Winnipeg Jets take first practice under new head coach Paul Maurice

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Paul Maurice, the new head coach of the Winnipeg Jets, runs a drill with his new team during practice in Winnipeg on Monday, January 13, 2014. The Jets play the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday night. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG – New Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice likes the team’s youth, size and speed but says they have to learn to play a better defensive game.

He took in his first practice Monday a day after Claude Noel was fired.

Noel also tried to sharpen the defensive skills of the team he coached for 2 1/2 years but with little result.

The Jets (19-23-5) are on a five-game losing streak, last in the Central Division and well out of that playoff spot Maurice says is one of his objectives.

But he says creating confidence in a game the players understand is his primary goal.

He’s only signed right now for the rest of the season, which will end April 10 for the Jets unless their game turns around.

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