of those games — though he hasn’t yet decide which one.

There’s a good chance Hutchinson starts the non-conference game against the Capitals and Hellebuyck faces the Predators in the Central Division battle. http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/chiarot-finds-comfort-zone-jets- defenceman-on-five-game-point-streak

CHIAROT FINDS COMFORT ZONE: Jets defenceman on five-game point streak

By Ken Wiebe

PHILADELPHIA — The premise itself is fairly straightforward.

It’s the implementation of the theory that can be incredibly challenging for most players on the edges of an NHL roster.

How do those players get to the point where they are able to get the most out of their abilities without expending too much time worrying about where they sit on the depth chart or what they have to do in order to stay in the lineup — or earn additional ice time.

“Once you kind of get comfortable being uncomfortable, the best comes out,” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said on Friday.

Having to constantly look over your shoulder for fear of someone stealing your job doesn’t sound like a formula to find success.

Or does it?

“You deal with it. I don’t think you stop looking over your shoulder, you accept the fact that’s part of your life,” said Maurice, whose club continues a six-game road trip on Saturday afternoon against the Philadelphia Flyers. “There are guys in our lineup that have to really worry. Even if they have two or three bad games, they’re not coming out. They’ve got a body of work that leaves them in. For players — and this is all players — on the fourth line or in that five, six (defence) role, they’re always being looked at for an upgrade. You’re trying to find somebody better for that hole or sometimes, it’s a young kid coming up that needs the development time.

“You just accept that you’ve got to grind it every day. You don’t get days off and you’re held to a bit of a higher standard based on the minutes you’re playing.”

For Jets defenceman Ben Chiarot, it was a challenging start to the season.

Thanks to the addition of Dmitry Kulikov in free agency and having a healthy back in the Jets lineup, Chiarot was a frequent healthy scratch at the start of the season — appearing in just one of the first 19 games.

In that one game he played — against the Minnesota Wild — Chiarot had 16:08 of ice time, so it’s not like Maurice is scared to use him.

When injuries started to pile up on the back-end, Chiarot got an opportunity to return to the rotation and has only sat out seven times since.

Chiarot has been in the lineup for 18 consecutive games and he’s currently riding a career-best five-game point streak (one goal, five points).

What’s changed for Chiarot?

“When the team is going well, I found the points come a lot easier,” said Chiarot, who has a goal and 11 points in 42 games this season. “Things are clicking right for me right now, that’s all I can say really. I’m just playing on my toes and the coaches have confidence in me right now. That goes a long way, especially when you start out of the lineup and you’re not quite in the mix. Then you come in and get into a rhythm.”

Finding that rhythm is much easier when you’re not worried a simple mistake might lead you to getting benched — or removed from the rotation entirely.

“When you feel good about your game, nothing really bothers you,” said Chiarot. “If something happens, you can make up for it and do things to help contribute to the team.”

When Chiarot plays an assertive game and uses his skating ability, that’s when he’s most effective.

“It started with a real physicality in his game,” said Maurice. “Defencemen cross a threshold at some point in their career where they truly believe they believe. It’s not just a ‘yeah, I can play a little bit here’ or they’re trying to find their game. They find their game and they know what they’re trying to bring every night.

“That physicality gets (Chiarot) to the right energy level, the right pace. And then he’s up the ice a little bit more. His feet are moving a little bit quicker. The timing of the rest of the game falls in place. It started with a real strong, heavy game that he brought.”

The way Chiarot has played of late will give Maurice some additional food for thought about what he might do once Jacob Trouba returns to the lineup — perhaps as early as next week when the Jets return home.

Chiarot might not just automatically be thrust back into the seventh defenceman role and be in the press box.

“He’s been a really good defenceman for us,” said Maurice. “Not a guy who would be easy to take out of the lineup.” http://winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/winnipeg-jets/five-keys-to-jets-vs-flyers-2

Five keys to Jets vs Flyers

By Ken Wiebe

Winnipeg Jets at Philadelphia Flyers

1 pm CT, Wells Fargo Center. TV: TSN3. Radio: TSN 1290

THE BIG MATCHUP

Patrik Laine vs Ivan Provorov The Winnipeg Jets sniper is on an incredible heater, chipping in 14 goals and 20 points during a 10-game point streak and he’s expected to see plenty of the mobile blue-liner on Saturday. Provorov is up to 12 goals and 32 points in his second NHL season, but he’s also taking on the responsibility of some tough match-ups and Laine qualifies in that department.

