Jets go back to their roots to prep for Ducks

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This article was published 09/12/2023 (713 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ANAHEIM — There were no parents around to tie skates or provide words of motivation. No juice boxes or orange slices being handed out either. But the Winnipeg Jets channelled their minor hockey roots on Saturday as they prepared to face all three California-based NHL clubs over the next four days.

Players arrived at the crowded practice facility ready to go, getting off the bus in their gear and stepping on to the ice where a youth hockey game had just wrapped up. Once the hour-long workout was complete — and not a second later, what with the rink attendant repeatedly hitting the buzzer to let them know time was up — it was right back on the bus.

Known as a “dress and drive,” this type of set-up is extremely rare at the NHL level. But with the Honda Center booked on Saturday for a Christmas concert, Plan B meant thinking outside the box. The Jets got dressed in the spacious rooms at the Anaheim Ducks home rink, then took the 15-minute ride over the practice facility.

“It’s worked out well. You’ve got to enjoy days like today,” coach Rick Bowness told the Free Press. “It’s not always first-class hotels, first class rinks. This is a good reminder of where we all come from.”

Veteran defenceman Brenden Dillon said this reminded him of his junior hockey days.

“It’s a throwback,” he said. “It’s kind of fun when you see the minor hockey rinks that are around the areas you go to. You have a little fun with it. Guys are getting carted around. Some guys complain a little bit more than others, but it was fun.”

All kidding aside, the Jets (15-8-2) will be looking to get right back to business after starting off a four-game road trip with an impressive 4-2 victory on Thursday night against the Colorado Avalanche which extended their overall win streak to three games.

They’ll face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, fly to northern California to take on the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, then wrap it up against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

The next two opponents would be a significant tier below the likes of the Avalanche — both the Ducks (10-16-0) and Sharks (8-17-2) are in the early stages of rebuilds — so should there be any concern about the Jets playing down to the competition?

“This is a tough league to win in no matter what. Every team in this league can beat another team any given night,” said Bowness. “You always have to have the upmost respect for your opposition. As soon as you take your foot off the pedal you’re letting them go. It’s up to us to impose our will on, first of all, Anaheim.”

There could be one change to the lineup, with forward Vlad Namestnikov expected to return after missing the past three games with a lower-body injury. He would likely take Axel Jonsson-Fjallby’s spot on the fourth line, at least to start.

“At this point, we are very hopeful he plays,” said Bowness.

Based on line rushes at Saturday’s skate, it appears defenceman Logan Stanley will remain in, while Declan Chisholm and Nate Schmidt will again be healthy scratches. Connor Hellebuyck, coming off a 32-save performance, will start in net.

Dillon said there’s never an easy trip through California, and he would know. He spent six years with the Sharks and had numerous head-to-head battles with the Ducks and Kings.

“I’ve been on the California side of that, and you’re usually getting a team on a back-to-back somewhere in there (as the Kings will Wednesday),” said Dillon.

“For guys coming in, couple hours time change, they’re Western Conference games so you know the style it’s going to be. All those teams are as advertised, so a good test for us.”

Winnipeg has gone 15 straight games without giving up more than three goals, and both the power play and penalty kill are showing signs of improvement.

“I think we’re finding ways to win, which is nice,” said Dillon.

”Our special teams is, knock on wood, hopefully coming a little bit, which can help our five-on-five play. Overall, we’re a confident group right now. We feel like we’ve handled some adversity, with some injuries and whatnot throughout the start of the season, and now just trying to continue to find our footing.”

The Jets enjoyed a day away from the rink Friday, getting in a round of golf and some team bonding in the Anaheim area.

“We’ve had a good start to our schedule,” said Dillon. “I think having these days in between games, it was nice to finish with a win before those (on Thursday). Guys feel good. Good vibes around the room. It’s good to get back to work today.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg