The Winnipeg Jets are currently experiencing a stark contrast from their previous NHL season, which saw them finishing at the top of the league with a remarkable 116 points. As the halfway point of the current season approaches, the Jets find themselves at the bottom of the standings, raising the alarming possibility of setting the record for the most significant decline in NHL history for a team that finished first the previous year.
Historically, no team in the modern era has plummeted from a top position to last place in such a dramatic fashion. The closest example is the 1941-42 New York Rangers, who went from first place to finishing with 30 points in their next season. The Jets, however, are on track for a staggering 46-point drop if their performance continues, with expectations that they need at least 80 points to avoid an unwanted place in the record books.
Performance metrics underscore the Jets’ struggles, as they currently rank 23rd in goals scored at 2.85 goals per game and 19th in goals against, allowing 3.15 goals per game. Their power play efficiency has significantly dropped to 19th, while their penalty kill is ranked 25th. This decline is even more pronounced when compared to their impressive stats from last season, where they boasted a league-leading power play efficiency of 28.9% and ranked first in goals against with only 2.32 goals per game.
With their current form of 1-9-4 in the last 14 games, which included disheartening collapses after leading in multiple recent matches, the Jets’ situation seems dire. Their inability to maintain early leads is also illustrated by their statistics, ranking 29th when allowing the first goal in a game.
Conversely, the Edmonton Oilers have demonstrated resilience, holding a strong record of 9-3 against the Jets since the 2021 season. Notably, Connor McDavid has been in outstanding form, contributing significantly to his team’s success with 39 points over his last 16 games. With the Oilers poised to capitalize on the Jets’ current vulnerabilities, the matchup promises to be pivotal.
As the Jets prepare to face the Oilers, the team’s desperate need for improvement is evident, compounded by a troubling number of forwards struggling to find the net, including players who have gone without scoring for extended periods. With the addition of rookie Danny Zhilkin to their lineup, there’s a glimmer of hope that change is on the horizon.
In a league where unpredictability is the norm, the Jets will need to harness the spirit of resilience to turn their fortunes around. Whether they will emerge from this storm remains to be seen, but their upcoming games are an opportunity for redemption and a potential reset for a team that once held such promise.