The Winnipeg Jets are in a much better place this season than they were a year ago. After a disappointing end to last season both on the ice and in the stands, the Jets have turned things around impressively. With strong team performance and increasing fan support, the 2024-25 season looks promising. But the big question remains: Can they carry this momentum into the playoffs and prove their critics wrong?
A Big Turnaround from Last Season
Last season was tough for the Winnipeg Jets. Even though they had one of the best records in the Western Conference, they were knocked out early in the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche in just five games. Off the ice, things didn’t look great either. Season ticket sales dropped to under 9,500, causing concern for the team’s ownership.
However, things have changed this year. The Jets are now at the top of the NHL with a record of 53-21-4. Attendance is also up, with the team averaging 14,322 fans per game at Canada Life Centre, which is 94.1% of the arena’s total capacity. Their last six home games were all sold out, showing that the excitement around the team is growing again.
Jets Now Serious Contenders for the Presidents’ Trophy
This season, Winnipeg has not only improved its play but also shown it can beat strong teams. One highlight was ending the St. Louis Blues’ 13-game winning streak, showing their competitive strength.
With just a few games left in the regular season, the Jets are in a great position to win the Presidents’ Trophy, given to the team with the best record in the league. If they avoid any major slip-ups in their final games, they’ll head into the playoffs as the top team in the West.
Proving Themselves in the Playoffs Is the Real Test
Even with their regular season success, the real challenge for the Jets starts in the playoffs. Many still doubt whether the team can perform when the pressure is highest. The team will need its star players to step up and prove they can deliver.
Left winger Nikolaj Ehlers is one such player. He’s had a great season with 24 goals and 63 points in 67 games, just one point away from matching his career-best. But his playoff record tells a different story — only four goals and 14 points in 37 career games. If Ehlers wants a strong contract as a free agent this summer, he’ll need to shine in the postseason.
Another key player is goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He’s been the NHL’s top goalie this year with 44 wins, a 2.02 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage. But in last year’s playoffs, his performance dipped badly. To shake off past disappointments, Hellebuyck must prove he can carry the team deep into the playoffs.
The Stakes Are High for the Winnipeg Jets
For the Jets, this season isn’t just about regular-season success. It’s about changing their story. Fans want to believe in the team again, but only a strong playoff run will make that possible. If they fail to perform in the playoffs once more, doubts will return, and support could fade.
The franchise has done the hard work of building back excitement and belief. Now, the focus turns to finishing strong. The Jets have the talent, momentum, and fan backing to make a deep run. All that remains is for them to prove they can do it when it matters most.
The Winnipeg Jets have gone from a team facing questions and doubt to one of the NHL’s top contenders in just one season. With impressive performances on the ice and growing support in the stands, they’ve set the stage for what could be a memorable playoff journey.
But success in the postseason is the real goal. The Jets must show they are more than just a regular season team. With players like Ehlers and Hellebuyck needing to prove themselves, the pressure is on. This could be a turning point for the franchise—either a moment of triumph or another chapter of disappointment. Fans are watching, hoping this time, the Jets can truly fly high.
