Jets' Wheeler relishes Game 7 opportunity, but not enough to lick

Winnipeg Jets captain Blake Wheeler didn't lose his sense of humor in defeat.

Following a Game 6 loss to the Nashville Predators on home ice, Wheeler was asked what he would have said if he had been told at the beginning of the season that his team would be facing a Game 7 with a chance to go to the Western Conference finals.

His response brought to mind a former teammate's recent actions.

"I'd have given you a big kiss," he said, adding "kiss, not a lick" after a brief pause.

Wheeler's disclaimer was in reference to Brad Marchand, with whom he played with for the Boston Bruins prior to being traded to the then-Atlanta Thrashers in 2011.

Game 7 is set for Thursday in Nashville.