Back to work after fun in the sun

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This article was published 06/11/2023 (698 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TEMPE, Ariz. — It’s safe to say the Winnipeg Jets enjoyed their extended stay in the desert.

After downing the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday afternoon by a 5-3 score, the team remained in the area for another 48 hours. The itinerary included a Sunday afternoon round of golf, a couple of group dinners and an on-ice workout on Monday morning.

“It’s really important, especially early in the season like this with a lot of new faces, a lot of new players on this team. It’s important to get out into the sun and enjoy being together as a team,” centre Mark Scheifele said.

Now it’s back to business, and a chance to close out a three-game road trip with a winning record. They’ll face a surging St. Louis Blues team on Tuesday night that will be seeking its third straight win.

“We played them already earlier in the year (a 4-2 win on Oct. 24). Very structured. Their team game’s been going really well so we’ve got to make sure we’re ready to go,” assistant coach Brad Lauer said following practice.

He wouldn’t tip his hand on the lineup, including whether Connor Hellebuyck or Laurent Brossoit would start in goal.

The Jets have just one regulation loss in the past seven (4-1-2), with that occurring at the start of this journey last Thursday in Las Vegas. Plenty of home cooking is on the horizon, with five straight games at Canada Life Centre starting Thursday night.

Winnipeg’s five-on-five play has been elite so far this year, but the penalty kill and power play have struggled. However, the Jets have scored goals on the man advantage in two straight games, so perhaps it’s starting to turn?

“Obviously when they go in for you that’s a big part of it,” Scheifele said of confidence. “I think it comes with chemistry. You kind of get used to playing with certain guys and what kind of reads they make, what kind of plays they make, what kind of plays they’re good at. I think building chemistry is a big part of it.”

Winnipeg was without four regulars Monday as Neal Pionk, Alex Iafallo, Dylan Samberg and Dominic Toninato were flown by the organization to Minnesota so they could attend Adam Johnson’s funeral on Sunday and his celebration of life on Monday. Pionk spoke at the event.

Johnson died after his throat was cut with a skate during a game in England last month.

Shiny souvenir

Brossoit was still beaming on Monday about receiving his Stanley Cup ring last week in Las Vegas. It wasn’t just the fact he got it from the Golden Knights — he knew that was happening — but how it went down a few hours prior to puck drop

“It was surreal, having the whole team there when they gave it to me,” said Brossoit.

“I went over to their room and everyone that was on the team last year was in their stalls and all the staff and management were there. They said some nice things and presented it. I got to see some of the guys and talk to some of the guys, which was nice. And then pop back over to our room.”

The emotional reunion continued that evening when a tribute video was played during a stoppage.

“It really meant a lot to me,” said Brossoit.

Pride night

The Jets have announced details about their annual Pride Night game, which takes place Nov. 17 against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Rainbow Resource Centre and Pride Winnipeg are involved in planning and engaging the community in the initiative. Fundraising will support their work to provide support and resources to the 2SLGBTTQ+ community.

Six Jets autographed Pride jerseys will be auctioned off on the concourse during the game. Additional Pride jerseys will be part of an online auction during Pride Month next June. Jets Pride apparel, including hoodies, t-shirts, caps and scarves, is available at all Jets Gear locations and online at TrueNorthShop.com.

Sunshine House, Nine Circles Community Health Centre and Reaching Out Winnipeg will all have informational booths set up in the concourse during the game, which is part of of the NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg