After a challenging start to the season, the Winnipeg Jets find themselves on track for their worst performance since their return to Manitoba in 2011. Following a tough loss to the Colorado Avalanche, the Jets are projected to finish with just 77 points, narrowly eclipsing their underwhelming 2015-16 season when they registered 78 points, which ultimately landed them a top-5 draft pick.
Nevertheless, the team remains in the hunt for a playoff spot, sitting five points behind the final wildcard position in the Western Conference and possessing two games in hand over the San Jose Sharks. Despite losing their last three games by a single goal each, the Jets have played better hockey recently. They face the Utah Mammoth tonight, another team vying for a playoff opportunity, setting up a critical match at 6 PM Central.
Despite the myriad of issues plaguing the Jets this season, there are several silver linings worth noting. Two standout players, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor, are currently tied for the 11th most points in the league and are on pace to reach a career-high of 100 points, aiming to maintain their impressive scoring rates. While some skeptics might argue their increased ice time due to the Jets’ scoring challenges is inflating their stats, it’s important to note that only two players with more points have averaged less ice time than them.
Furthermore, Gabriel Vilardi is also enjoying a stellar season, on pace for 72 points and looking to surpass his previous record of 61. With 38 goals projected, he is on track to set a new career-high, solidifying the success of the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade.
In goal, Connor Hellebuyck has remained a strong asset, currently sitting fourth in the NHL for Goals Saved Above Expected, boasting a +16.78 rating despite missing three weeks due to injury. His save percentage sits at .916, slightly below his usual marks, though that likely reflects the team dynamics rather than his individual performance.
Defensively, Josh Morrissey continues to impress, with a projected 60-point season, marking his fourth consecutive year surpassing this milestone. Emerging players like Morgan Barron and Dylan Samberg are also showing promise, with Barron on track for 30 points and Samberg excelling defensively.
In the minor leagues, goaltenders Dominic DiVincentiis and Thomas Milic are among the top 20 in the AHL for save percentage and goals against average, providing hope for the Jets’ affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, who are positioned well in their playoff chase.
Excitingly, forward Kieron Walton has emerged as a promising prospect, currently leading the OHL in points while showcasing a knack for scoring that could translate to future success for the Jets or Moose.
As the Jets prepare to face off against the Mammoth, head coach Scott Arniel has shuffled the lineup, moving Gustav Nyquist to the top line alongside Scheifele and Connor to bolster offensive efforts. The match promises to be an intriguing battle of experience versus youth, with Winnipeg sporting a notably older roster compared to Utah.
As the season unfolds, fans cling to the bright spots in a tumultuous campaign, hoping for a turnaround that could still see the Jets contend for a playoff berth. In the cutthroat world of professional hockey, optimism thrives amid challenges, and Jets supporters will be watching eagerly as the team battles for success.