KEYS TO THE GAME

A is for apple Saturday’s matchup features three of the top passers in the NHL. Going into Friday’s action, Jets captain Blake Wheeler and Flyers forwards Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek were all tied for top spot in assists (with 57). This trio is dangerous both at even strength and on the power play and their ability to distribute the puck is exceptional.

Beware of Byfuglien By chipping in an assist in Thursday’s 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien is up to three goals and 17 points in the 17 games since Jacob Trouba left the lineup with an ankle injury. He’s been producing points and playing a sound defensive game.

PK getting it done The Jets have continued to creep up the rankings for -killing efficiency. And by killing off 20 consecutive minors on the road, the Jets are up to eighth overall (82.7%) and sixth on the road (82.9) while playing shorthanded. The Jets have also managed to score six shorthanded goals, which leaves them tied for 13th in the NHL in that category.

Keep an eye on Couturier Flyers centre Sean Couturier has continued his emergence as a top-flight forward. After being best known for his ability to check and frustrate skilled opponents, the eighth overall pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, has exploded offensively after being promoted to the top line, already setting career highs for goals (29) and points (62), with 13 more games to go.

Patrick heating up Following a bit of a slow offensive start – at least for his standards – Winnipegger Nolan Patrick has picked up his production during the second half of the season. By picking up at least a point in eight of his past 11 games, the second overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft is up to 10 goals and 22 points in 59 games this season and is averaging 13:22 of ice time.

The Athletic Winnipeg https://theathletic.com//267544/2018/03/09/the-winnipeg-jets-have-earned-the-opportunity-to- rest-and-think-long-term/?redirected=1

The Winnipeg Jets have earned the opportunity to rest and think long term

By Murat Ates

Winter. 1995. Pinawa, Manitoba, Canada. A 10 year old is screaming.

“My toque!?”

Silence.

“My toque!?”

Still no response.

“My TOQUE??!” the child yells for a seventh or eighth time.

Unfortunately for the child, his mother has seen this kind of bullshit before. She is as stubborn as her son is but older, wiser, more resolute. She calmly repeats her request.

“It’s cold outside. You need to wear your toque.”

The Winnipeg Jets are in town. Kris King, Dave Manson, and Randy Gilhen. A few months from now their season will be over and their franchise will leave Canada altogether but in 20 short minutes, they will be skating at the Pinawa Arena, not 15 minutes from the boy’s house.

If he doesn’t wear his toque, he won’t be allowed to go. His mother has been very clear about that fact. And still, he is unable to take the obvious out.

“But I don’t want to!” he reasons.

Some years in the future, the boy will be able to think clearly and rationally about this scene. As an adult, he will even realize that toques can be worn and – with a simple motion of the hands – they can be taken off after they are worn.

He doesn’t realize any of this now. He refuses to wear the toque.

His mother is true to her word so he does not walk to the rink, he does not catch up with his friends, and he most definitely does not skate and pass and shoot with the Winnipeg Jets.

It turns out that I know a thing or two about being stubborn at my own expense.

So when Thursday night’s pre-game line rushes suggested that Matt Hendricks was set to centre Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor on Winnipeg’s top line, I thought, “Here we go! A grinder on the top line – the Jets are at it again!” and prepared for the worst.

But the worst didn’t come.

Bryan Little took over the top spot, Andrew Copp filled in between Mathieu Perreault and , and ’s line remained untouched. Patrik Laine scored a goal he was too bored by to celebrate, Joel Armia sniped in the more usual style of his countryman, and Nik Ehlers buried a Dustin Byfuglien rebound on Winnipeg’s way to its 91st point.

Still, the win wasn't pretty and score effects don't quite explain it. Winnipeg gave up 60 per cent of the 5-on-5 shot attempts on the night and, according to Corscia, the Jets lost the expected goals battle roughly 3-2. Laine’s goal 4:12 into the game meant the Jets led most of the night but, like I say, score effects don’t fully explain the degree to which New Jersey carried the play. On average this season, teams have posted 54.9 per cent SAT while trailing – for New Jersey to play at 60 per cent isn't a good look for Winnipeg even with the lead.

In the end, Connor Hellebuyck was made to earn the win – his franchise record 35th of the season. As a result, the Jets currently find themselves in a virtual lock for second place in the Central Division. Here are Dom Luszczyszyn’s projections for the NHL’s final standings:

Winnipeg's position in Dom's projected table (and the current NHL standings) is uniquely set.

