Winnipeg Jets Standings: A Rollercoaster Ride to the Playoffs
The Winnipeg Jets are navigating a challenging stretch run, battling for a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive NHL landscape. While their .667 points percentage since the Olympic break is sixth-best in the league, the Jets understand that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. The team’s admirable pursuit of a perfect 5-0-0 finish and the potential playoff berth that comes with it is fueling their motivation.
Jets’ Stars Shine
Mark Scheifele recently reached a milestone, scoring his 900th career point and tying Kyle Connor’s franchise record with 97 points this season. Connor himself has surpassed 30 goals for the eighth time in his career and is within striking distance of a second 40-goal season. Josh Morrissey has been a driving force, playing a crucial role in the Jets’ offensive success. Initially, Morrissey was deployed alongside Connor and Scheifele to maximize offensive output, and the results have been impressive. With Morrissey on the ice, Connor and Scheifele have a +14 goal differential (44-30), compared to a -9 differential (33-24) when he’s on the bench.
Secondary Scoring Emerges
A positive trend for the Jets is the emergence of secondary scoring. While Scheifele, Connor, Morrissey, and Gabriel Vilardi have consistently led the charge, players like Cole Perfetti, Alex Iafallo, Jonathan Toews, Adam Lowry, and Morgan Barron have contributed significantly since the Olympic break. Brad Lambert is showing flashes of offensive brilliance, and Neal Pionk is rediscovering his scoring touch. Even the power play, which had been struggling, has seen a recent resurgence.
Playoff Scenarios and the Draft Lottery
With 80 points and five games remaining, a perfect 5-0-0 record would propel the Jets to 90 points. However, their playoff fate isn’t entirely in their hands. The Jets currently hold a tiebreaker advantage over several rivals, including:
- Nashville Predators: 84 points, four games left, 27 regulation wins
- Los Angeles Kings: 83 points, five games left, 19 regulation wins
- San Jose Sharks: 81 points, six games left, 25 regulation wins
- St. Louis Blues: 78 points, five games left, 29 regulation wins
The Kings and Sharks, in particular, pose a threat with easier remaining schedules. The Jets’ remaining games include matchups against St. Louis, Philadelphia, Vegas, Utah Mammoth and San Jose.
The Masterton Trophy Nomination: Jonathan Toews
This season, Jonathan Toews is the Winnipeg Jets’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Toews’ journey back to the NHL after battling health issues is truly inspiring. His story of overcoming adversity and returning to the ice is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.
“It’s definitely been super unpredictable, something that I never thought I would have to go through in my life,” Toews said. “At the same time, I am very thankful for all of the struggles because, honestly, it’s cliche, but it’s where I’ve learned the most about myself — about hockey, about life and all of those things.”
Power Play Progress and Draft Implications
Toews’ addition to the top power-play unit has sparked a recent improvement, but the Jets’ power play still faces challenges. Their struggles on the power play could significantly impact their playoff chances and, ultimately, their draft position. If the Jets miss the playoffs, they are projected to pick ninth overall. Making the playoffs could push their pick down to as low as 17th. This difference in draft position could be crucial, as the talent pool is expected to drop off significantly after the ninth pick. The Jets’ biggest UFA signing in recent years, Jonathan Toews, highlights the team’s reliance on drafted and developed players.
As Murat Ates of The Athletic notes, this season presents a unique opportunity for the Jets to potentially secure a top-end player through the draft.
