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On Saturday night, in front of a sell-out crowd at the Canada Life Centre, the Winnipeg Jets got crushed 5-1 by the Detroit Red Wings. Connor Hellebuyck took the loss for the Jets. Realistically, this loss may be the final nail in the coffin for the Jets’ postseason hopes.
Tough night for top line
The Jets top line of Kyle Connor-Mark-Scheifele-Gabe Vilardi were on the ice for 3 goals against in this game and were collectively a -9 on the night without putting up any points. On a season where the Jets can’t seem to get any secondary scoring consistently, the margin for error is very slim on any given night when the top line puts up this kind of goose egg.
Hellebuyck not usual self
Whether he may still be recovering from his minor knee procedure from earlier in the year or there may be another injury, Connor Hellebuyck’s play thus far has been far below the standard he has established for himself over the years. His current save % of 0.902 would be a career low for him. Although he has his sights set on starting for the US Olympic team next month, it may not be a bad idea to shut Hellebuyck down early this year if he does indeed have any kind of nagging injury. He has been a workhorse for the Jets for many years now. The Jets will need him at his best for any future deep playoff run.
Coach not happy
In his post-game media availability, Jets coach Scott Arniel was not shy about letting everyone know how he felt about his players level of effort in a pivotal game. Last season, coach Arniel was a Jack Adams finalist after leading his team to the Presidents Trophy. This year, he seems to have run out of answers on how to get his team going.
Looking at the standings
With 51 out of 82 games now played, the Jets find themselves with the third worst record in the league. Other than the Vancouver Canucks, who are dead last in the league, no other team has given any clear indication that they are in full sell mode. At this juncture of the season, it is time the Jets declare themselves as the second team to officially start looking towards next season and start selling off their expiring contracts. It is absolutely imperative that the Jets land a top-five pick in the 2026 Draft. Such a pick would allow them to draft a player that can step into their much maligned second line come October.
Up next
After getting embarrassed in front of a sell-out home crowd on Saturday night, the Jets will now embark on a daunting 4 game road trip which begins Tuesday night in New Jersey and will go through Tampa Bay, Florida and Dallas afterwards. If anything, the Jets odds of drafting within the top 5 of the upcoming draft shouldn’t get worse throughout this road trip.
