The Check In - 04.13.26 - Jets at Golden Knights

The Jets head out on their final road trip of the regular season as they visit the Golden Knights in Vegas. Sara and Jamie will discuss the Jets playoff chances and welcome the voice of the Moose, Daniel Fink and The Athletic's Jesse Granger to the show.

Transcript

SPEAKER_05 0:00

Okay, in Toronto. We're having a D camp as well. I thought it was about to go.

SPEAKER_01 0:13

She's holding it.

SPEAKER_05 0:14

Well. Easy is also having colleges come out. It's like 27, 28, 29. I'm gonna take that.

SPEAKER_00 2:18

Yeah, I mean, you know what, it's it's tough because uh we know how tight it is, and just, you know, the situation we're in, we need points um desperately, and I think just you know, I I at the end of the day, regardless of the score today, you know, we move on and we have to continue to try and control our fate. We you know, we got three games left, we got a tough road trip here, and um again, all we can do is try and control what we can control, and that's getting ready to go against Vegas. And you know, there's six possible points left. Can we get all six and um see how the cards fall? That's all we can do. And um, you know, it is frustrating. Just we worked so hard to get back in this mix. Um, you know, we we knew we weren't gonna go whatever it was, uh 28 or however many games we had after the break, uh no, but um yeah, we're we gotta stick with it, we gotta keep fighting.

SPEAKER_05 3:14

Uh I I really appreciate how uh blatantly honest Josh was after that game.

SPEAKER_01 3:23

Well, I mean, there's not look, there's I mean what he said is correct, and and they've got themselves into quite a pickle now. I mean, we knew it was going to be um a very steep hill for them to be able to climb to get back in, but that loss against Philadelphia uh certainly, you know, seems to be um I've sealed the deal in in many ways. You need a lot to go right. Lots, lots, lots, lots, lots of help. Um, yeah, in order for the Jets to be able to make it into the postseason. But there are still three games and there's still a lot to see what this team is able to do because you never know. Uh I'm Sarah Oleski, he is Jamie Thomas. The Jets kicking off back-to-back games on the road. It starts tonight in Vegas. This is a Golden Knights team that is still, we know they're going to be in the postseason. Where they're finishing in the Pacific Division, or even, I mean, in theory, it could be in a wildcard spot, depending on how things close out for the remainder of the games, uh, remains to be seen. But John Tortarella in as head coach over there. So there have been a number of changes with that Golden Knights team since the last time that the Jets and Knights cross paths, and then they finish off the road trip in Utah tomorrow. So we will see what sort of response we get from the Jets in this game here tonight.

SPEAKER_05 4:37

Yeah, uh like you have to give Philadelphia credit because Philadelphia is was in a better position than the Jets are. They still are trying to lock down third spot in the Metropolitan Division. They had to win to keep their playoff chances alive because Columbus, of course, is pushing as well in the Eastern Conference. So they come out quickly. And again, when Hayden Fleury ties the game on just their second shot. Like his he had the rebound, the first shot, then the rebound, he scores on it. I'm like, okay, they're gonna do this again. Yeah, give the first goal and come back. They like Philadelphia had had dominated up until that point. I'm like, okay, they're gonna be okay. And then Philadelphia just took over from there. So and then on top of that, Adam Lowry was also as honest as Josh Morrissey was about just their they weren't ready right from the start of the game.

SPEAKER_01 5:24

So and Scott O'Neill said that in his post-game availability as well, that they weren't ready. He took responsibility from it for it, did not really elaborate when he was asked in what way were they not ready. Um, how how and he took credit for it, yeah, right. But he said that you know, he as the coach, he puts that on him. But so it was disappointing to see. I think so many people were excited coming into that game. You know, you you had seen them be able to get points, they were still in the mix, uh, and then just to come out, and it wasn't just that they lost to me, it was how um how they lost. So looking forward to seeing them bounce back because there's a there's a lot of pride in this group. Um, so we will see what happens tonight in Vegas. But as we mentioned, Vegas also having a lot to play for right now as well. Uh, we caught up with Jesse Granger from The Athletic, he covers the Vegas Golden Knights.

SPEAKER_05 6:13

So always something interesting going on in Vegas. Always.

SPEAKER_01 6:16

And so because of the time change right now, you know, you think Vegas is two hours behind us. Uh, he wasn't able to join us live. So we uh we taped something with him this morning and got his perspective on it. And then looking forward to having the voice of the Manitoba Moose, Daniel Fink, join us in just a little bit as well.

SPEAKER_05 6:30

Why?

SPEAKER_01 6:31

Uh well, for a variety of reasons, um, including obviously the moose are headed to the postseason, so we'll get an update on them. But then yesterday, before the Jets flew out, they did not skate, but they did announce that they had two emergency recalls. Um, so Braden Yeager and uh Nikita Chipperkov were called up. And so, with the time change, morning skate has not happened yet. So whether we see them in the lineup tonight, we do not know, but we could be seeing the fourth NHL debut of the season for a Winnipeg jet player.

SPEAKER_05 7:07

Yeah, and that and that's here's the other part where we one of the key things we're gonna talk to Dan about is how Manitoba keeps doing this because Jets have Lambert, they have Salomons, and like there's you know, the roster's been depleted a little bit, but they keep winning, and that's full credit to Mark Morrison and the coaching staff for the Manitoba Moose. The fact that they um are still in the hunt or they're in a playoff spot, but they're trying to get better positioning, of course, in the in their division. So we'll talk to Daniel about that. But looking there could be uh a debut tonight, we're not sure about it, but pay attention to the CJOB, of course, and TS.

SPEAKER_01 7:38

Well, and hopefully we'll be able to find out. You know what? Guaranteed that uh Mitchell Clinton will tweet out um what the lines are if they see them at morning skate. So that should happen um at about 1:30. And so you also know that Winnipeg Sports Doc will be live at that point in time, will have any updates for you uh from there as well. One thing I did want to ask all of you in the chat, because we always love being able to hear from you, is which prospect, or we can go beyond prospect and go young player as well, are you most interested in seeing going forward? Um, because there are a number, and whether they're up with the Jets right now or down with the Manitoba Moose, uh, we've had the opportunity to see some of them. And so we want to know for you, who are you most interested in seeing going forward?

SPEAKER_05 8:21

Well, of course, we've seen Nikita Chippakov before, right? He's and he's had opportunities with the Winnipeg Jets. And then on top of that, um Braden Yeager, of course, a big part of the, well, the key return in the Wrecker McGrawy trade. Um, very important trade considering how much the Jets invested Wrecker McGorty with the draft pick that he was selected at. But Brayden Yeager, great player of the Mooshdaw Warriors, Western Hockey League champion, play of the Memorial Cup as well, has that experience, but it's his first year pro hockey. So very curious to see if he does get a shot this week. That's the guy I'll be looking for.

SPEAKER_01 8:53

Yeah, and you know, I'm interested to see that if um Chipperkoff gets an opportunity to get back into the lineup. He played eight games earlier this season. I was looking, wondering, because it was early on in the season, it was at the very beginning, so not remembering different line combinations or where he had the opportunity to play. So he did have the opportunity to play with Nyquist and Taves on that second line, I follow and Taves, and then Kepke and Barron on the fourth line. So he was really used in a variety of different capacities as well. Again, will we see either of them on this road trip? Not sure.

SPEAKER_05 9:24

Yeah, we'll we'll find out a little bit later today. So something to keep an eye out for uh as this day wears long as the Jets would be taking on the Golden Knights, and there's third three games left in the regular season, it's gone by really fast. Yeah. And I really thought they were gonna pull this off. Well because every time, like, okay, this game's gonna be tough, then they'd win.

SPEAKER_02 9:43

Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 9:44

Tough place to play in, win.

SPEAKER_02 9:46

Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 9:46

But the Flyers game really seems to seal it. So, really, in the whole scheme of things, the Los Angeles Kings are also playing tonight. If LA wins, the Jets are eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. If the Jets lose here tonight as well, same thing. Eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, whatever LA does.

SPEAKER_01 10:02

Yeah. Um, a couple of questions in the chat right now. Did Jamie bring Apple Fritters in? Uh he did not, unfortunately. So that's disappointing.

SPEAKER_05 10:10

It's Monday. I'm trying to try something new.

SPEAKER_01 10:12

Okay.

SPEAKER_05 10:13

Yeah, apple fritters need to leave my diet for a bit. Um spare tired being created.

SPEAKER_01 10:21

Uh several people saying that they are very excited to see uh and hope to have the opportunity to see Jaeger in the lineup and see what he could do. Um, another, yeah, Parker Ford, as well as one of those ones that again looking forward. So, who is it that you would like to see um from the Manchupon Moose? We do know that there is going to be playoff hockey starting next week at where when still to be determined when it comes to the HL. There's a lot of movement that is yet um to be determined that can go on with the HL, but we do know that the Manchopa Moose will be in the postseason. Uh, we also know that through the month of April, we have been playing the Tim Hortons hockey challenge.

