Latest news with #ColePerfetti
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Opinion: Perfetti perfection distils the wonder of Winnipeg: A love letter to a city that is often underestimated
Opinion The fear of tumbling down rows of seats from the 300-level of the Canada Life Centre was never more real than the night of the Manitoba Miracle. A moment of genuine Winnipeg history, as forward Cole Perfetti flicked the puck in just under the crossbar with seconds left in the first-ever Game 7 on home ice for the Jets 2.0. The jumping — that frenzied celebratory bedlam — posed a real threat to the safety of all of us, stabilized only by the hugs from friends and strangers in the vicinity. And, perhaps, by the sticky beer that had been tossed in the air only to end up coating the floor. I've never screamed so loud in my life, to the point of feeling completely dizzy. It was sports at its absolute best, but also a moment, upon reflection, indicative of the uniquely Winnipeg lived experience. Amid that opening-round series against the St. Louis Blues and the subsequent clash with the Dallas Stars, despite the Jets finishing the regular season as the NHL's top team and regardless of fans' placards declaring 'We Believe,' a nagging doubt of going all the way persisted. That a city like ours could not possibly achieve such a feat. It felt as if it tapped into the core belief Winnipeggers seem to have, that we are somehow less than — not just in sports, but in many other arenas. Despite heroics by Cole Perfetti (91) and signs touting resolute belief in the Jets' playoff crusade, there was always niggling doubt the city didn't warrant this level of fame. (Fred Greenslade / The Canadian Press files) My parents said it and I know I have too, that you must be from this city in order to love it. A belief that we should reach out and name for the lie it is. Winnipeg is a fabulous city, built on a community that is unlike any I've ever seen. Is it a perfect place? Of course not. But it is a place where you find people who care about each other and get back up after our failures and try to do better. Some readers might recognize my name from past issues of the Free Press. Having been both a regular contributor to this newspaper for years from the streets of the Exchange District and the West End, and a less-frequent contributor when I moved abroad to cover Russia's war in Ukraine, somewhere along the way I set up a base camp in London, England. My most recent return forced an appreciation, perhaps for the first time from an outsider's perspective, of just how special Winnipeg is. And I'm learning the hard way that sometimes, it takes leaving to appreciate the things that matter the most. This spring I came home for a pair of weddings, taking several weeks off work to show my British partner the city that still remains 'home' no matter how long I'm away. We arrived to an overwhelming patina of brown, a city still shaking off the grungy remnants of a long winter. We arrived before the street cleaners emerged, before the lilacs bloomed, before the Beer Can opened its gate. Vapour rises from buildings downtown on a cold morning. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) I apologized to my partner Alex for bringing him here at the worst possible time of year because, I figured, even in the thick of winter when it's -30 C, we could have gone skating down the river or attended Festival du Voyageur. If it was summer, I countered, there would have been an onslaught of festivals from Folklorama to the Fringe, the beer gardens would have all been in top form, and nearby beaches would have called our names. As I ran through the list of my favourite things to do in Winnipeg, none of them would suit in April and early May. And yet, this city still managed to enamour him, and me, with the wonder that is Winnipeg. Playoffs were an obvious boon, stoking a not-often-seen unbridled enthusiasm for the city. And hockey was a new and entertaining sport for a Brit used to the comparative crawling-pace of soccer. (Football, sorry London). But we also watched Free Press columnist Jen Zoratti try standup comedy for the first time as one of the featured performers in the Winnipeg Comedy Festival's pro-am event. Nearly three hours of non-stop laughter, only 20 per cent of which I had to 'subtitle' for the foreigner, as the humour turned self-deprecating for the city I now defend. We spent an hour watching butterflies at The Leaf, and many more walking around The Forks and Garbage Hill, and Kilcona Park, too. I introduced him to the joy of singing with beats up and the car windows down, a simple pleasure I've long taken for granted. But he doesn't even have a driver's licence. In London, why would you? Smokies lit up the grill for catch-ups with some of the best friends the world has to offer. We ate our way through the finest restaurants in town and settled down with family for Alex's first experience of s'mores around a backyard fire. (Before the fire ban took effect — safety first.) I didn't offer him a rose-coloured view. I took him to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and talked about the struggles we face with our colonial legacies. We walked past homeless encampments and he saw the North End, too. An imperfect place, with so much work to be done. But what city isn't? On the grounds of the legislature on a sunny afternoon, a family from Hamilton told us how much fun they were having visiting Winnipeg for the first time. And it surprised me, I'm embarrassed to say — despite the fact I was having a blast showing off same city. But that's just because I'm from here, right? Evening fun on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature. (Mike Sudoma / Free Press files) Through the years I've left for different parts of Canada, only to return time and time again, drawn back to this place. Not out of necessity, but out of a deep and enduring love that only finds new facets the more of the world I see, the more I learn about the quirks of other cities not only across Canada, but around the world. I was reading the other day an interview with Perfetti about the Manitoba Miracle. He said he couldn't remember the moment surrounding his buzzer-beating goal, and that he blacked out from the excitement amid the roar of the crowd. I just want to say the rest of us will remember it forever. A moment of absolute perfection that embodied just one part of what makes me love this city so much. Now, I wake in London to my partner relaying NHL playoff scores and highlights from games played in the wee hours of the morning, at least in our time zone. Winnipeg has clearly left an impression. And it hardly matters that the Jets couldn't top the Stars. Or that the leaves weren't out to greet us. It is a place and community that always punches above its weight. I am fortunate to have so much love in my life that I can claim to have two homes. But it feels so bittersweet leaving, saying goodbye when the time is never long enough.