Nashville is likely too far ahead – they’ve won 10 straight games, have a six-point lead on Winnipeg, and are projected to finish seven points higher than the Jets. The Wild, who currently hold third place, are likely too far behind. Today, they’re eight points back of the Jets – a gap Dom projects to grow before season’s end. Winnipeg’s position is nearly set and, if Minnesota does its job, there is even going to be a regional rivalry at play when the postseason begins.

This is where stubbornness comes back into the picture.

Here is Winnipeg’s current list of injuries:

Dmitri Kulikov – day-to-day, upper body. In Thursday’s post-game press conference, Paul Maurice called Kulikov’s injury “nothing sinister. (It) just cramped up on us and couldn’t go.” No word yet on what “it” is in this situation. One note: Maurice has said this season that “everyone is day to day until they get evaluated” so when the Jets use “day to day” as a phrase, its meaning is open ended.

Kulikov won’t play Saturday, according to Bryan Munz. Joe Morrow will take his spot.

Steve Mason – day-to-day, lower body. It’s been a rough season for Mason. He had a cold start to the year, got supplanted by Hellebuyck, and then missed nearly two months after sustaining his second concussion of the season. He recovered from that, posted a in his first game back, and then tweaked something in Thursday’s morning skate. For the Jets, it prompted the emergency recall of Michael Hutchinson – for Mason, it’s yet another unfortunate event in a season that’s been full of them. No word yet on the severity of the injury but he won’t dress Saturday, according to Ken Wiebe.

Mark Scheifele – day-to-day, upper body. I spoke to a physiotherapist this week who assured me that, if Scheifele’s December injury was a shoulder separation and if his most recent injury was to his collarbone, they could be completely independent of each other despite being connected. We were speculating on the specific injuries, of course – other than Scheifele appearing to say “collarbone” in the broadcast, I have no confirmation on this.

One might suspect the absence of a call-up means Winnipeg expects Scheifele to be back soon – still, when they say “day to day” it could mean a lot of things.

Jacob Trouba – day-to-day, lower body. On January 30, it was announced that Trouba would miss six to eight weeks with what is believed to be a high ankle sprain. This Tuesday marked five weeks from the 30th and Trouba ditched his non-contact jersey for Thursday’s morning skate. Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre each report that Trouba is expected back in action after the road trip ends next week – this puts Thursday the 15th as a possible return date.

Adam Lowry – week-to-week, upper body. I say week-to-week in this case because he’s still skating in a non-contact jersey and isn’t expected back until after Trouba. He had missed eight games before playing two and apparently reinjuring what had previously ailed him. Now he’s missed ten more and if Winnipeg is going to run some combination of Lowry and Copp as their minutes fourth line, they had better take their time with Lowry’s current IR stint.

Shawn Matthias – week-to-week, upper body. According to Mitchell Clinton of Jets TV, Matthias actually ditched his non-contact jersey this Thursday along with Trouba. He remains on injured reserve and is unlikely to get into the lineup even when back at full health.

We know Perreault played Thursday night despite being sick with the flu. Toby Enstrom and Brandon Tanev are only recently returned from injuries. Byfuglien and Enstrom were both injured earlier this season. And on Friday’s extremely optional Jets practice, none of Byfuglien, Enstrom, Kulikov, Morrissey, Scheifele, Stastny, Wheeler, Little, Perreault, or Hendricks skated.

Players skip optional skates all of the time. I wouldn’t read too much into any individual player deciding to take the morning off. But it’s clear that, as a group, Winnipeg is a little bit banged up.

According to NHL Injury Viz, Winnipeg is ranked seventh and climbing in man-games lost due to injury:

That Winnipeg is a clear frontrunner for second in the Central Division is a testament to its depth and a privilege earned through months of excellent hockey.

It’s also a unique opportunity to maximize rest and recovery for its injured players without risking much in terms of playoff position. Most stretch drives aren't shaped like this. Usually, a few points in either direction can have a major impact on a team's postseason path. For evidence of this, just look at the rest of the Western Conference where San Jose, which sits second in the Pacific Division, is just three points above ninth place Colorado because there are three teams between them.

So while I’m relieved that Winnipeg didn’t run Hendricks on their top line on Thursday, today I’m advocating for the Jets to see their unique position in the standings and stay stubborn about their long-term success.