SPEAKER_04 11:03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 11:04

And so if everybody wants to take a look, we hope that you've been playing along with us. If you haven't up to this point, what is taking you so long?

SPEAKER_05 11:13

Right. So much fun.

SPEAKER_01 11:14

Join the competition.

SPEAKER_05 11:15

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 11:15

It's open the app. So yes. So here's what your option, here's how you go about participating in it.

SPEAKER_05 11:21

Yeah, just open up the app, go to the Tim's hockey challenge, of course. Uh, play for a chance to win, bragging rights with benefits of the Tim Hortons app. You see the multiple games today. I have chosen, of course, if you go seven consecutive days in a row, and I've said this a lot, but if you win seven straight days, a player, the three player, one of the three players you pick, or all of them, they score over the seven days, you get seven free days of coffee. And who doesn't like free stuff? Uh, I chose Cole Perfetti, Moritz Cider, and Jonathan Tay's as my Tim's hockey challenge trio.

SPEAKER_01 11:54

Okay. And I chose, you know, one of the options that um I was looking at last game had been Hayden Fleury. And thought, you know, oh, we're gonna go into this thing.

SPEAKER_05 12:03

We're gonna I was looking at it.

SPEAKER_01 12:05

And so I'm I was so happy when he scored, and I thought, but my first thought knew I why didn't I choose him? Um, so my choices for today, I'm going with Cole Perfetti.

SPEAKER_05 12:16

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 12:17

Um, I am going with Jamie Ben, who I know has not has not been scoring lately, but I feel like it could break out. They are playing in Toronto against the Leafs, and the Leafs uh process. I do. The Leafs have been giving up a lot of goals recently. So I'm gonna go with Ben and then So anybody against Toronto, you're gonna take that then uh former Toronto Maple Leaf, uh Scott Lawton, who is who had been traded to the LA Kings, and we will see who the Leafs gave up a first round pick for for it. They are playing in Seattle tonight. So those are those are my choices.

SPEAKER_05 12:51

All right, I like that. I like the explanation behind them. We do not need to explain why our new our first guest is coming on the show. He is the voice of the Manitoba Moose, they who are playoff bound. Yeah, it is Daniel Fink joining us from Hockey for All Center. Great background, even though it looks like you're using a green screen, but I know for a fact that you're there just because I'm so well lit. Yeah, yeah, I know. Who's who did that for you? Like that Frankie's work or what?

SPEAKER_03 13:17

This is a professional setup that definitely isn't my laptop sitting on a random box.

SPEAKER_05 13:22

No, not not at all. Big camera, massive studio, lots of lights, floor director, all that stuff like that.

SPEAKER_03 13:29

Yeah, you know the the satellite hockey for all center studio. I love it.

SPEAKER_05 13:34

Yeah, fill in the sponsor's name here. Um, let's see, let's go over so the moose clinch a playoff spot. I'm gonna ask you how, because the Jets have done everything in their power to make sure that the Moose have to keep bringing newer players in to uh keep things rolling. But seriously though, Daniel, what has been the key for the Moose's success so far this year?

SPEAKER_03 13:54

Yeah, I I mean I think when you when you look at this team, it's obviously one that has relied on its defensive play, especially through the first half. Um, I mean, they were leading into kind of the trade deadline area, they were in the top 10 in the AHL for goals against. Uh, obviously, that has changed. I mean, you mentioned some of the changes for the Moose with players like Billy Haynel and Leah Salomonson heading up to the Winnipeg Jets. Now, they've dealt with some injuries as well. David Gustafson's been out of the lineup for roughly the same amount of time. And correlating with that, you can see the moose goals against numbers start to climb a little bit. Uh, but then into March, Thomas Milich had a brilliant month between the pipes, uh, was one of the top goaltenders in the American Hockey League to help the Moose along. He had three shutouts that month, uh, including two one-nothing victories. So while this Moose team doesn't score a ton of goals, though they've certainly been trending in the right direction in that regard of late, uh, they've relied on their defensive play. And then throughout um this uh kind of stretch here, it's been kind of relying on one or the other throughout the games. Uh, they've come out with some dicey wins over the last little bit, been able to build up some leads, uh, have used up that insurance, uh, and then in other situations have had to fight it off and win in overtime. So they have just found ways to win uh throughout, and they're in a central division that just beats up on itself. So uh there are teams that are fighting for positioning, and it just seems like every day they're going back and forth. I mean, even to this point, there's about four different playoff scenarios available for the Manitoba Moose with just three games left on the schedule.

