In a recent interview, Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice made a bold statement regarding the team’s upcoming playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers and their star player, Connor McDavid. Maurice stated that he believes previous playoff experience against McDavid holds no value in this year’s matchup.

This statement comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as the Jets have faced McDavid and the Oilers in the playoffs in the past. In 2017, the Jets were swept by the Oilers in the first round, with McDavid playing a significant role in Edmonton’s success. However, Maurice seems confident that this history will not have an impact on the outcome of this year’s series.

Maurice’s reasoning behind this belief is that both teams have evolved and changed since their last playoff meeting. He points out that the Jets have made significant roster changes and improvements since 2017, and that McDavid himself has continued to develop as a player. Maurice believes that focusing on past matchups will only serve as a distraction for his team, and that they should instead focus on the present moment and the strengths of their current roster.

While some may view Maurice’s statement as dismissive of the importance of past playoff experiences, others see it as a strategic move to keep his team focused and motivated. By shifting the focus away from history and towards the present, Maurice is sending a message to his players that they have the ability to succeed against any opponent, regardless of past outcomes.

As the Jets prepare to face off against the Oilers in the upcoming playoff series, it will be interesting to see if Maurice’s approach pays off. Whether or not previous playoff experience against McDavid holds value remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Jets will be entering the series with a mindset focused on the present and determined to come out on top.