Jets Take on Red Wings, Defense Healthy, Bester in Net

The Winnipeg Jets enjoyed a Tuesday off as the prepare for their back-to-back contest against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday and Thursday.  Coach Bobby Orr will get a couple of his blue liners back as Al MacInnis and Keith Carney returned to the line rush and, in a corresponding move, Paul Stanton and Alexand Karpovtsev were sent back to the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The veteran Stanton got into two games, collecting three assists, which identically matches his output from last season. Management is going to have think a little harder about giving him a longer look as in four career games he has six assists, all coming over the last two seasons.  The 29-year old is setting himself up as a bottom pairing defender for 1996 and there is a possibility will push Jamie Huscroft out of that last position going forward.  He is signed to an additional two years at a modest $275,000 per season.

The younger Alexander Karpovtsev has impressed in his rookie debuts this season, collecting a pair of assists over seven games and, despite getting limited minutes, has fired 16 shots on next while dishing out ten hits.  There are some worries that he will be selected in the upcoming expansion draft so management will also have to give him a longer look at how to keep him.

Allan Bester will be back in net Wednesday night and is expected to get both contests against the Red Wings as he looks to become the first goalie in the league to 20 wins.  He currently sits with a record of 19-4-2.