No individual couplet of two points is worth as much to Winnipeg as the opportunity to ice its best playoff roster:

Connor – Scheifele – Wheeler Perreault – Little – Roslovic Ehlers – Stastny – Laine Copp – Lowry – Armia

Morrissey – Trouba Enstrom – Byfuglien Kulikov – Myers

Hellebuyck Mason

To maximize the Jets' chances of playing at full health this postseason, Winnipeg needs to be stubborn in keeping its banged-up players off the ice.

Even if they scream about it.

I do realize that the only way we can ever be sure that a player is fully healed is when he comes back and doesn't get hurt. I also understand that, given what medical folks told me about Scheifele's injuries likely being unrelated, sometimes bad luck gets in the way even when you make the right decision.

But I can't help but point out unique opportunities when I see them. Winnipeg's playoff position is secured and they are a near lock to finish second in their division. The Jets can give all kinds of rest to their injured players without risking the consequences typically associated with it. Given how deep they could go this spring, they would do well to exploit this opportunity.

Sportsnet.ca https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/patrik-laine-fits-among-nhls-goal-scoring-elite/

Where Patrik Laine fits in among the NHL’s goal scoring elite

By Dimitri Filipovic

Let’s play a little blind resume guessing game. Sometimes there’s value in stripping the numbers from the name as part of a thought exercise, because our brains can sometimes be biased in the way they see things they already know something about.

Here’s a random list of notable players who jumped straight into the NHL at age 18 in this century, and how they did in those first two full seasons prior to turning 20.

Player Games Played Goals Power Play Goals Shots on Goal Shooting % A 160 75 29 528 14.2 B 161 74 33 478 15.5 C 146 67 16 441 15.2 D 155 84 30 440 19.1 E 163 24 7 285 8.4

Player A is Sidney Crosby, Player B is Steven Stamkos, Player C is , Player D is Patrik Laine, and Player E is Tim Connolly.

The last one was included solely to make sure that you were still paying attention. And also because nearly 20 years later, it’s hard to believe Connolly was once a fifth overall pick who was immediately thrust into the league. He only actually missed just three games in his first four seasons, before it all went to hell for him on the injury front.

The point of this exercise is to show we’re currently witnessing something incredibly special in Winnipeg with what Laine is doing as a teenager. Currently averaging more than a goal every other game, he’s one of only 32 players to ever do so for their career — and many of the others played in an era with entirely different netminding and scoring norms.

Of the bunch, the names Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, and Stamkos stand out from the pack, because they’re ones Laine has already drawn comparisons to for a variety of reasons. They’re also particularly useful comparisons when thinking about Laine’s accomplishments and trying to contextualize them.

Ovechkin wasn’t included in that guessing game above because he was already 20 years old by the time he stepped into the league, which throws off the trajectory. But it also feels unfair to compare anyone to Ovechkin because he’s such an entirely different animal in so many ways. Still, it’s easy to see the connection between him and Laine, particularly when you see how they set up shop on the left circle with the man advantage. That bond is solidified by the Rocket Richard Trophy race they’re both embroiled in, which should make for a fun subplot in the closing weeks of the season.

While Ovechkin currently holds a one-goal lead over Laine, it’s worth noting the latter has actually been the more efficient of the two on a per-minute basis. That efficiency stands out not just compared to Ovechkin this season, but also when you put it up against every other individual NHL season since 2006, aside from Crosby’s preposterous 41-game bender in 2010- 11 prior to his first concussion:

Player SeasonGoals Per Hour Sidney Crosby 2010-2011 2.14 Patrik Laine 2017-2018 2.11 Alex Ovechkin 2007-2008 2.06 Steven Stamkos 2013-2014 2.00 Steven Stamkos 2011-2012 1.99 Alex Ovechkin 2014-2015 1.93 Alex Ovechkin 2012-2013 1.92 Alex Ovechkin 2009-2010 1.91 Alex Ovechkin 2013-2014 1.91

Stylistically, the link between Laine and Ilya Kovalchuk in his prime may be more apt, if only from the perspective of how they present opposing defenders with the dilemma of having to account for them in the offensive zone. It’s akin to how Stephen Curry took the NBA by storm by using his previously unheard of range to punish defences that made the mistake of sagging back and thinking he’s too far out to be a legitimate threat. The fact Laine’s shot plays so well from far out of the slot is an issue for teams.

That shot is what makes Laine a cheat code personified. Similar to what Stamkos was routinely doing during his peak offensive years, Laine is now stretching the outer boundaries of what we typically expect players to be capable of when it comes to consistently converting their shots into goals — especially when it comes to the combination of volume and efficiency.

Since Laine came into the league last year, no one has had a greater difference between their actual output and what we’d theoretically anticipate from their statistical profile — he comically doubles his expected goal total. In the process, he’s breaking Corsica’s expected goal model:

Player Actual Goals Expected Goals Difference Patrik Laine 74 37.66 +36.34 Evgeni Malkin 71 43.81 +27.19 Nikita Kucherov 73 46.76 +26.24 Eric Staal 64 42.16 +21.84 Brad Marchand 67 45.80 +21.20 Rickard Rakell 61 40.93 +20.07 Alex Ovechkin 73 55.35 +17.65 Vlad Tarasenko 65 48.04 +16.96 Logan Couture 52 35.12 +16.88 Brock Boeser 33 16.88 +16.12 Mark Scheifele 53 38.14 +14.86

One final note that seems relevant here:

When the Jets acquired Paul Stastny at the deadline, the fit between himself as a playmaker and Laine as the trigger man seemed like an obvious one. It’s only been a handful of games, but so far that match made in heaven on paper has translated into terrific on-ice results.

In the games since Stastny’s arrival, he and Laine have played just north of 60 minutes together at five-on-five. In that time the Jets are controlling 59.6 per cent of the shot attempts, 59.3 per cent of the shots on goal, and 57.4 per cent of the scoring chances, while out-scoring the other team 10-1. Assuming Mark Scheifele’s injury isn’t serious enough to keep him out for long, the top nine Winnipeg boasts up front is as lethal as it gets this side of Pittsburgh.

That bodes well for the Jets’ hopes to not just settle on being happy to return to the Playoffs for the first time since 2015, but to actually make some noise.

If you think Laine’s combination of goal scoring ability and unkempt beard is frightening now, just imagine what they could look like deep into the Spring.

TSN.ca https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/laine-fueling-the-jets-takeoff~1344459 (VIDEO LINK)

Laine fueling the Jets' takeoff

The Jets have been rolling as of late and the red-hot Patrik Laine is a huge reason why. Tim Hortons That's Hockey takes a look at his recent production and how it's fueling Winnipeg's success. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/stastny-thriving-in-his-bigger-role-with-jets~1344457 (VIDEO LINK)

Stastny thriving in his bigger role with Jets

Mark Scheifele's run in with injuries has opened the door for some other players to step up and That's Hockey explains why Paul Stastny has been thriving in his bigger roles with the Jets.

TSN 1290 (AUDIO LINKS) https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/chiodo-hellebuyck-has-to-be-in-vezina-conversation- 1.1022725

Chiodo: Hellebuyck has to be in Vezina conversation

TSN 1050 analyst and former NHL Andy Chiodo joined host Kevin Olszewski to discuss the top goalies in the NHL this season and the recent play of Connor Hellebuyck. https://www.tsn.ca/radio/winnipeg-1290/larkin-jets-and-nashville-are-on-a-playoff-collision- course-1.1022733

Larkin: Jets and Nashville are on a playoff collision course

Matt Larkin from The Hockey News joined host Kevin Olszewski to discuss some of the big stories around the NHL. Larkin also weighs in on the Rocket Richard trophy race between Alex Ovechkin and Patrik Laine. www.winnipegjets.com https://www.nhl.com/jets/news/laine-chiarot-ride-point-streaks-as-jets-prepare-for-flyers/c- 296787184

Laine, Chiarot ride point streaks as Jets prepare for Flyers Jets carry 7-0-1 record in last eight road games into Philadelphia by Mitchell Clinton @MitchellClinton / WinnipegJets.com

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania - In eight consecutive road games, the Winnipeg Jets have managed to pick up at least a point.

In fact, they're 7-0-1 in those games, and have won three straight to start this season-long six game road trip.

Head coach Paul Maurice also doesn't mind the travel perk that comes with facing Eastern Conference opponents either.

"I started in the East, and had no appreciation for the challenges of being in the West with that travel," said Maurice. "We're going to play six road games, we're in Philadelphia quicker than we get to the airport in Colorado. The rest part of it, you can jam a lot of games in on the road, in the situation we're in, and stay fairly rested."

