FROM THE PRESS BOX
MIKE SAYS:
It’s been 145 long days — and nights — since we’ve last had a Jets game that counts to cover.
And while I’m not expecting the same overall intensity or emotion of that May 17 matchup between the Jets and Stars — Kenny was there that night and shares some thoughts below — tonight should still be a dandy.
Here’s five things I’m going to be watching beyond the obvious talking points covered above:
→ Can Gustav Nyquist build off an impressive preseason and bring some much-needed offence to the table?
I don’t expect him to fill the void left by Nikolaj Ehlers, but Nyquist has plenty of creativity and skill to his game. Finding some early chemistry, especially with Toews on that second line, will be crucial.
→ How quickly will Nikita Chibrikov and Cole Koepke become fan favourites? It shouldn’t take long.
Both of these players bring plenty of energy — I’d refer to them as “shift disturbers” — and they should have the downtown rink buzzing with their play.
→ Can Tanner Pearson make an impact? I’ll be honest, I didn’t see a whole lot from him during preseason.
With a pair of hungry young players in Parker Ford and Brad Lambert on the roster as healthy scratches, Pearson should be feeling some pressure to perform.
→ How many minutes do Winnipeg’s “big three” on the blueline play? Samberg’s absence looms large, especially for a club that prides itself on its defensive structure and play.
I’m thinking Josh Morrissey, Dylan DeMelo and Neal Pionk are all in for busy nights at the office. Arniel will likely lean on them early and often, and for good reason.
→ Can Winnipeg’s defence pairing of Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn hold up? I’m skeptical, but Arniel is going to give it a try tonight.
He does have the benefit of last change on home ice, so he can shelter them a bit. But I just don’t see this working over the long-term. They are too slow.
KEN SAYS: It’s impossible to see the Jets and Stars matching up to start the season and not think of the lasting image from their playoff series last May.
On what was an emotional day for the Jets as a whole after the passing of Brad Scheifele, the team put forth an incredible effort that included a goal from Mark Scheifele.
But the power-play marker from Thomas Harley brought an abrupt ending to the season and the sight of Scheifele sitting in the penalty box in disbelief was something one won’t soon forget.
The show of compassion — first from the Jets in being there for a teammate under difficult circumstances, and later, by Stars players who pulled Scheifele in for a few words and an extra long hug during the traditional handshake line — was impressive to witness in person. In short, it was part of what makes this sport so great.
“We were thinking about him,” Stars forward Tyler Seguin said after Thursday’s morning skate. “It’s weird to say that we were happy that he scored. We wanted to make sure that we won, but kudos to him for playing in that game. It shows the character that he has.”
Scheifele is eager to get this new season going and is fired up to see his most frequent linemate, Connor, sign a long-term extension.
Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele is eager to get this new season going. (Gareth Patterson / The Associated Press files)
You can understand why Jonathan Toews wants to stop talking about his comeback and just got back to playing after his lengthy absence. This is a decorated athlete with high expectations for himself, but he’s also spent a lot of time focusing on enjoying the sport that was taken away from him for an extended period of time.
The roar for Toews when he’s announced by public address announcer Jay Richardson during the pre-game ceremony is sure to be deafening. It’s important to remember this is simply an early step in what will be a long process that includes ups and downs.
“I used to be pretty hard on myself and I would do so until I got what I wanted or got where I want to go,” said Toews. “I’ve gotten to the point where I realized that that’s not really an effective way to keep going about things.
“For me, it’s about being as connected as I can be to the process, being in the present moment and enjoying every moment, especially the ones that maybe don’t feel so good or are more challenging.”
The hockey world is watching and a lot of former teammates and opponents are rooting for him to succeed.
“It’s good for the league that he’s making a comeback,” said Stars winger Mikko Rantanen, who was a beast against the Jets in that playoff series last spring.
“Three-time Stanley Cup champion, a very good player. He’s a good leader and a winner.”
PROJECTED LINES
WINNIPEG JETS
FORWARDS:
- Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi
- Nyquist-Toews-Chibrikov
- Niederreiter-Namesntikov-Iafallo
- Koepke-Barron-Pearson
DEFENCE:
- Morrissey-DeMelo
- Fleury-Pionk
- Stanley-Schenn
- GOAL:
- Hellebuyck
- Comrie
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: D Miller, F Ford, F Lambert
INJURED: C Lowry (hip), F Perfetti (ankle), D Samberg (wrist)
DALLAS STARS
FORWARDS:
- Steel-Hintz-Rantanen
- Robertson-Johnston-Bourque
- Blackwell-Duchene-Seguin
- Hryckowian-Faksa-Bastian
DEFENCE:
- Lindell-Heiskanen
- Harley-Lundkvist
- Bischel-Lyubushkin
GOAL:
HEALTHY SCRATCHES: D Petrovic, F Erne
INJURED: LW Benn (collapsed lung), F Bach (undisclosed)
NOTABLE QUOTABLE
Jets forward Kyle Connor on his team’s mindset to start the new season:
“We feel we have a lot of unfinished business as a group. We took a great step last year, obviously the Presidents’ Trophy, but we realize that it’s all about that next step in the playoffs and getting to that next round and winning and having that consistent presence in the playoffs and going as deep as we can.
“A lot of cards need to align to make a run like that and I think we have the pieces here, the motivation, and another year of maturity in the playoffs.”
WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON
Ken will have a feature on Jonathan Toews that includes conversations with some of his former teammates regarding his return to the NHL.
Mike will handle the game analysis of Jets vs Stars. You can find both pieces online later tonight and in Friday’s print edition of the Free Press.
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