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canucks: Nikolaj Ehlers' scoring stock rises as possible replacement for Brock Boeser
Nikolaj Ehlers believes he's a first-line NHL player. The speedy and quick-striking Winnipeg Jets winger proved that point by letting his play do the talking in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs on a second line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti. The unrestricted free agent also silenced his critics, who had every right to wonder if Ehlers could produce when it mattered most with just 14 career playoff points in 37 games. He responded this spring by striking for five goals in his last five games of the second round. While the pain of a 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday that kept the Jets from forcing Game 7 home ice in the riveting series will persist, it will eventually subside for Ehlers. And when it does, the reality of his value and options will come into greater focus. Ehlers, 29, will top a lot of wish lists for a winger would can play at heightened pace, drive the play and finish. The Vancouver Canucks, who had past interest, will be among the suitors because UFA Brock Boeser is going to test the market and there's a sizable top-six roster hole here to fill. Ehlers had a career-high 63 points (24-39) in 69 games this season and scored at least 20 goals in eight-straight campaigns. However, he has also been injury prone and that has kept him from being that consistent 30-goal guy. He had 28 goals in just 62 games in 2021-22 and 29 in a full season in 2017-18. Ehlers' expiring salary cap commitment is $6 million annually and predicts a bump to $8.1 million in a six-year deal. Of course, his production takes us back to another curious Canucks draft decision in 2014. They selected Jake Virtanen sixth overall and passed on William Nylander (eighth) and Ehlers (ninth). And when Ehlers had 25 goals in his second season, and then 29 in his third, the Canucks took notice. Virtanen would struggle before hitting a career-high 18 goals in 2019-20. This was a Province critique when the Canucks committed to the winger: 'They added size and a budding power forward from Calgary (WHL). Aside from shoulder surgery, he's pure power and speed and those 45 goals (2013-14) look pretty good right now on a team starving for offence. Ranked first in physical play among North American prospects. Huge upside. Hopefully.' With the Canucks ranked 23rd offensively this season, they not only require bouncebacks from Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua, they need another scoring threat. Remove UFAs Boeser and Pius Suter, who had 25 goals apiece, and it's team leader Jake DeBrusk (28) as the lone 20-goal guy. Conor Garland and Kiefer Sherwood had 19 apiece. The Canucks were also tied for a league-high 14 overtime losses this season and winning half would have vaulted them into the second Western Conference wild-card position. They were also 3-20-5 when trailing after two periods. The Canucks must also trade for a quality centre to support the struggling Elias Pettersson and concussion-prone Fillip Chytil. They have the assets with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and plenty of defencemen, but landing a scoring winger will be about dollars and sense. Boeser, who had 50 points in 75 games this season on an expiring $6.65 million salary cap hit, turned down a five-year, US$40 million extension offer. He could receive more term and money July 1, and according to CapWages, that could be six years at $8.45 million in annual average value. Boeser could also pivot back to the Canucks, but that seems unlikely with odd management optics of his value at the trade deadline. Boeser's career output compares favourably to Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny, 28, who signed an eight-year, $70 million extension last July that carries an $8.75 million annual cap hit. Even though the salary cap ceiling is rising from $88 million to $95.5 million next season, the Canucks are still saddled by paying those who aren't playing, including the Oliver Ekman-Larsson buyout that jumps to $4,766,667. Add extensions for UFA defencemen Derek Forbort and Noah Juulsen — and possibly Suter, if the price is right — and it adds up fast. The versatile Suter is projected to cash in on a career season and a leap from an expiring two-year, $3.2 million deal to a four-year commitment worth $4.983 million annually on the open market. Factor in new deals for restricted free agents to play support roles here in forwards Aatu Raty, Max Sasson and Arshdeep Bains, and that cap space dwindles. According to the Canucks have 16 players signed and $17,558,333 in salary cap space. A scoring winger and support centre could easily eat up a big chunk of that room. Here are top free-agent options to wing it without Boeser, (all figures in US dollars): The stats: Had 24 goals in 69 games. Missed nine with foot injury. Aggravated it April 12. The skinny: The Canucks have kicked the tires before. Fast, feisty and a good finisher. The stats: Career-high 31 goals in 80 games while winging it with Connor Bedard. The skinny: Canucks scouted him in latter part of season. Versatile. Likely affordable. The stats: Had 22 goals in 81 games, second in club accuracy (15.4 per cent). The skinny: Versatile. Durable. Good size. Was also on Canucks' radar in the past. bkuzma@