To maximize that rest, only 13 skaters took to the ice Friday at Wells Fargo Center, ahead of Saturday's tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Dmitry Kulikov wasn't one of those, and Maurice says the defenceman will miss tomorrow's matinee against the Flyers with the upper-body injury he sustained in the win over New Jersey. Joe Morrow (who practiced today) will slot into the line-up.

Ben Chiarot was also one of those participating in practice today, the only defenceman who played against the New Jersey Devils to skate Friday.

The 26-year-old has one of the hottest sticks in the dressing room right now. He assisted on Joel Armia's 11th of the season last night in New Jersey, extending his own personal point streak to five games (one goal and four assists).

Two nights earlier, it was Chiarot leaving a drop pass for Patrik Laine against the Rangers. Laine added another goal against the Devils to extend his point streak to 10 (14 goals, 20 points).

"I've always said that when I'm at the top of my game, I'm using my skating, I'm getting up in the play, moving my feet, and getting physical," said Chiarot, who has 11 total points this season. "I found I'm in a good rhythm doing that, and just playing on my toes. Good things are happening for me.

"It's always fun to help set up goals or score goals. Offence is always fun. When the team is playing well, and we're getting a lot of O-zone time in the other team's end, those things are going to happen."

Chiarot started the season out of the line-up, but has impressed Maurice with his play not just during his point streak, but for a while. He believes the key lies in being "comfortable being uncomfortable."

"I think defenceman cross a threshold at some point in their career, where they truly believe they belong…. They find their game, and they know what they're trying to bring every night," said Maurice.

"That physicality gets him to the right energy level, the right pace. Then he's up the ice a bit more, his feet are moving a bit quicker, the timing of the rest of the game falls in place for him. It started with a real strong, heavy game that he brought after coming out."

Sitting second in the Central Division at 41-17-9, the Jets are used to playing in tight games. They've had two, one-goal games through three games on this trip already. Overall, the Jets are 15-3-9 in those situations this season, and when up by one after 40 minutes - like they were last night - they're 33-1-1.

"When you're up a goal or down a goal, how you play shouldn't change. I think we've handled it well so far, and it's a good teaching tool for us," said Chiarot.

"You have to play the game, play it hard the whole way, the same way the whole game. You can't, because there are 10 minutes left, think you're going to turn a switch on and play a little differently. The good teams, the veteran teams in the playoffs, they do it all year round. Sixty minutes, the same way."

The Flyers (34-23-11) are coming off back-to-back losses to Pittsburgh and Boston, slipping to third in the Metropolitan Division as a result.

But Maurice believes the quality of opponent in those games had a lot to do with those results.

"Those are all high-end team losses, tight games," said Maurice. "We've looked at this road trip as one where the competition would get stronger as we went. Last night we got outshot, and I think out chanced in that game. We're going to see more of the same in terms of what they do off the rush with their speed and their zone time.

"A couple of places in our game weren't very good last night and it caused us some problems. At the same time, we're a decent offensive team. We just have to make good on our chances and work real hard to make sure we don't give a whole lot up."

After earning his 35th win of the season against the New Jersey Devils to set a new franchise record, Connor Hellebuyck will once again get the call in goal for the Jets against the Flyers.

ICE CHIPS The progress continues for the injured Jets.

Mark Scheifele (upper-body) didn't skate Friday, and won't play Saturday, but Maurice said the centre is "improving."

Adam Lowry (upper-body) was still in a non-contact jersey Friday, but is slowly taking some controlled contact.

"We've added small steps of physical confrontation, right now he's in control of it. He's the one leaning on guys. The next stage will be for them to lean on him a little bit," said Maurice, adding Jacob Trouba (lower-body), now practicing in a regular jersey, could return soon.

"We're pushing him as hard as we can. I don't have him on this road trip, but if he continues to go the way he is, as soon as we get back he'll be a player for us."

Goaltender Steve Mason's lower-body injury is one that came up during the shutout win over the Rangers.

"We don't think it's significant right now," said Maurice. "It doesn't feel right to him. We're going to get as many tests as we need to to get it cleared up."

- Mitchell Clinton, WinnipegJets.com

JETS GAME NOTES

Today's Game The Winnipeg Jets play the fourth game of a season-high six-game road trip today against the Philadelphia Flyers...The Jets are 3-0 on the trip after wins against the Carolina Hurricanes, and New Jersey Devils...Following tonight, the road trip continues against the Washington Capitals on Monday.

Jets vs. Flyers Notes - The Jets have won back-to-back games against the Flyers after enduring a six-game losing streak to Philadelphia (0-4-2) from Nov. 29/13 - Nov. 17/16. - Winnipeg is 3-for-31 (9.7%) on the power play in its last eight games against the Flyers. - The Jets are 10-for-11 (90.9%) on the penalty kill in their last four games against the Flyers. - Winnipeg has outshot Phildelphia in six of the last seven meetings.

Getting Streaky The Jets extended their winning streak to four games with Thursday's win against the Devils, which matches a season-high from Nov. 11-18...Unlike November when one of the wins came in a shootout, all four victories in this streak have come in regulation...The Jets also have six three-game winning streaks this season.

Marching Forward The Jets are 4-0-0 to start the month of March...The Jets also had a strong March last season, going 8-5-1 in 14 games...Since relocating to Winnipeg in 2011, the Jets are 43-40-10 in the month of March...Newcomer Paul Stastny leads the Jets with 116 points (36G, 80A) in 139 career games in March, while Mark Scheifele has 43 points (19G, 24A) in 49 games in March during his career.

Facing the East The Jets are 15-6-5 against the Eastern Conference this season, including a 9-3-2 record versus the Metropolitan Division...Winnipeg has won six consecutive games against Eastern Conference teams and 10 of their last 11 games against the East dating back to a 4-2 victory over the on Dec. 29/17...Winnipeg is in the midst of six consecutive games against the East...Of the seven road games Winnipeg has left, five are against an Eastern Conference opponent...Blake Wheeler leads the Jets with 32 points (8G, 24A) in 25 games against the Eastern Conference, which is sixth among Western Conference players.

Special Time on the Road After losing back-to-back road games on Jan. 12 at Chicago (2-1) and Jan. 13 at Minnesota (4- 1), Winnipeg has a point in eight consecutive games away from home (7-0-1) and are on a franchise record five-game road winning streak...With 17 wins, Winnipeg is three wins away from tying the franchise record for most road wins in a season...The Jets are 38-for-41 (92.7%) on the penalty kill in their last 13 games on the road and have killed 18 consecutive shorthanded opportunities away from home...In those same 13 games, the Jets are 10-for-33 on the power play (30.3%).

Laine's World After being named the NHL's second star of the week on Monday, Patrik Laine has continued his torrid pace with four goals in his first two games this week...Laine extended his point streak to 10 games (14G, 6A) with a goal on Thursday...He has 39 goals this season, which is second in the NHL, and 75 goals in his first two seasons, which leads the NHL since the start of last season...Laine's 75 goals as a teenager is tied with Sidney Crosby for fourth-most in NHL history...Only three Finnish-born players have scored 40 goals in a season - Teemu Selanne (seven times), (seven times) and Tomas Sandstrom (twice). (The last time was Selanne's 48 goals during the 2006-07 season)...And finally, Laine has scored eight of Winnipeg's 13 goals during its current four-game winning streak.

Wins Record Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck set the franchise record for most wins in a season with his 35th victory on Thursday in New Jersey...He passed , who won 34 games in 68 appearances for the Atlanta Thrashers during the 2006-07 season, while Hellebuyck won his 35th game in his 55th appearance...Hellebuyck's 35 victories are the third-most in the NHL this season...With Thursday's win, he improved to 12-2-4 versus the East in 2017-18 with a 2.37 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.

Immediate Impact Since being acquired from the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 26, Paul Stastny has six points (2G, 4A) in his first five games as a member of the Jets, including two multi-point games...He's had the primary assist on three of Laine's last five goals and he and Laine have combined for five of the six goals Stastny has been in on with the Jets...The duo have been playing on a line with Nikolaj Ehlers and have combined for 23 points (12G, 11A)...The threesome is Winnipeg's top three scorers since Feb. 26.

Benny and the Jets Defenceman Ben Chiarot had an assist on Thursday to extend his career-high point streak to five games (1G, 4A)...His assist also set a new career-high assist streak at three games...Prior to this point streak, Chiarot had gone eight games without a point.

Jets vs. Flyers All-Time Records Overall: 18-33-9 At Bell MTS Place: 5-2-2 At Wells Fargo Center: 8-17-4