The Jets won their first match in a tour of the Global Series in Finland by beating Florida 4-2. The hero of the match was Patrik Laine, who was marked by a hat trick in the arena in Helsinki. The return to their homeland had a very favorable effect on the right-winger of the Jets, who was able to interrupt the goalless five-match series.
Jets forward Brendan Lemieux has now served his two-game suspension. Lemieux was forced to sit out after an illegal check to the head of Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck over in Finland.
On Tuesday, November 13th he admitted, he made a mistake and took the suspention not as a punishment, but as an experience.
“So obviously it’s unfortunate that I had to sit two (games) there, but it’s a good learning experience for me,” he said.
The Jets want Lemieux to play his physical and gritty style of game, but they can’t afford to have him sitting in the penalty box with his team shorthanded.
In the fast-paced NHL game, it’s a fine line between a clean hit and a dirty check, but it’s a line the 22-year-old Lemieux will have to learn how to navigate.
“I think it’s just an adjustment to the NHL game and what you’re selling,” Head Coach Paul Maurice said. “To play that role, you have to have certain physical gifts — he has those. He also has a really good set of hands.”
“He’s not here to be heavy, he’s here to play a heavy game and not cross the line.”
Lemieux is without a point in nine games this season. He’s eligible to return to the Jets’ lineup on Wednesday when they host the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals at Bell MTS Place.
The next Winnipeg Jets game is scheduled for Thursday, November 15th, gate your tickets now, if do not have it already or plane a game night with your friends and family to support our own Winnipeg team!