The Winnipeg Jets fell like a stone in the standings. The good news for Winnipeg fans is that despite their poor record over the past month and a half, they still hold a playoff spot due to the lack of parody in the Western Conference. The Jets are likely to have either a second wildcard spot or, in an unlikely scenario, third place in the Central Division.
Here’s a look at where the Winnipeg Jets stand as they battle for the NHL playoffs
Forward
If anyone had any doubts prior to this season that Kyle Connor was a true top forward, he proved them wrong and then some. Not even the Winnipeg Jets projected Connor as a points-per-game player when he was drafted. But behind the game with talented linemates like Pierre Luc-Dubois, Connor was able to net the puck more than consistently.
The Winnipeg Jets don’t have a lot of depth in their forward group, but they make up for it with experience. Players like Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers and Adam Lowry have played alongside each other for more than half a decade. While not every one of them was a world stopper, the players, combined with the experience they brought to the table and the Jets’ second line, were some of the most productive of the season.
defender
The Winnipeg Jets forward and defensive lineup are polar opposites. The Jets’ six defenders each lead the team in defensive point percentages. Apart from Josh Morrissey, none of them are at the top of the offensive point stocks. That means the Jets almost exclusively let their forwards attack, their D-Man defend.
That strategy had its downsides this season. On paper, the Winnipeg Jets should have one of the best blue lines in the entire league, but that hasn’t panned out in the last month. The Jets are struggling to limit opponents’ chances to score, which has led to a goal deficit. The Jets rely far too heavily on thugs like Logan Stanley and Kyle Copobianco in their lineup, both of whom rank last on their teams in total defense.
goalkeeper
Connor Hellebuyck is officially back. The Winnipeg Jets goaltender plays some of the best hockey he’s played in his entire career. Hellebuyck was a workhorse goaltender for the Jets, starting in 55 of the team’s 72 games. Hellebuyck has a savings percentage of .918 and an GAA of just over two and a half. With just 31 wins, that means the Jets need to play D better in front of their keeper.
The Jets have a perfectly viable backup in David Rittich who, if you can count on him, has performed well for Winnipeg. He’s probably not the name fans would trust to turn to if Hellebuyck got injured or struggled in the playoffs, but he’s reliable in short sprints.
