What was supposed to be a full practice in New Jersey on Friday turned into an optional for a number of reasons, the main one being that the medical room had more people in it than the dressing room.
Nik Antropov and Randy Jones were the two banged up last night, and both are very questionable for Saturday, although it's hoped Antropov may be able to go. Should Jones be a no go, that would mean defencemen Jones, Mark Stuart, Ron Hainsey, Tobias Enstrom and Derek Meech would all not be available for Head Coach Claude Noel for back-to-back games against the Devils and Rangers. Hainsey had a bit of a setback in his recovery, as did goaltender Chris Mason. The St. John's Ice Caps play in Hartford tonight.
The injuries on the back end probably played a part in the Jets putting Kendle McArdle on waivers. A move may be needed to facilitate call-ups without putting players on IR, where they would then not be available for a week.
Coach Noel feels that despite the injuries coaches will design a game plan to give you the best opportunity to win the games. He said he is comfortable playing Ondrej Pavelec back to back if that is what he decides to do.
Brendan Shanahan from the NHL went over video with Jets players and coaches today with regards to the new rules. He fielded questions from the team and all agreed it was a very good session.
The Jets play the Devils on Saturday (TSN 1290), and the Rangers Sunday (TSN Jets and TSN 1290).