MW_Apr22Ehlers

WINNIPEG - They don't know what team they'll be playing against yet, but the Winnipeg Jets began their preparations for the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday at Bell MTS Iceplex.
The team held a 40-minute, high-tempo skate, and afterwards most players had time set aside to watch the Colorado Avalanche host the Nashville Predators in Game Six of their best-of-seven series tonight.
"All of us are probably going to be watching it. It's been a fun series," said Mark Scheifele. "We've been tracking it the whole time and I'm sure it's going to be another exciting game.
"Obviously we've played both of them enough that we know their teams. But it's playoff hockey, it's do-or-die hockey, so it's fun to watch."

The Predators lead that series 3-2, and despite the nine combined meetings the Jets had with both teams this season, head coach Paul Maurice and his staff have been keeping an eye on every game between the two this postseason.
"We've been tracking the next opponent right from the start, and we'll just watch it," said Maurice. "We have most of the video on both teams done. So you're looking for aberrations, and certainly looking to enjoy a hockey game."
Both Nikolaj Ehlers and Toby Enstrom were on the ice for today's practice in non-contact jerseys. Enstrom has yet to play in the 2018 playoffs, while Ehlers missed Game Five against the Wild with what Maurice described as 'general malaise.'
"I don't even know what malaise means," Ehlers said with a smile, but when pressed further on specifics of his ailment, he deadpanned.
"I'm thinking it's malaiseā€¦. It sounds pretty good."
Ehlers said he felt fine after Game Four, but after the morning skate on Friday, he didn't feel "off."
Between him, the training staff, and Jets coaches, the decision was made to keep him out.
It was tough for the 22-year-old winger to watch from the Bell MTS Place press box, but he applauded his team's efforts in closing out the Wild.
"When guys go down, the young guys and the guys that haven't played so much, they come in, step up, and play the right way," said Ehlers. "We're not missing guys even when they're missing. We have guys stepping up and playing well. We have some good depth, we've got a good team. It's nice to see.
"You want to be out there with the guys. You want to play every single game. It sucks not being out there to help the guys. They didn't need that much help. They played great and got the victory."

Ehlers was flying in practice today, and feels like he's very close to his old self.
As for Enstrom, who missed the final eight games of the regular season along with the five games against the Wild, Maurice said it looked like the defenceman hadn't missed a beat in practice today.
"That's Toby. He's dealt with injuries his whole career and come back on short notice and been very good," said Maurice. "He looked it today. Hopefully we get him out of that sweater, along with Nik, and get them in the right colour."
Today's practice was about getting the feel for the puck and getting back up to speed after a day away from the rink on Saturday.
But more importantly, Maurice wants to use the extra time before the Second Round for recovery.
"It's far enough out that we wouldn't spend a whole lot of time running drills prepping for what we expect to see (from an opponent)," said Maurice.
"We're still mindful of using the rest, and recovery may be a better word for anybody that has minor injuries. We had a big crew out there today, so everybody was feeling good."

ICE CHIPS
Patrik Laine left practice about 10 minutes into the session following line rushes.
Maurice said after the practice he isn't concerned about it.