Click this-
@teddier you'll like it.
Are you tired of Evander Kane yet? Well he’s probably at the point where he’s tired of hearing his name in the media some more but that didn’t stop Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun to dig up some old memories with his column of advice from former Winnipeg Jet Keith Tkachuk. First, I know of stories directly from participants in Tkachuk’s ‘back in the day’ debauchery and they make the Kane rumours look like stealing candy from babies. Second, what purpose does this serve the public to dredge up stories from 19 years ago and compare them to now?
There really is no gossip or enlightenment from Tkachuk except one part which I have wholeheartedly endorsed since the beginning of the Kane fiasco: the citizens of Winnipeg being far more respectful.
"The people who work in these restaurants and the fans should be very careful,” he said. “Look at what the Jets have done for the economy. I’d be very careful of doing that to players.”
This is a valid point and one which needs to be constantly remembered by those who engage with the Jets away from the seats at the MTS Centre. These guys are entitled to the same level of scrutiny you or I would want which is to say frankly, none.
Tonight marks the first of two very important games for the Winnipeg Jets as they face division rivals in back-to-back games starting in Tampa tonight and against Florida tomorrow. The biggest change for the Jets is that some of the missing playmaking creativity of Burmistrov and defensive explorations of Byfuglien could be back tonight. Whatever one thinks of Byfulgien’s play defensively or offensively it cannot be disputed how much he brings to the overall dynamic of the team. Byfuglien has missed 16 games in that time the Jets have 7 wins. Despite a convincing win over the Avalanche on December 27th the Jets slid into the new year as the after effects of big Buf’s absence were soon felt.
Byfuglien brings to the Jets what so many teams want a difference maker, albeit a high risk- high reward player. He can take up space, log minutes, contribute offensively, and disrupt plays all of which are missing from the Jets right now. It is not certain he starts tonight, but should he dress, expect some rust tonight. He’s playing with a knee brace now and while having been working out during his absence game shape and timing do not come back easily.
Burmistrov on the other hand is cleared from concussion like symptoms and is almost a lock to start. He can be difference maker for the Jets too but often finds himself on solo adventures with the puck without getting the desired shot or pass off. The Jets have one of those players already in Kyle Wellwood. Can the young Russian help ignite a listless Jets offense? Probably not as he has not shown that depth of talent yet, but for Claude Noel having any player who can do something with the puck is a bonus. Keeping to the plan would help the Burmistrov in his return as well as helping the Jets as earning wins are a team effort devoted to complete games in all 200 feet of the ice. Burmistrov has to embrace this tactic much like his team mates did against Philadelphia.
To add Byfuglien and Burmistrov a roster move has to be made and as yet the Jets have not done so. As Ken Wiebe said in the Sun, it could be a simple retroactive IR placement to January 20th of Tim Stapleton it could also mean the Ice Caps call-ups go back to St. John’s.
The Jets have a chance to ensure a .500 road record this trip with a win against TB tonight. The task is not easy as the Bolts have won 5 straight games and have climbed within 4 points of Winnipeg with 2 games in hand. Tonight’s game is more than a 4 point game it’s a six pointer as that’s how afar ahead the Jets will be of Tampa should they beat them. Assume the 2 games in hand are wins and the Jets would hold a 2 point lead at even games played.
It’s better to leave it all on the ice tonight as the Jets record in the second game of back-to-backs is atrocious. However, just when it appears the Jets have learned a lesson and are ready to move on this young team stumbles on something else for a new setback. By this point the team should know exactly what it has to do night in and out to climb back into post season contention and the next two games are the best test to see if they have taken their lessons to heart.
Enjoy the game
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
Join the Discussion:
»