The Winnipeg Jets look to take their fifth win in a row, taking on the San Jose Sharks in the third game of their road trip. Just two weeks ago the Sharks topped the Jets 4-3, but the Jets have been playing much better hockey since then. Coming off of a great ending to a game against the Kings, the Jets will look to continue the success.
As I am writing this, there has been several Sharks players placed in the NHL's COVID Protocol. I will update right below when there is more news.
Update 7:12pm ET:
As reported by Curtis Pashelka on Twitter, "Sharks in protocol F Andrew Cogliano, F Jonathan Dahlen, D Erik Karlsson, D Jacob Middleton, F Matt Nieto, D Radem Simek, D Marc-Edouard Vlasic". Noah Gregor and Head Coach Bob Boughner as well. Logan Coture will not play either, as he is feeling under the weather, not COVID related
The Sharks have recalled John Leonard, Jaycob Megna, Nicolas Meloche, Nick Merkley, and Ryan Merkley
This is a huge breakout in San Jose, resulting in a 30 minute delay to the game. Will update more with news.
Kyle Connor has been leading the way through the win-streak the Jets are on, currently sitting alone in third for most points in the league with 13. The offense he has been providing was much needed, and the lineup changes seemed to spark something with Connor-Dubois-Svechnikov. Dubois has emerged as a top-end power center, and things seem to be going right in Winnipieg in the absence of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. While lines havent been confirmed, Blake Wheeler is able to play in the game against the Sharks, and was practicing on the third-line on Friday.
October 30th/Game 8 Projected Lineup
Stasny-Copp-Ehlers Connor-Dubois-Svechnikov Vesalainen-Lowry-Wheeler (Not Confirmed if Wheeler will play) Harkins-Nash-Toninato (One of Nash or Toninato will come out if they go 11F/7D)
Morrissey-Schmidt Dillon-Pionk Stanley-DeMelo Beaulieu
There are a lot of questions marks headed into tonights game, and many are going to be looking for the big one, Blake Wheeler. After being in the NHL's COVID Protocol, he is able to join the team and as many were hoping for, he was skating on the third line. As many point out, it is nothing against Blake Wheelers ability. He has a style of play that catches up with age, and while still being a very capable NHL player, less 5-on-5 time, while still keeping powerplay time will likely help his game. Another reason, is how could you break up this top-six right now? The Dubois line has been incredible to say the least, Ehlers has been finding his touch and Stasny and Copp are living up to the roles they have been placed in. The bottom-six (or five) has been playing well too, and while the offense is mostly coming from the top of the lineup, the depth players are showing they can play significant roles in their respective position.
Now, I want to take a little bit of time to look at the Kevin Cheveldayoff situation. The Jets General Manager had a meeting scheduled for Monday, November 1st, but got it moved to Friday, to have it sooner. After the meeting, it was put in a statement by the NHL that the league would not be holding, then Assistant GM, responsible for the cover-up of the Kyle Beach. Cheveldayoff attended one meeting, and many hardly remembered he was there, and he was not "part of senior management", so Gary Bettman will not discipline the Jets General Manager. This meeting comes after Joel Quinneville, then Head Coach, and Stan Bowman step aside in their current roles.
I have to wonder when Kevin Cheveldayoff will speak to media, as I am sure it is coming. This is a decision that many are upset with, as many believe that an Assistant GM is senior leadership, and that one meeting should be more than enough to make sure a report is done. Adding his statement from July into the mix, and many people have strong feelings on this topic.
Nothing is more important than thanking Kyle Beach for coming forward. Not just with his identity, but with the case. Having the courage to face the people who put him through a horrific experience after 11 years, and for being strong enough to show others they can reach out. His interview revealing his identity and telling his story broke many hearts. The amount of emotional and mental toughness to be in that situation, it is remarkable. Kyle Beach is a hero.
Thank you for reading, let me know your thoughts in the comments on the Jets, Kevin Cheveldayoff, and other things.
By Jacob Billington Follow @JacobBillingt10