Jets happy, but not satisfied as home stand winds down

WINNIPEG - At this time of year, teams are looking for any advantage as the games ramp up and for the Winnipeg Jets, it's been this unique, 10-game home stand over the majority of the month of February.
With nine games in the books, the Jets have put together a 6-2-1 record that's vaulted them into first place in the Central Division as of Monday afternoon.
"It's been great, especially since we've been so good at home for the most part this year," said Bryan Little, who had a goal and an assist in a 7-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Sunday. "We can also get some rest. We're not playing a lot of back to backs; we're not playing every other day this month. There's some good days for recovery, and it's nice to be at home with the family for it."

Since the Jets pulled off their miraculous, come-from-behind victory over the Washington Capitals last Tuesday, the momentum carried over in overwhelming fashion. Winnipeg has destroyed the Colorado Avalanche and Panthers by a combined score of 13-3 in its last two games.
"I would say we're happy, but not satisfied," said Tyler Myers, who has a goal and five helpers over a three-game point streak. "The home stand has definitely gone very well. I think for us, it's developing that consistent habit of doing the little things right each and every night for a full 60, no matter what the situation of the game is."

The final game of the marathon home stand goes Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings, who generally play that tight-checking style of game that is as close to playoff hockey as you can get during the regular season.
The Kings are currently four points back of the Minnesota Wild for the second and final wild-card playoff spot entering Monday's action.
ICE CHIPS
Mark Scheifele has not wasted any time returning to the form that had him averaging more than a point per game before he suffered an upper-body injury that forced him to miss 16 games. The Jets' No. 1 centre racked up seven points (3G, 4A) over three Winnipeg victories this past week and that effort was rewarded with Scheifele being named the NHL's Third Star of the Week on Monday.

"I'm feeling better every game and that's the goal," he said. "When you're out that long, you just want to get your legs underneath you as quick as you can. Obviously playing with the guys I play with makes it easy."
This is the third time in his career Scheifele has been named one of the NHL's Three Stars of the Week.
COACHING MILESTONE
Charlie Huddy has seen it all over his playing and coaching career that includes five Stanley Cup rings.
Sunday marked his 1,500th game behind an NHL bench as an assistant with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars and Jets.

"The most important thing is we got the win; we need the points right now," said Huddy, who received a nice ovation from the fans at Bell MTS Place during a stoppage in play. "It was a special night for me. It's been a lot of fun; I've been fortunate to stay in the game this long and to be able to be here (for 1500 games). It was a special night."
"Charlie's got a lot of pedigree with what he's done not only as a player, but as a coach," added Myers, who has had Huddy guiding him since he arrived in Winnipeg in 2015. "It's fun to work with him. He's a good guy and I've really enjoyed having him behind the bench."
OPTIONAL SKATE
The Jets held an optional skate at Bell MTS Iceplex on Monday afternoon that included injured forwards Shawn Matthias and Brandon Tanev. Both remained in yellow, non-contact jerseys. Other players taking part were Marko Dano, Nic Petan, Tucker Poolman, Eric Comrie and Steve Mason.
- Jamie Thomas, WinnipegJets.com