National Post
18-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Canucks: Nikolaj Ehlers' scoring stock rises as possible replacement for Brock Boeser
Nikolaj Ehlers believes he's a first-line NHL player. Article content Article content The speedy and quick-striking Winnipeg Jets winger proved that point by letting his play do the talking in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs on a second line with Vladislav Namestnikov and Cole Perfetti. The unrestricted free agent also silenced his critics, who had every right to wonder if Ehlers could produce when it mattered most with just 14 career playoff points in 37 games. He responded this spring by striking for five goals in his last five games of the second round. Article content Article content While the pain of a 2-1 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday that kept the Jets from forcing Game 7 home ice in the riveting series will persist, it will eventually subside for Ehlers. And when it does, the reality of his value and options will come into greater focus. Article content Ehlers, 29, will top a lot of wish lists for a winger would can play at heightened pace, drive the play and finish. The Vancouver Canucks, who had past interest, will be among the suitors because UFA Brock Boeser is going to test the market and there's a sizable top-six roster hole here to fill. Article content Ehlers had a career-high 63 points (24-39) in 69 games this season and scored at least 20 goals in eight-straight campaigns. However, he has also been injury prone and that has kept him from being that consistent 30-goal guy. He had 28 goals in just 62 games in 2021-22 and 29 in a full season in 2017-18. Article content Article content Of course, his production takes us back to another curious Canucks draft decision in 2014. They selected Jake Virtanen sixth overall and passed on William Nylander (eighth) and Ehlers (ninth). And when Ehlers had 25 goals in his second season, and then 29 in his third, the Canucks took notice. Article content Virtanen would struggle before hitting a career-high 18 goals in 2019-20. This was a Province critique when the Canucks committed to the winger: 'They added size and a budding power forward from Calgary (WHL). Aside from shoulder surgery, he's pure power and speed and those 45 goals (2013-14) look pretty good right now on a team starving for offence. Ranked first in physical play among North American prospects. Huge upside. Hopefully.' Article content With the Canucks ranked 23rd offensively this season, they not only require bouncebacks from Nils Hoglander and Dakota Joshua, they need another scoring threat. Remove UFAs Boeser and Pius Suter, who had 25 goals apiece, and it's team leader Jake DeBrusk (28) as the lone 20-goal guy. Conor Garland and Kiefer Sherwood had 19 apiece.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jordan Beck's first-pitch home run (7)
It Took Some Time, But Jets' Cole Perfetti's Shooting Luck Has Finally Arrived Through the first five games of the opening round series against the St. Louis Blues, Cole Perfetti could not buy a goal, robbed by Jordan Binnington on multiple occasions, but as things tend to balance out, the Winnipeg Jets forward was finally rewarded for his hard work. 1:10 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
New York Post
15-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Stars vs. Jets Game 5 odds, prediction
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Dallas Stars are up 3-1 in their series with the Winnipeg Jets, but the numbers suggest this best-of-seven set has been a lot tighter than that scoreline would suggest. The Stars and Jets have each scored seven goals at 5-on-5, and they've essentially split the shot attempts and shots on goal down the middle at full strength. The difference in this series has been Dallas' power play going 4-for-11. Winnipeg, meanwhile, has just one goal on the man advantage in this series. The Jets are a -125 favorite at home in a must-win spot Thursday night. Bet365 bonus code NYPBET for the Stanley Cup Playoffs Looking to bet on the Stanley Cup playoffs? Take advantage of this Bet365 bonus code NYPBET and get a $150 bonus for placing a $5 bet, win or lose. Stars vs. Jets Game 5 betting preview There are plenty of ways to win a hockey game and playoff series, and the Stars are showing they can beat teams in a number of ways this spring. Dallas counter-punched well against the Colorado Avalanche in Round 1, and in Round 2 the Stars are getting results thanks to quality special teams and monstrous individual efforts. Winnipeg's Cole Perfetti hasn't registered a point in Round 2. NHLI via Getty Images Mikko Rantanen, Jake Oettinger, and Mikael Granlund have all been difference makers for the Stars at different points in this series, while the Jets aren't seeing their best players tilt the ice enough. The silver lining for the Jets is that they are doing a lot of things right in this series. They are going toe-to-toe with the Stars at 5-on-5, and with some improvements on the margins they could find their way back into this series. Betting on the NHL? Stars vs. Jets Game 5 pick Winnipeg was the best team in the NHL this season, so it would be foolish to count them out of this series, especially since they've played relatively well. Oettinger has been better than Hellebuyck, and the Stars are getting much more from their special teams than the Jets, but everything else suggests this series has been razor tight. Winnipeg is good value to keep its season alive at home Thursday night. The Play: Jets -120 or better Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports. New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, NJ, IA, IL, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, PA, TN, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account. Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