SPEAKER_01 15:22

Can you give us an idea in case we do see Jaeger make his debut on this road trip? If you if we see Chipperkoff get into the lineup as well, give people an idea of the types of seasons that they have had so far.

SPEAKER_03 15:34

Yeah, I mean, I was talking to Bob Nerdella about uh Braden Yeager uh just the other day leading into the game against Texas, and he said it's been a very uh what you would expect from a player going through that developmental process. I mean, there's been periods of real growth where they've seen him kind of raise his level, and then it's kind of tapered off as he kind of hits that level and has to learn how to take the next step. And then in March, we saw him start to produce a little more and more consistently and pick up 10 points in 15 games that was tied for the moose lead in that very busy month for Manitoba. And then we saw him score a big goal uh leading into the call-up for his tenth of the season. So 30 points in your rookie season in the American Hockey League is certainly nothing to scoff at. So uh there's been a lot of learning going on for Braden Yeager. He's been able to find a way to produce, and then similar on uh the scale with Nikita Chiberkov, while he's a more experienced player, he's been kind of entering into life post-pretty significant surgery, uh, as it came with his knee and what happened last season. So that can take a long time to sort out. When you talk to players who have been through similar injuries, it can take a full season for them to get back to the player that they were before the injury or learn how to play with some of the limitations that brings along going forward. So for Chiberkov, again, a player that we've seen start to produce on a more regular basis lately, he's been focused on finding ways to be effective and help the team when he isn't racking up points. And that's important for any player, especially if you want to play in the National Hockey League, because you're not gonna rack up points consistently all the time unless your name is Mark Scheifley, Kyle Connor. Those are the guys that are looked to to put up points every single night. So if you're not gonna be scoring, you've got to find a way to be productive in other ways. And Nikita Chiberkov, spicy guy, likes to get into the mix and uh we've seen that physicality uh come to bear in in many different ways. So it's been great to see him kind of getting back to uh just having fun and uh enjoying the game because I think early on there was a lot of frustration for him. Uh, but we've seen kind of more of the old Nikita Chiberkov, and that's been great to see.

SPEAKER_05 17:31

Okay, well, just uh thanks to Rihanna for posting this too. I saw in the chat. Uh Mitchell Clinton just posting from uh Vegas, no Pionk. I have follower in Mestikov at the NHL Jets morning skate. So as of this moment, it is Nieterwriter, Jaeger, and Chiberkov on the Jets' fourth line line rushes, at least. So as of this moment, unofficially, it looks like Raiden Yeager's gonna make his NHL debut, but again, lots of time to between that and that and this happening. So, Daniel, the American Hockey League, very different in terms of their playoff structure. How many different options do the Manitoba Moose have going into the Calder Cup playoffs?

SPEAKER_03 18:08

This is always my favorite time of year uh when it comes down to explaining how the playoffs work in in the American Hockey League because it's different for uh three divisions. Uh, both the North and Central Division uh operate under a format where the top five teams get in. Uh, the first round is played between the fourth and fifth seeds, uh, which the winner, your prize, is facing off against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Um, so the Moose trying to avoid that series as they head into this final week, controlling their own destiny as it stands for grabbing third place in the division. Uh, they are two points behind the Texas Stars, but at this current juncture, hold the tiebreaker against the Stars who have just two games remaining. So, an opportunity for the Moose to move up the standings, and if they end up tied with the Stars, likely we still have to see how the final game shake out, we'll hold tiebreakers there against Texas. So that will help them move up into that third spot, in which case they'll start off their uh playoff drive against the Chicago Wolves in the central division semifinals. Now, if you start looking at other divisions, uh a lot of folks will call that first round series a play-in just because of how it looks in this division. Uh, but if you go over to the Pacific division, everybody plays that first round except for the top seed. So it very much is the first round of the postseason, that best of three series. You want to avoid it as much as you can in the central division, just because of how that format works out. So the Moose doing everything they can to uh to get into that third spot, and they've got a good chance of doing so, but they've got to find a way to be successful on this upcoming three-game road trip.

SPEAKER_05 19:35

All right, all right, buddy. Hey, listen, appreciate you uh doing this. Uh, have fun with the whole figuring out where you guys are gonna go and where you guys are gonna start.

SPEAKER_01 19:43

That's always there's nothing that everybody loves more than having to look at a hundred different possibilities, I imagine, especially if you were doing play by play. No, it's great.

SPEAKER_03 19:52

Well, actually, you know who I feel for is uh Scotty Nicholson and Brad Andrews, who are trying to figure out all the hotels and travel for a whole bunch of different scenarios. Are we gonna be playing at home? Are we gonna be going to Milwaukee? Are we going to be starting at home and going to Chicago? There's all sorts of different ways it could still break down. So those guys are the ones pulling their hair out right now. I just go where they tell me. So it's really easy on me. And we've seen these teams a lot this season, so I'm very familiar with them. So uh looking forward to that. And hey, uh, like you said, still unofficial, but uh if Raiden Yeager is gonna make his debut tonight, it's it's always one of the best days working in the American Hockey League when you get to see that. So uh excited for for him if if that is indeed the case.

SPEAKER_01 20:32

Well, and you've seen a bunch of uh guys that have uh whether they've gone back to the moose or not, that have had the opportunity this year to take that solo lap. And so I agree with you, uh Daniel, but it's always one of the best moments. And it doesn't matter where you are in terms of the season, it's at, but it's something that they'll never forget, and it always provides an energy.

SPEAKER_05 20:52

Thanks, buddy. Appreciate your time. Thanks for having me on.

SPEAKER_01 20:56

Take care, Daniel.

SPEAKER_05 20:57

Thanks for joining us from Hockey for All Center.

SPEAKER_01 20:59

Always appreciate the insight.

SPEAKER_05 21:00

Great to see the green screen.

SPEAKER_01 21:01

That's right. Great to see the uh the Mantua Moose be able to have the success that they have had so far.

SPEAKER_05 21:08

And so just with all the turn like the call-ups and everything like that. I'm I marvel at every what they have to do, the coaching staff when you're just like you're not sure what your roster's gonna look like from day to day. Yeah. And then, you know, the course is always the when a guy gets sent back, or you know what I mean? Like there's that that conversation you have to have, and especially if they're having a tough time with it. I guess it's it's incredible what the coaching staffs have to do with the minor hockey league level, especially with the Manitoba Moose.

SPEAKER_01 21:35

Yeah. So we mentioned the NHL debuts so far this season. Uh Thomas Millich.

SPEAKER_05 21:40

Yep. One Carolina.

SPEAKER_01 21:42

Okay.

SPEAKER_05 21:42

Leah Salomonson.

SPEAKER_01 21:43

Yes. Which we kind of forgot that.

SPEAKER_05 21:46

I don't know why we did, because it just feels like he's been a part of the team for so much.

SPEAKER_01 21:49

At times it has been. And Danny Julkin.

SPEAKER_05 21:51

Yeah. And of course, your whole mice was based on that. And that's the most memorable one because of where he was and the story that he told afterwards and his parents. His dad racing over to see him too. That was pretty cool.

SPEAKER_01 22:03

So, in case you missed it just a few minutes ago, uh, we did see Mitchell Clinton did post from Morning Skate that there is no Neil Pionk, Alex Ayofalo, or Vladinimesnikov on the ice, that Yeager and Chipperkov are on the fourth line, are skating on the fourth line in line rushes with Nino Niederrider. And Colin Miller is in on the second pairing beside Dylan Samberg with no uh punk out there. Yep, as well.

SPEAKER_05 22:27

Also of note, Brad Lambert with Adam Lowry and Cole Profetti. So moving up in the world is Brad Lambert on into the top six at this moment.

SPEAKER_01 22:38

Which is where a lot of people want to be, you know, eventually, yes, in order for if if Brad's going to have success at the NHL level, that is where with his skill set you would anticipate he would have to play.

SPEAKER_05 22:50

Yeah, and this is what you want to see. First off, it's great that they've given him this long, extended look. It had to happen, but now as it stands, it looks like he's gonna go in the top six. So great opportunity for Brad Lambert to spell play with Cole Perpetti.

SPEAKER_01 23:05

And the Connor Hellibuck uh starting routine was also underway, so it looks like he will get would that be his 10th.

SPEAKER_05 23:12

10th consecutive start. And 21st and the last 23.

