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Evander Kane expected to play in big test for Jets

Winnipeg Jets v Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO, CANADA- JANUARY 5: Evander Kane #9 of the Winnipeg Jets skates in the warm-up prior to a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 5, 2012 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

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Evander Kane left Wednesday’s practice favoring his right leg, but the 22-year-old Jets forward is expected to play tonight against the visiting, and very good, St. Louis Blues.

Winnipeg head coach Claude Noel provided the Kane update today. The Jets (3-4-0) have lost four of five after winning their first two, so the news that one of their best forwards’ injury isn’t serious is most welcome.

As for Noel, he’s feeling the heat as his team continues to struggle for consistency.

From Winnipeg Free Press columnist Gary Lawless:

There’s no questioning Noel is in a tough spot. His GM has just been signed to a fresh five years and the bulk of his core players are also on long-term deals.

The coach, however, has only this year and next left on his deal, exposing him to be the first in line should change be deemed necessary.

The players, should Noel get a little too pushy for their liking, can tune him out. The GM, who has spent the last two years locking these players up with deals that stretch as long as seven years, likely won’t want to hear the skaters are the problem.

Leaving Noel to walk a tightrope and still find a way to get results from this group.

Also worth noting: Winnipeg played five of its first seven games at the raucous MTS Centre -- a schedule that could have helped the Jets to a good start. Instead, there have been home losses to Anaheim, Dallas and Montreal.

After the St. Louis game, the Jets host the Predators Saturday and Capitals Tuesday then hit the road for a four-game trip to Nashville, Dallas, Colorado and St. Louis.