The Islanders start a pivotal back-to-back in Winnipeg, birthplace of North Stars turncoat Norm Green, where the high will be 10 degrees F today and the low -14. This, and the less than stellar nightlife (and perhaps, like Nassau Coliseum of yore, the route from airport to rink) make the Jets consistently the least desirable destination according to NHL player polls.
All the more respect then for guys like Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele who did the “obviously I hope it works out here” UFA routine and meant it, the nostalgic tug of pajamas be damned.