Narrow escape for Jets’ Kulikov

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This article was published 25/01/2018 (2786 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Tomas Hertl escaped suspension and Dmitry Kulikov may have escaped a serious injury.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman is listed as “possible” for tonight’s game in Anaheim, just 48 hours after he was crushed from behind by Hertl in San Jose.

The NHL department of player safety opted to take no action against the San Jose forward beyond the five-minute boarding major and game misconduct he received.

Kulikov was cut on the play in the first period and did not return.

He was held out of Wednesday’s practice as a precaution.

“Dmitry had a good day, so he’ll go out for the morning skate and we’ll just make sure he’s trending in the right direction,” Jets head coach Paul Maurice said.

Defenceman Toby Enstrom was also missing from the skate, and Maurice said he is “probable” to play tonight against the Ducks.

The Jets recalled Tucker Poolman from the Manitoba Moose to serve as insurance in case Kulikov and Enstrom are unable to play.

Ben Chiarot would likely be the first option to step in and play if another defnceman was required.

“I haven’t heard anything and I don’t know anything yet. I just always stay ready, it’s kind of my job,” Chiarot said.

Chiarot has appeared in 24 games this season and was a healthy scratch for the other 25.

“I don’t think you ever want to embrace being out of the lineup. You don’t know that when you sign your contract. You don’t know that’s the role you are going to be in. But that’s how things played out this year and that’s where I’m at,” Chiarot said.

“You’re getting paid to do your job, so you just do it to the best of your ability.”

Chiarot said getting back up to speed, literally, is the toughest part of coming in and out of the lineup.

“Any time you’re not playing for any amount of time and everybody else is playing, the speed of the league picks up. It’s more about your personal rhythm and making plays and just picking that back up every time,” he said.

“It’s kind of like restarting your season almost. It’s tough and it’s not the most fun job, but it’s the role I’m in right now and I’ve got to do the best with it.”

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Jets centre Adam Lowry will be held out of action until after the all-star game, missing his eighth straight game tonight. He had been hopeful to return to action much sooner, but a nagging upper-body injury isn’t healing fast enough.

Lowry continued to wear a yellow non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice, although he did begin to participate in some battle drills.

Winnipeg enjoys a four-day hiatus following tonight’s game, returning to action Tuesday at home against the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.

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Jets forward Joel Armia has shown plenty of offensive flash during this season, and his nine goals are just off his career-best of 10 set last year in 57 games.

Armia has already exceeded his highest previous point total of 19, also set last year, with 20 so far this year in 46 games.

Maurice was asked Wednesday if he’s been tempted to move Armia further up the lineup, perhaps on the top line with Blake Wheeler and Patrik Laine, given of Kyle Connor’s recent struggles.

“It’s not about a depth chart in terms of your lines. Who’s playing the best gets moved up the depth chart. It’s roles and what we’re asking them to do,” Maurice said.

To hear the Jets’ head coach explain it, moving Armia up might actually do more harm than good — considering how valuable he is right now on the third line, currently in more of a shutdown role with Andrew Copp and Brandon Tanev while Lowry is out of the lineup.

“I’m not going to give Joel a more offensive opportunity as a payment for really good play and lose what’s more important to the Winnipeg Jets, and that’s winning hockey games,” Maurice said.

“Joel’s been great. We need him there. We need Joel doing what he’s doing right now.”

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Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and captain Blake Wheeler won’t get the same rest as their teammates this week, instead heading from California to Florida to represent the Jets in the all-star game.

While Maurice is happy that they’re being rewarded for their strong play, he admits to wishing they weren’t going.

“I completely wish they wouldn’t. But two guys who really deserve to go, and I hope they have a great time,” Maurice said.

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Jack Roslovic’s recall to the Winnipeg Jets means he’ll be a no-show at the upcoming American Hockey League all-star game.

The league announced Wednesday that Manitoba Moose rookie forward Mason Appleton will take Roslovic’s place.

“Yeah, really happy for him. He deserved it. He’s playing well and he earned that. So it’s good for him. As far as it goes for me, I want to be in the NHL as long as I can. If that is what it takes, then you have to sacrifice some things,” Roslovic said.

Appleton currently leads the Moose in scoring with 12 goals and 24 assists in 42 games.

Roslovic, with 15 goals and 20 assists in 32 games, is right behind him.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg