Jets blueliner reveals mindset heading into reunion with Nikolaj Ehlers: 'I know how to get into his head'
Photo credit: Edit from Daily Faceoff
Jets blueliner Neal Pionk is looking forward to facing his former teammate Nikolaj Ehlers tonight, and he revealed that he knows how to get into his head.
Neal Pionk admitted with a sheepish grin earlier in the week that he's been keeping a secret about former teammate Nikolaj Ehlers. He knows how to get into his head. He said he may even have to give him a cross-check or two.
"I sat next to him on the plane for five years. I know how to get into his head," revealed the Winnipeg Jets defenceman.
"It'll be fun. Might have to give him a cross-check or two," Pionk said of Ehlers.
"It'll be fun. Might have to give him a cross-check or two," Pionk said of Ehlers.
He'll get his chance to put that theory to the test Friday when Ehlers and the Carolina Hurricanes return to Winnipeg, a matchup that's likely been circled on plenty of calendars, including those of the players involved.
Pionk may be kidding about certain things, but there's an element of truth to his words.
Given that he's a physical, hard-nosed player, few would be shocked if he pushes the limits of the rulebook while trying to contain the speedy winger known as «Fly.»
What Nikolaj Ehlers should expect when he faces the Jets
So could Logan Stanley. The six-foot-seven blue-liner said Ehlers shouldn't expect any free passes if he's caught in the wrong lane.
"It will be weird seeing him on the other side. Nikky was a fan favourite in the dressing room and good friend. But once the puck drops it will be business," said Stanley.
That begs a natural question: How awkward is it to battle someone you spent years travelling with, sitting beside on charter flights, sharing gyms, meals and road routines across the league? Is there an unspoken code?
A quick glance around the Jets dressing room made one thing clear: personal relationships don't outweigh professional responsibilities.
Why former teammates don't stop playing hard against each other
Team goals come first. It was proven last year at the 4 Nations Face-Off when players from the same NHL teams, including Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Connor Hellebuyck, faced off against each other representing their countries mid-season.
Most reunions are friendly. Players often catch up after games, like Tanner Pearson and Quinn Hughes did last week in Vancouver after a disputed play.
Not all history is pleasant. Gabe Vilardi still carries frustration over a collision with former Kings teammate Blake Lizotte that caused an MCL sprain and sidelined him for six weeks.
"I've played with (Lizotte) a lot. He's done a lot of little things like that," Vilardi fumed at the time.
"It's not an awkward fall. It's someone pushing your feet out from the back, my knee gets caught under me and then he tackles me. It's that simple. You make plays like that, it's a stupid play - and it's frustrating to think that guy sits in the box for two minutes and then I have to deal with what I've dealt with for the past month and a half."
"It's not an awkward fall. It's someone pushing your feet out from the back, my knee gets caught under me and then he tackles me. It's that simple. You make plays like that, it's a stupid play - and it's frustrating to think that guy sits in the box for two minutes and then I have to deal with what I've dealt with for the past month and a half."
In the end, hockey bonds run deep, but competitiveness usually runs deeper.
Previously on HockeyLatest
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NOVEMBRE 21 | 174 ANSWERS Jets blueliner reveals mindset heading into reunion with Nikolaj Ehlers: 'I know how to get into his head' Will you boo or cheer Nikolaj Ehlers? | ||
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| Cheer | 136 | 78.2 % |
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