SPEAKER_01 23:16

For it. Yeah. So the workload continues, it appears, for Connor Hellibuck. Uh, as we mentioned, Jesse Granger wasn't able to join us live, but he was able to join us earlier this morning. So we had the opportunity to speak to him about a variety of things with this Vegas team that is in a fight to finish somewhere in the playoffs again, which they have clinched, but where exactly they're going to finish in the Pacific Division or even potentially in a wildcard spot, um, depending on how things close out in the remainder of the season for them. But we had the opportunity to talk to him about a variety of things, including the newest addition to that Golden Nights team, and that would be behind the bench with John Tortarella.

SPEAKER_05 23:56

Please welcome from the Athletic Jesse Granger, who covers the Vegas Golden Knights. I believe the Colorado Avalanche as well. I know the Athletic has you guys do multiple things, but I will say this you're a goalie guru on top of that. Is that fair to say?

SPEAKER_04 24:08

Uh guru, I try to be. Um I you know what I'm lucky enough that I get to talk to the best goalies and best goalie coaches in the world on a daily basis, and I try to uh repeat some of the smart things they tell me.

SPEAKER_05 24:20

How is like this? There's so many people that don't delve into the goaltender that cover this game. So they you must be you must have some extra street cred with the goaltenders and goalie coaches out there in the league, right?

SPEAKER_04 24:31

It you know what, it does help. There's a goalie union, right? And and they find out that you're part of the club. Like I never played at a high level. I played goalie my whole life. I still play it three nights a week, beer league. But uh, when the goalies find out that you're one of them, just not nearly as good at them, they'll still uh they give you a little cred and and the the conversations usually go different directions. It's a lot of fun.

SPEAKER_05 24:52

That's that's great. Uh, somebody else who has a ton of street cred is John Tortorella, who you know, Vegas, you never know what to expect. That's the thing. When something crazy happens with the Golden Knights, you're not surprised. So when John Tortella when John Tortorella was named as the head coach of the of the Vegas Golden Knights, what were your what was your reaction? And and how's it going so far in the short time with him?

SPEAKER_04 25:14

Yeah, it's you cover this team for nine years the way I have. You learned that nothing should surprise you that they do. And they it was it was shocking when they fired Gerard Galant the the second year. It was sh shocking when they fired Pete Debore, and it was just as shocking when they fired Bruce Cassidy. Obviously, he won a Stanley Cup with this team, but things weren't going well this season. Um, it seemed like since they won the cup in 2023, the team had kind of the roster didn't fit Bruce Cassidy's system as well as it did back when they won that cup. And um, they weren't able to do the type of things that Bruce Cassidy was asking them to do, specifically playing the zone defense in front of their net and clearing out that area. You bring John Tordorella in, who's obviously a super experienced coach, he is built for this situation. Like coming in with eight games left, you don't really have time to install new systems. It's more gonna be can you get the energy going? Can you get these guys focused on the small things within that system that you're already playing to get them playing better? And it's obviously worked brilliantly. They're they're 5-0 and one since he took over. And um, I will say the schedule has helped. The Golden Knights did help John Tortorella out by giving him two games against the Canucks and one against the Flames in the first three games, but regardless of that, this team was struggling really badly, and and they've looked a lot better since bringing torts in.

SPEAKER_01 26:32

Look, one of the areas that they've struggled with this year is in net. Um, what have you seen in this last little bit with respect to where they're going to go with their goaltending in the future? And do you feel as if John Tortarella has maybe found one particular netminder that he'd like to lean on?

SPEAKER_04 26:49

It certainly seems like Carter Hart's his guy. And that's not surprising considering the two were together in Philadelphia. Uh, Carter Hart had been given some chances here in Vegas. Aiden Hill was injured when Hart first came back, and Hart was the starter for that stretch. Then Hart gets hurt, and and then Aiden Hill came back and was the starter while Hart was out. When they both, this is the first time we've really seen them both healthy on the roster together. And Tordorella started Hart three games in a row, which to me signifies that's our starting goalie. Um he started the other night in Colorado, which was a big game, so to clinch the playoffs. So to me, right now, it looks like Hart's gonna be the guy. Wouldn't surprise me if we see them both in net at some point. Uh Hart's Hart's been pretty good lately. Uh, prior to his injury when he first came back. It's a little understanding he hadn't played hockey in almost two years. He wasn't very good. Um, and Aiden Hill hasn't been very good this year. The goalies certainly deserve their fair share of the blame. Um, the the stats, I think, are a little misleading. I think that they the goalies have been better than their stats indicate. As I was talking about earlier, I think this team, they used to be so good in front of their net. And when they won that cup in 23, that was to me the the biggest reason they won the cup was Alex Petrangelo, Alec Martinez, Nick Haig, Zach Whitecloud, Braden McNabb. Those guys just wouldn't let anyone in front of the net. They play that kind of shell defense around their crease, and no one could get there. They've kind of chiseled away at that, and they've they've added talented defensemen since then. Noah Hanniffan and Rasmus Anderson are both amazing defensemen, but they aren't their specialty, isn't bullying guys out of the front of the net. They're more skilled, finesse players with the puck. And to me, what I was seeing was a team that can't clear those bodies out of the front of the net. And then not only do you have the opposing team time to try to screen your goalie, but now your own defensemen are getting in your goalie's way because there are just so many bodies there. And when a puck from the point goes in, it hurts the goalie stats big time when you look at those expected goals numbers. Like that it that will crater your stats quickly. And that's to me what happened to the Golden Knights goalies this year is their stats are just horrible, partially because they haven't had a great season, but also the the play in front of them has changed dramatically from what we're used to seeing from this Vegas team.

