Hey all! Here is our feature running Monday through Friday that will bring you up to date on what’s going on in the media pertaining to the Winnipeg Jets and elsewhere in the NHL.
Ed. Note: Now that we have reached the Stanley Cup Finals, Altitude Check will only be running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Here is what's in the news for Wednesday, June 6, 2012:
More Tobias Enstrom scuttlebutt on whether he is the type of player you rent, buy or build around: “If they have any inkling of trading Enstrom the time to do that might be now, rather than later, when his value may have deflated, since the Jets would be in a more desperate situation closer to his becoming an UFA. They also take a chance of his value dropping due to mediocre play or injuries the longer they wait. If the Jets management considers him to be a valuable asset, and they likely do, they may be comfortable with what they’re able to get for him presently.” I’d seriously like to know where all this defensive depth everyone keeps talking about is? I mean, sure, they have a lot of defensemen who can be labeled NHL caliber, but how many of them are able to quarterback a power play and log top two minutes? No show of hands? Okay then. [The Hockey Writers]
Stan Korowski writes a letter to the editor of the Winnipeg Sun, outlining what grinds his gears regarding the Jets: "My problem with the Jets and all their complex financial management is I was not able to watch more than a few of their regular season games. I worked in Zambia from 1965 to 1993 and during that long period, the country had one TV station. Whenever the national football team played, either at home or another country in Africa, the game was always televised. Now here I am in Manitoba, with 60-plus TV channels which I pay for, I could not watch most of the Jets games. Yes, I know that for a mere $9 or so I can subscribe to TSN Jets, but I never will — not with 60 channels." Welcome to consumerism Stan. They don't have that in Zambia. [Winnipeg Sun]
Missed this in Monday’s headlines, but Bill Daly tells us just how last minute the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers really was: “We had scheduled a flight and were prepared to come to Winnipeg but it wasn’t even 100% done until we showed up at the airport that morning. It all came together very quickly.” [Winnipeg Sun]
Eugene Melnyk believes that Winnipeg Jets fans are the best…. next to the Ottawa Senators, of course! [Winnipeg Sun]
Like a sabre-tooth tiger in a tar pit, the New Jersey Devils will fight for their lives in the Stanley Cup Finals, hoping to run the table and win four straight in the best-of-seven to claim the silver chalice. [In Lou We Trust, Jewels from the Crown]
Pete Deboer on what it will take for the Devils to get back into this series: “Your desperation level’s high. You’re in the Stanley Cup Finals. … We have to persevere here, stick with it and find a solution.” [Twitter, via Jesse Spector]
Cam Cole on why Darryl Sutter’s fingerprints are all over the Kings potential Cup win. [National Post]
More Jonathan Quick love. Simply the best. [680 News]
Steven Lepore offers the grim TV Ratings for these Stanley Cup Finals. [SB Nation]
The Montreal Canadiens have returned to the old trusty well after Marc Bergevin hired Michel Therrien as the teams new coach — his second tenure with the club — as they try to erase their dismal 2011-12 season. Andrew Berkshire on why it’s a terrible idea. [HEOTP]
WARNING: The following link contains extreme deliciousness. Shane Doan shows off his hockey stick…. MADE ENTIRELY OF SKITTLES!?!?!?!?!??!!??! [Arizona Republic]
Vince Vaughn will be handing out hardware at the 2012 NHL Awards. No confirmation on whether Sue and his gat will also be in attendance. (Guys, surely you’ll get this one…) [Hollywood Reporter]
John Tortorella appeared on Costas Tonight to clear any misconceptions there may have been after he stated that some Rangers reporters are idiots. Tortorella then backed his claim by reaffirming it. Never change Torts, I love your brash demeanour to some of those who cover you. (video) [SB Nation]
The story of Derek Boogaard takes another turn after his father uncovered all the medication he had been prescribed in the years leading up to his death. Justin Bourne offers further perspective from a former professional hockey player. [Backhand Shelf]
Finally, Dominic Moore left the San Jose Sharks heading into their playoff run to be with his wife who had recently been diagnosed with liver cancer. Best wishes to the Moore’s as they combat this awful disease. Remember friends; family comes first. [CSN Bay Area, via Fear the Fin]
