Like many in Winnipeg, Paul Maurice has higher-than-ever expectations for the upcoming hockey season.
"I expect our team to get better at everything, in all areas of our game," he said. "We scored a lot of goals last year - seventh in the National Hockey League - and I think we can score more. We absolutely have to become a better defensive hockey team, and some of that is experience and understanding the game, but the other part of is (focusing on) certain things to be good defensively: Staying out of the penalty box, blocking shots, grinding when the puck's in your own end.
It takes some young players a while to mature into that, but we're going to push them hard in that area this year."
And once again, 'Mo,' as the players call him, will be the man delivering the message.
On Thursday, the Jets revealed that along General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, Maurice had agreed to a multi-year contract extension to remain head coach of the Winnipeg Jets.
Maurice: Jets ready to take the next step
With new contract in hand, Jets head coach has high expectations for the team this year
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