SPEAKER_05 28:56

So the Athletic just recently released an article with each team's MVP and kind of the player that's let a lot of players, people down. Jack Eichel, no surprise at all. You named him as the team's MVP this year. Uh, you said his he hasn't played as well as he has in years past, but has he really elevated his game since the United States won gold in the Olympics?

SPEAKER_04 29:15

He has. Um Eichel's the best player on this team, and the Golden Knights go as Jack Eichel goes. He is the driver of offense. I'll say this um, he hasn't really stepped up his game since the Olympics. It's been Mitch Marner who we've seen that jump from. And he was he was good, but not great for his first half of the season here. He's still kind of dipping his toe in the water. It's a new team. He's still trying to get comfortable. Mitch Marner is so talented that even at his worst, he's still gonna be a really good player out there. But we hadn't really seen the best of Mitch Marner until I think this most recent stretch, especially under Tortorella. He's been awesome. He had a five-point night a couple weeks ago. He has just been really driving the bus for this team. So uh I will say that he he if if he had been playing like this the whole season, Marner would have been my answer for MVP.

SPEAKER_05 29:59

And looking at sorry, Tomash Hurdle, like there, he was another one of those big trays that the Golden Knights had made. You list him as the guy that's kind of disappointed so far this year. How come?

SPEAKER_04 30:09

Yeah, he I'll say this on the power play, Hurdle is awesome for this team. And he's the biggest reason they went from having a not so good power play for all those years, even have even despite having all that offensive talent, to last year that really changed, and they were a top five unit. And to me, Tomash Hurdle's the biggest reason for that. In front of the net, he he collects pucks, he gets second chances, he he can one time it into the net when Mark Stone feeds him that pass from below the goal line. But at five on five, he's been very disappointing. He's not producing the way you'd hope. He's not driving offense at five on five. Like his line has been getting beat. Um, he's I think he's a negative 16 the last time I checked on ice, which is the worst on the Golden Knights team. And for how talented of a player as Tomas Hurdle is, for how big of a cap hit he carries, he certainly hasn't lived up to that this year.

SPEAKER_01 30:56

This is the first time that the Jets have seen Golden Knights since Torz took over for it. Is there something that fans should be watching? Is there a difference that we're going to see that's noticeable in either the style that they're going to play or what can people expect tonight?

SPEAKER_04 31:12

Yeah, they're playing a lot more aggressively. Um Torts likes to use the phrase checking forward and playing on your toes, not on your heels. And we've seen the positives and the negatives of that so far. Um, their forecheck is much better. I think the Golden Knights, one of their biggest struggles in scoring this season has been because the forecheck isn't as good and they've struggled to score, especially early in games when it's kind of in a neutral state. And we've seen under torts they have gotten the game going a lot earlier because they're playing forward. Now, they've also given up a lot more odd man rushes than they did against Cassidy. I remember in the first two games under torts, I was like, I don't know if we've seen this many odd man rushes against like since Bruce Cassidy was hired, and it took two games to match that. But they're getting they're getting results though. So they they're kind of they're they're kind of playing the game of we'll give up some chances in order to get our some chances of our own. And it's worked out for them, and they're winning games. So yeah, they they are playing quite a bit differently.

SPEAKER_05 32:05

Jess before we let you go, uh it's your first time on the show this season, so bear with me as I play something for you. Then get ready to be asked one of the weirdest questions you've ever been asked before in your life. It is time for soups on, Jesse. Uh, but you never saw that coming. Um listen, you've traveled all over the all all over North America covering this game. Do you have a favorite soup that you like to go to in your travels or in the great city of Las Vegas?

