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Evander Kane has a new haircut:
Ahh Evander, we get it, you are different but let's not lose fact that the big contract does not define you. The game you play and how you play it is where your legacy lies. Forget the promo, the image, and the look- play hockey.
For reference sake I remember when Bertuzzi did goofy haircuts too and Brashear died his burns blue before a Leafs game. Jets fans can only hope he 'grows out of it' soon.
Regular programming:
The Jets host the Penguins at the MTS Centre tonight and it marks the first time Sydney Crosby sets foot in Winnipeg since the training camp before the 2005 WJHC which was held in Grand Forks ND. Talk already circulates around how Crosby is unlike the last great Penguins superstar, Mario Lemieux, who always seemed to have the “Winnipeg flu” when his team had to make a trip to the river city.
Crosby also exudes a bit of desire and personality in his youth, something that would not come to Lemieux later on in his career, although the latter never seemed to drop the whining. Crosby has at least figured that out.
The Jets 2.0 had their first win of their inaugural season against the Penguins last year but later struggled against the team giving up 20 goals in the final three games.
Talk today and much of Thursday revolves around the Jets lines and what can be expected come tonight’s game. Two variables exist in that Kyle Wellwood is expected back in the line up and where does Mark Scheifele fit in?
With the success of the Kane, Jokinen Wheeler line and a decent showing for Ladd, Little Antropov should either of those lines be changed?
One would think adding Wellwood too the second line and dropping Antro might be a sly move to increase the skill level and add a player who has excellent possession numbers. It would mean that the third line becomes Ponikarovsky, Antropov and Burmistrov dropping the rookie back to the 4th line- Slater, Thorburn Scheifele. Thus the debate begins.
Scheifele
One thing is certain, Scheifele is going back to junior- he’s not ready for full-time NHL work and the Jets are not in a desperate enough situation to keep him, they’re not the Oilers. So the question being asked is why on the fourth line with Slater and Thorburn?
Here are some basic facts about Scheifele, and team, that might explain why Noel has no problem letting him have five games anywhere before sending him back to Barrie.
-While tall and heavier than last season he is still slender and lacks necessary muscle. Playing a more grinding role while in the NHL is as much a lesson in awareness of how strong he has to get to succeed.
-What part of Scheifele’s game is going to be an improvement over Little, Wellwood or Burmistrov? Read the above point again.
-Scheifele’s hands and skill are not going to diappear forever by playing with Slater and Thorburn, in fact they may improve by having to battle to use them. It’s the physical play that has held Scheifele back, along with Mason Raymond syndrome (staying on your feet).
-There is no pressure to dazzle with Slater and Thorburn. Those two made Tanner Glass look effective and somewhat dangerous.
-If it’s clear that Scheifele is going back to Barrie, and it should be to all, why disrupt the emerging chemistry of the top lines to slot a player who has two games left with the team? The shortened season does not allow for that luxury.
Preview:
Expect a team of angry birds tonight at the MTS Centre, ones who are willing to fly right into the windshield of on-comign aircraft. They Pens were embarrassed at their home opener by the Leafs and should be anxious to fix that mistake. The visitors also have a chance to take sole position of the Atlantic division lead should they win and get some help. The same help they will want from Winnipeg on Sunday when the Jets host the Islanders.
Keys to the game
1. Containment. The Jets need to keep space to a premium for the Penguins star players. Hainsey and Stuart did a notable job on Ovechkin and Backstrom but Corsby and Malkin are a whole other challenge.
2. Penalties. The best way to keep the game close is by staying out of the box and hopefully drawing Penguins players to the box. As Brooks Orpik said “having those three guys on the bench isn’t a good recipe for winning hockey games. We know in here we have to be a little more disciplined if we want to win hockey games.
3. Offense. The Jets scored 4 goals last game doubling their combined number of the previous two games. It has to happen again tonight. To do so would mean keeping pace through the neutral zone with quick transitions. Looking at you Mr. Kane.
4. Goaltending. Pavelec is rocking a .929 save percentage and a 2.27 GAA. He has played his angles well and not let himself fly too far out of position when is required to make an athletic style save, thus a quick recovery to position will be critical.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
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