SPEAKER_04 32:38

I'm not much of a soup guy, but I will say the chowder in Seattle um down at the market is the I I can't remember what the place is called. It might just be called Pike Place Chowder. Um, there the line goes outside. You're like waiting in the rain for the chowder, but I do it every single time I'm in Seattle. The the seafood chowder down there is spectacular. I don't know if that counts as soup. Like I said, I'm not much of a soup person, but I will I will go with the market, the Pike Place Market Chowder in Seattle. It's phenomenal.

SPEAKER_01 33:05

We need to come up with something. So food somehow has turned into a big part of our show.

SPEAKER_05 33:12

Snowballed so beyond before.

SPEAKER_01 33:13

Yeah, but we need to come up with something besides soup for people that live in incredibly warm places where soup is not really. We appreciate that, you know, while we often need soup here in order to try to stay warm. We understand that somebody that uh is in Vegas might not have the same sort of necessity for, you know, really warm food uh to the same extent that we do. But thanks for playing along, Jesse. We really appreciate it.

SPEAKER_04 33:38

Yeah, thanks for having me.

SPEAKER_05 33:42

All right, great stuff from Jesse. See, ice cream soup, yeah. It is tough when you're alert. I do not think about soup when I'm in a warm climate. So I could see why those that live in those type of climates don't think of soup, but thank you for so much for Jesse for playing along.

SPEAKER_01 33:59

Yeah, well, I mean, uh, as he mentioned, when he does go on the road, although he's not a soup person, chowder, can't go wrong with that. Uh, we do want to remind everybody as we get ready to close things out, and if you're heading over to Winnipeg Sports Talk as well, where the Jets talk will continue. Yes, as we as they set up uh this game here tonight against Vegas, that the final home game for the Winnipeg Jets this season for the regular season is April 16th, San Jose Sharks, Macklin Celebrini in town. That is on Thursday night. Letting you know in advance, right? Uh the fan appreciation sale is going to be continuing not only for that game, but it is all week long. Save 30% off most in stock items at your Jets Gear store. So whether whiteout gear is necessary or not this year, you can never go wrong with some Winnipeg Jets merch. There's so many great things in the stores. 30% off most in stock items, and that offer is valid through April the 16th. A reminder as well you want to be a part of the Tim Hortons hockey challenge, here my fingers are crossed because I did not do well yesterday with it, that today starts a new trend. So that is something that you can continue on as well with your three picks that you had.

SPEAKER_05 35:10

I don't do it every day because I don't want to steal free coffee from people. So uh I got perfetti, cider, taste.

SPEAKER_01 35:15

I have perfetti, Jimmy Ben, and Scott Lawton as well. And do we have anything else? I don't think.

SPEAKER_05 35:22

I think we covered all the basics.

SPEAKER_01 35:23

No, it'll be interesting to see though. Could how do the Jets respond tonight in Vegas? Um after the disappointing loss. Uh, this is an absolutely must-win game for the Winnipeg Jets to keep the very slim playoff hopes alive. Uh, a loss tonight, and it is uh elimination.

SPEAKER_05 35:42

Or a win by the Los Angeles Kings.

SPEAKER_01 35:44

There you go.

SPEAKER_05 35:45

Pair or lose for it.

SPEAKER_01 35:47

There you go with that. Uh, but they do close off their road trip tomorrow in Utah. And could we see an NHL debut tonight? It looks like that fourth line could have uh Braden Yeager as well as Nikita Chibrikov on there. And Colin Miller, it looks, will be on that second pairing with Dylan Sandberg, if you were to go based on the line rushes. But of course, we haven't had the opportunity to hear from anybody within the room or head coach Scott O'Neill yet. But stay tuned to Winnipeg Jets social channels because we'll have all the updated sound for you from Vegas to get you set for tonight's game.

SPEAKER_05 36:18

Thanks so much, Daniel Fink. Of course, Jesse Granger, and of course, you guys are watching here today. We really appreciate it. Thanks for watching. Enjoy the game tonight. It's a late one.

SPEAKER_01 36:26

Jamie's favorite. You know, it's the perfect way to close out this regular season for you. Two out of the three will be late ones, but Jamie loves it. His three things will be there for you later tonight, tomorrow morning. So talk about then. Hope you all have a great day. Thanks so much, everyone, for checking in.